FEMA flood zone rules in Anaheim, CA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Anaheim regulates development in flood zones under AMC 17.28 (Flood Hazard Reduction) and AMC 18.28 (Floodplain Overlay Zone). The Santa Ana River and its tributaries create FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas throughout the city.
AMC Section 17.28 and AMC Section 18.28 govern development in Anaheim's Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) as identified on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The Santa Ana River, the largest watershed in Orange County at 153.2 square miles, flows through Anaheim creating significant flood risk. Development in SFHAs must comply with FEMA elevation requirements and the city's floodplain management regulations. Properties in flood hazard areas with federally insured mortgages must carry flood insurance. Standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage. Property owners may file elevation certificates and Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) requests with FEMA. The Building Division at 714-765-5153 maintains flood elevation records. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System for reduced insurance premiums.
Building in SFHA without compliance: permit denial or revocation. NFIP violations: community-wide insurance penalty. Unpermitted fill in floodplain: federal enforcement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle flood zones.
See how Anaheim's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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