FEMA flood zone rules in Burbank, CA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Portions of Burbank near the Los Angeles River and Tujunga Wash are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties in Zone A or AE may require flood insurance and elevated construction. Contact Public Works at (818) 238-3915 or check FEMA maps at msc.fema.gov.
Burbank participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain management regulations. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year floodplain) must meet minimum construction standards. New buildings must be elevated above base flood elevation. Substantial improvements to existing structures trigger elevation requirements. Flood insurance required for federally-backed mortgages in SFHA zones. Fill and grading in floodways prohibited. Burbank may maintain higher standards than FEMA minimums. Flood zone maps available through FEMA Map Service Center and local planning department.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle flood zones.
See how Burbank's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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