Paramount, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Paramount, 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
- Development permit before any construction or development (§ 15.32.130)
- Floodplain Administrator
- The City Manager (§ 15.32.140)
- Flood maps adopted
- FIS and FIRMs dated July 6, 1998
- Base flood
- One percent chance in any given year
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor (§ 15.32.080)
- Appeals
- Heard by the Paramount City Council
Summary
In the City of Paramount, Chapter 15.32 requires a development permit before any construction or other development begins within an area of special flood hazard. The City Manager serves as Floodplain Administrator, and violations are a misdemeanor under Section 15.32.080.
A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 15.32.070. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required: A. Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures, in Zone AR (with base flood depth), elevation of highest adjacent grade next to the wall or perimeter of proposed structures and proposed elevation of lowest floor of all structures; ... D. Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 15.32 of the Paramount Municipal Code adopts floodplain management regulations under the authority of Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800. Section 15.32.060 applies the chapter to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the City of Paramount. Section 15.32.070 identifies those areas by the Flood Insurance Study dated July 6, 1998 and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps dated July 6, 1998, with all later amendments or revisions. The study and maps are on file at the office of the City Clerk and the Community and Economic Development Department at City Hall, 16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. A special flood hazard area is an area subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, shown on the map as Zone A, AR, or AR/A.
Section 15.32.130 requires a development permit before any construction or other development begins in those areas. The application goes on forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator and includes plans in duplicate drawn to scale, the proposed lowest floor elevation, any floodproofing elevation for a nonresidential structure, the required certifications, and a description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated. Section 15.32.140 appoints the City Manager as Floodplain Administrator to grant or deny permits.
Section 15.32.150 directs the Administrator to confirm that the site is reasonably safe from flooding and that the development does not adversely affect carrying capacity, defined as raising the base flood water surface elevation more than one foot at any point. Section 15.32.080 bars constructing, locating, extending, converting, or altering any structure or land without full compliance, and makes violations a misdemeanor.
The City Council hears appeals under Section 15.32.160. Variances are tightly limited under Sections 15.32.230 through 15.32.250, which require good and sufficient cause, exceptional hardship, and no increase in flood heights.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 15.32.080, a violation of the floodplain requirements, including violations of conditions and safeguards attached to a permit, is a misdemeanor, and the City can take such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy the violation. Section 15.32.050 presumes a structure without the required elevation certificate or other evidence of compliance to be in violation until the documentation is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a flood zone in the City of Paramount?
Which flood maps does the City of Paramount use?
What is the penalty for violating Paramount's floodplain rules?
Can I appeal a floodplain decision in Paramount?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paramount
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle flood zones.