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

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Tehama County, CA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Permit needed: Development permit before construction
Administered by: County building official
Citation: Tehama County Code § 15.52.310
Area: Unincorporated Tehama County only

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Tehama County, CA.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Tehama County, CA on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Before any construction or development begins in a special flood hazard area of unincorporated Tehama County, California, County Code § 15.52.310 requires a development permit from the floodplain administrator.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Tehama County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 15.52.230. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).

Full Breakdown

Tehama County Code § 15.52.310 requires a development permit before any construction or other development starts within a mapped area of special flood hazard in the unincorporated county. Applicants must submit a site plan with elevation data, foundation design detail, and required certifications to the floodplain administrator, who under § 15.52.320 is the county building official. Chapter 15.52 also sets construction standards, elevating the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation. This chapter governs unincorporated Tehama County; Red Bluff, Corning, and the City of Tehama administer their own floodplain rules under FEMA's flood insurance program.

Violations & Fines

Building in a special flood hazard area without a development permit is a code violation; the structure is presumed noncompliant until an elevation certificate or other required documentation is produced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers the flood development permit?

Any construction or development, new structures, fill, grading, or utility work, within a mapped special flood hazard area.

Does this cover property inside Red Bluff?

No. Red Bluff, Corning, and the City of Tehama run their own floodplain programs, not the county's.

Sources & Official References

[1]Tehama County Code (Municode)

Other rules in Tehama County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Boat Dock PermitsSignificant Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Defensible SpaceSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions

All Tehama County rules

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