FEMA flood zone rules in San Mateo, CA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Parts of San Mateo near the Bay shoreline and creek corridors (Coyote Creek, San Mateo Creek) are in FEMA flood zones. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires elevation and a floodplain development permit.
San Mateo participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone AE) exist along the Bay shoreline and creek corridors. Properties in flood zones require flood insurance for federally-backed mortgages. New construction in SFHAs must comply with Base Flood Elevation requirements. A floodplain development permit is required from the Engineering Division for construction in flood zones. Sea level rise planning is also underway for Bay-adjacent areas. Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for property-specific status.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how other cities in San Mateo County handle flood zones.
See how San Mateo's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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