Livermore, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 16.12 applies to all areas of special flood hazard within Livermore's jurisdiction (§ 16.12.060) and adopts by reference the Flood Insurance Study for the City of Livermore dated September 17, 1997, along with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and flood boundary/floodway maps and all subsequent revisions (§ 16.12.070). Under § 16.12.090, a development permit is required and must be obtained before any construction or development begins within a special flood hazard area, and the developer bears responsibility for obtaining all necessary FEMA approvals and paying all associated fees; the City will not issue an occupancy certificate until FEMA's obligations are satisfied.

Applications must include site plans showing proposed water supply, sewer and utility locations, grading and drainage information, the location of any regulatory floodway, base flood elevation data, and required floodproofing certifications from a registered civil engineer or architect (§ 16.12.100). The Community Development Director or designee administers the chapter, reviewing all development permits, notifying adjacent communities and the Department of Water Resources before any watercourse alteration, and recording the elevation of the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures (§ 16.12.050). Section 16.12.080 makes any violation of the chapter, including breach of conditions attached to a permit, a misdemeanor, while allowing the City Council to pursue other lawful remedies.

Variances from the chapter's requirements are heard by the Planning Commission, whose decision may be appealed to the superior court by an aggrieved person or taxpayer (§ 16.12.110); a variance issued to construct below the 100-year flood level carries a written notice that flood insurance premiums can run as high as $25.00 per $100.00 of coverage.