Arcadia, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article III, Chapter 10 of the Arcadia Municipal Code, added by Ord. 2242 on 6-3-08, is the City's floodplain management chapter. Section 3013 applies it to all areas identified as flood-prone within the City. Section 3019 requires a development permit for all proposed construction or other development in the City, including the placement of manufactured homes, so the City can determine whether the work is within a flood-prone area. The City Manager or his or her designee serves as Floodplain Administrator under § 3020 and grants or denies development permits.

Under § 3021 the Administrator reviews each application to determine that the chapter's permit requirements are satisfied, that all other required State and Federal permits are obtained, and that the site is reasonably safe from flooding. The Administrator uses base flood data from Federal or State agencies or other sources, kept on file at City Hall, 240 West Huntington Drive (§ 3014). Section 3022 sets construction standards for new construction and substantial improvements in a flood-prone area: anchoring against flotation, collapse or lateral movement, flood-resistant materials and utility equipment, methods that minimize flood damage, and electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment designed or located to keep water out.

Section 3023 requires subdivisions and other new development to minimize flood damage, locate utilities to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and provide adequate drainage. Section 3024 requires water supply and sewage systems to minimize floodwater infiltration and discharge. Substantial improvement and substantial damage each mean cost equal to or exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the structure's market value before the work or damage (§ 3012). Where the chapter and another rule overlap, whichever is more stringent prevails (§ 3016).