La Mesa, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 7.19, Floodplain Management, applies to every area of special flood hazard within La Mesa's jurisdiction (Section 7.19.060). Section 7.19.070 adopts by reference FEMA's Flood Insurance Study dated January 31, 2001 and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective July 2, 2002, identifying the city as FEMA Community No. 060292, map panels 06073C1643H and 1644G; the study and maps are kept on file at City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue. Section 7.19.130 requires a development permit before any construction or other development begins in a special flood hazard area, with an application showing the proposed elevation of the lowest floor relative to mean sea level, any floodproofing, and any watercourse alteration.

The city engineer serves as floodplain administrator under Section 7.19.140, reviewing permits to confirm state and federal permits are obtained, the site is reasonably safe from flooding, and the development will not raise the base flood water surface more than one foot. Section 7.19.080 makes it unlawful to construct, locate, extend, convert or alter a structure without full compliance with the chapter, and a violation, including breach of any permit condition, constitutes a misdemeanor. The city council hears appeals from floodplain administrator decisions under Section 7.19.160, and can grant a variance only under the strict criteria of Sections 7.19.240 through 7.19.260, since a structure built below flood level can raise flood insurance premiums by as much as $25 per $100 of coverage.