Oceanside, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article IX of Chapter 6, adopted by Ord. No. 94-03 in January 1994, applies citywide to all areas of special flood hazard identified in the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps dated June 18, 1987 and later amendments, on file with the city's engineering department (Sec. 2). 1 requires a development permit, obtained on city forms, before any construction or other development begins in a special flood hazard area; the application must show the proposed elevation of the lowest floor relative to mean sea level, or the floodproofing elevation if applicable, along with certifications and a description of any watercourse alteration.

2 names the city engineer as floodplain administrator, responsible for granting or denying these permits, reviewing that permit requirements and other state and federal permits are satisfied, confirming the site is reasonably safe from flooding, and verifying that development won't raise the base flood water surface more than one foot at any point. 3 makes noncompliance, building or altering a structure without following this article's requirements, a misdemeanor, and lets the city council take further lawful action to prevent or remedy violations. 4.