Sacramento County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Sacramento 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 required
- before any development in flood hazard area
- Residential elevation
- 1.5 ft above base flood elevation
- Fine
- $100 per day (infraction)
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Water Resources, Floodplain Administrator
Summary
Sacramento County requires a Floodplain Management Permit before any new construction, substantial improvement, or land alteration in a mapped special or local flood hazard area, with new residential lowest floors set 1.5 feet above base flood elevation.
A Floodplain Management Permit shall be obtained before any new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, including alteration of land, begins within any special flood hazard area or local flood hazard area established in Section 903-02. Permits for work in the floodplain requiring approval by the Floodplain Administrator are either in the form of a permit or formal improvement plan. The application for a Floodplain Management Permit shall be filed on a form and submitted with such information as is prescribed by the Floodplain Administrator including, but not limited to the following:
Plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the property, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, and drainage facilities;
Proposed elevation in relation to the currently adopted Vertical Datum of the lowest floor of all buildings- in Zone AO, the elevation of the highest adjacent preconstruction natural grade, and the proposed elevation of the lowest floor of all buildings;
Proposed elevation in relation to the currently adopted Vertical Datum to which any structure will be flood-proofed if required in Chapter 6;
All appropriate certifications listed in Section 904-02(D);
Location and elevation of the base flood and the floodway, both before and after proposed development;
Location, volume, and depth of proposed fill and excavation within the 100-year floodplain and the floodway; and
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Title IX Floodplain Management Ordinance, no filling, grading, or construction may occur in a special or local flood hazard area without a Floodplain Management Permit from the Department of Water Resources, which reviews plans, elevation certifications, and fill volumes. New residential lowest floors in Zone AE/AH must sit at least 1.5 feet above base flood elevation, with pads at least one foot above. Permit fees are billed at actual county cost.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit or below required elevation is an infraction carrying a $100 fine per day of violation; continuing after a Floodplain Administrator cessation notice becomes a misdemeanor, and the county may also seek an injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Sacramento County flood zone?
How high must a new house be built in the floodplain?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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