Tulare County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Tulare County Ordinance Code Part 7, Chapter 27 (Flood Damage Prevention) is the County's NFIP-compliant floodplain management ordinance. The chapter adopts by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Tulare County, dated September 29, 1986, along with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps and all subsequent amendments. Development in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) - typically Zone A, AE, or AO on the FIRM - requires a floodplain development permit from Tulare County Public Works in addition to a standard building permit. Standards mirror 44 CFR section 60.3 NFIP minimums: residential structures must have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE); non-residential structures must be elevated or dry-floodproofed to BFE; all structures must be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement; and flood-resistant materials must be used below the BFE. Development in a designated regulatory floodway is prohibited unless a no-rise hydraulic analysis demonstrates no increase in BFE. Tentative subdivision maps must identify SFHAs, and elevation certificates may be required at final inspection. Properties in an SFHA with federally backed mortgages are subject to mandatory NFIP flood insurance under 42 U.S.C. section 4012a. Contact: Tulare County RMA Public Works Flood Control (559) 624-7000.