Sacramento County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard freeboard
- 1.5 ft above BFE
- Slab-on-grade pads
- 1 ft above BFE
- Permit required
- Floodplain Management Permit
- Administering agency
- Dept. of Water Resources
Summary
New and substantially improved homes in Sacramento County flood zones must raise the lowest floor 1.5 feet above base flood elevation, with stricter rules in mapped AE, AH, and local hazard areas.
In Zone AE, Zone AH, and local flood hazard areas, at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation. Building pads for slab-on-grade construction shall be at least one foot above the base flood elevation and the lowest floor must be at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation.
In Zone AR as established on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map, the standards in this chapter shall apply to the construction of new buildings, including elevating floors 1.5 ft above the base flood elevation. The base flood elevation will be determined as follows:
The base flood elevation for developed areas shall be the elevation shown on the FIRM or 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade (before grading occurred), whichever is lower.
In areas that are not designated as developed areas:
where the AR flood depth is equal to or less than 5 feet above the highest adjacent grade, use the lower of either the AR base flood elevation or the elevation that is 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade; or
where the AR flood depth is greater than 5 feet above the highest adjacent grade, use the AR base flood elevation
In areas affected by dual zones, such as AE or local flood hazards, the above AR regulations or the base flood elevation for the underlying zone, whichever is higher, shall apply.
Full Breakdown
Under Title IX of the county Zoning Code, new residential construction or substantially improved homes in Zone AE, Zone AH, or a local flood hazard area must have the lowest finished floor at least 1.5 feet above base flood elevation, and slab-on-grade pads at least 1 foot above BFE. Zone AO and Zone A parcels use separate elevation formulas keyed to FIRM depth data or historic high-water marks. A Floodplain Management Permit from the Department of Water Resources is required before construction begins.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required elevation without a Floodplain Management Permit is a violation of the ordinance; the Floodplain Administrator can require correction, and unpermitted work can affect the property's flood insurance eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above base flood elevation must a new house be built in Sacramento County?
Who enforces flood elevation rules in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
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