Santa Clara, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SCCC Ch. 15.45, Floodplain Management Regulations
- Floodplain Administrator
- Community Development Director
- Garage below BFE limit
- One story, 600 sq ft max
- Construction standard adopted
- CCR Title 24, Part 2, Appendix G
- Violation penalty
- Misdemeanor (§ 15.45.260)
- Records location
- Dept. of Public Works, 1500 Warburton Ave
Summary
Santa Clara adopts CCR Title 24, Part 2, Appendix G for flood-resistant construction in flood hazard areas and lets detached garages sit below the base flood elevation only if they are one story, no larger than 600 square feet, anchored against flotation, and built with flood damage-resistant materials below the BFE.
The provision in Appendix G for garages and accessory structures shall be replaced with this section. Detached garages and accessory storage structures used only for parking or storage are permitted below the base flood elevation provided the garages and accessory storage structures: (a) Are one story and not larger than six hundred (600) square feet in area when located in special flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas. ... (c) Are anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from flood loads. (d) Have flood openings in accordance with the Building Code. (e) Have flood damage-resistant materials used below the base flood elevation. (f) Have mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, including plumbing fixtures, elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
Full Breakdown
45 SCCC, the Floodplain Management Regulations adopted by Ordinance 2060 on June 6, 2023, folds California's flood-resistant construction standard directly into the local Building Code. 120, the areas mapped on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Santa Clara County. 190. 380: detached garages and accessory storage structures may sit below the base flood elevation only if they are one story and no larger than 600 square feet in special flood hazard areas outside coastal high hazard zones, are anchored to resist flotation and lateral movement, carry flood openings that meet the Building Code, use flood damage-resistant materials below the BFE, and have mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems elevated to or above the BFE.
Floodplain records, including the Flood Insurance Study and FIRMs, are kept at the Department of Public Works, 1500 Warburton Avenue. A hydrologic or hydraulic engineering study proposing to change a base flood elevation must be prepared by a registered professional engineer, and the applicant bears all FEMA submittal and processing fees before permits for buildings tied to that change can be issued.
Violations & Fines
A building or structure lacking documentation of its lowest-floor elevation, required design certifications, or other evidence of compliance is presumed to be in violation until the paperwork is submitted, and violating the elevation and construction requirements is a misdemeanor under SCCC § 15.45.260. The Floodplain Administrator can issue notices of violation or stop-work orders under SCCC § 15.45.270, and continuing work after such a notice draws additional penalties under SCCC § 15.45.280.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a detached garage below the base flood elevation in Santa Clara?
Who enforces Santa Clara's flood elevation rules?
What happens if I skip the elevation certification on a flood hazard area project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle flood elevation requirements.