Yakima, WA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 1 foot above BFE
- Applies to
- new/substantially improved residential structures
- Manufactured homes
- same 1-foot freeboard
- Unnumbered A zones
- 2 feet above grade
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 90 days
Summary
Yakima requires new and substantially improved residential structures in mapped special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zones where the BFE has been determined or can be reasonably obtained, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE. Mechanical equipment and utilities shall be waterproofed or elevated at least one foot above the BFE.
2. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
a. A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided;
b. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and
c. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices; provided, that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
d. A garage attached to a residential structure, constructed with the garage floor slab below the BFE, must be designed to allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters.
3.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's critical areas ordinance (YMC Title 15.27, Part Four, Flood Hazard Areas), any new construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure in an AE, A1-30, or other A zone with a determinable base flood elevation (BFE) must have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE, and mechanical equipment/utilities must be waterproofed or elevated to the same one-foot freeboard. Manufactured homes get the identical one-foot standard. Where no BFE can be established (unnumbered A zones), the lowest floor must sit at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade instead. Flood hazard permits are approved by the City of Yakima under Title 11 building code cross-references.
Violations & Fines
Building, using, or altering a structure without complying with Part Four is a misdemeanor; conviction carries a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment per violation, plus case costs, under YMC § 15.27.405.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above base flood elevation must a Yakima home be built?
Does the freeboard rule apply outside mapped flood zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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