Lynwood, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Lynwood Municipal Code Chapter 15 governs development in the flood hazard areas mapped by FEMA's Flood Insurance Study for the City of Lynwood dated July 6, 1998, and its accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), adopted by reference under Section 15-7. Section 15-12 requires a development permit before construction or development begins in any special flood hazard area, with an application, submitted on city forms, that must show the proposed elevation of the lowest floor relative to mean sea level, the proposed floodproofing elevation, required engineering certifications, and a description of any watercourse alteration or relocation.

Section 15-13 designates the Director of Public Works as Floodplain Administrator, responsible for reviewing permits to confirm all state and federal permits are obtained, that the site is reasonably safe from flooding, and that the cumulative effect of the proposed development will not raise the base flood water surface elevation more than one foot at any point. The Administrator also interprets flood hazard boundary disputes, subject to appeal under Section 15-19, and enforces violations under Section 15-8. Section 15-6 makes the whole chapter applicable to every area of special flood hazard in the city, and Section 15-9 preserves any stricter easement, covenant, or deed restriction that already applies to the property.