Redding, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 18.51 implements Redding's National Flood Insurance Program obligations. Section 18.51.020 adopts the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Shasta County dated December 16, 2021 plus subsequent revisions, supplemented by the Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan by Montgomery-Watson Engineers (October 1993). Section 18.51.030(B) cross-references 44 CFR §60.3 (the federal floodplain-management minimum standards). Section 18.51.040 outright prohibits, in any floodway or flood-fringe area, the storage of buoyant or explosive materials, underground storage of toxic/flammable substances, RV storage, fences and walls (except arterial street walls with proper openings for floodwaters), and swimming pool equipment - unless the site is raised to the Flood Protection Elevation (BFE + 1 ft) under an approved encroachment application. Section 18.51.060 requires a use permit for new residences, mobile homes, gravel extraction along Stillwater Creek/Clear Creek/Sacramento River, bridges with piers in the floodway, and most water-dependent uses. Section 18.51.070 sets a 30-foot setback from the base floodplain line along the Sacramento River (where there is moving water) and a 15-foot setback from any creek. Section 18.51.080 sets construction standards: lowest floor in Zones A, AE, AO, or A1-30 must be elevated 1 foot above BFE; nonresidential structures may floodproof per FEMA Technical Bulletin 3-93 in lieu of elevation; enclosed areas below the lowest floor need flood-equalization openings (1 sq in per sq ft of enclosed area) per FEMA TB 1-93/7-93; Elevation Certificates (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152) are required at permit issuance and again at final inspection. Substantial improvement is defined per federal NFIP standards as repair/improvement equal to or exceeding 50% of pre-damage market value (18.51.080(E)). Floodway variances cannot be issued if they would increase base flood levels (18.51.190(F)(2)).