FEMA flood zone rules in Los Angeles, CA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
The Specific Plan for Management of Flood Hazards (Ordinance 172,081) is the primary regulation governing development in LA flood zones. The Los Angeles Flood Hazard Map (LAFHM) designates floodways, floodplains, mud-prone areas, and coastal high-hazard zones. LAMC 19.07 establishes fees for flood hazard compliance checks by the Bureau of Engineering.
Ordinance 172,081 (adopted July 1998) establishes development requirements in flood hazard areas including floodways, floodplains, mud-prone areas, coastal high-hazard zones, and D zones (undetermined hazard). All development in designated flood zones requires a flood clearance from the Bureau of Engineering. LAMC 19.07 sets the compliance check fee at $273, covering review against both the city's Specific Plan and NFIP requirements. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and the Floodplain Management Plan is updated every 5 years (most recently 2020). Elevation certificates and floodproofing certificates are required for building permits in floodplain zones. The LAFHM is on file with the City Engineer and maps all flood hazard boundaries.
Building without flood clearance in designated zones is a code violation subject to stop-work orders and fines. Non-compliant structures may be ineligible for NFIP flood insurance. Violations can result in increased insurance premiums for the entire community. The Bureau of Engineering can withhold building permits until compliance is demonstrated.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle flood zones.
See how Los Angeles's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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