San Ramon, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter C4-IV, adopted by Ordinance No. 414 in 2009, applies citywide to every area of special flood hazard identified on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Panel 060710 0004A, as revised by Letter of Map Revision effective March 5, 1990, and detailed in the May 3, 1990 Flood Insurance Study for the city and Contra Costa County. Those maps and the study are kept on file at San Ramon's offices at 2222 Camino Ramon. Section C4-42 makes the chapter apply to 'all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the city,' and Section C4-44 bars any construction, location, extension, conversion or alteration of a structure without full compliance, making a violation a misdemeanor and letting the city council take further lawful action to remedy it.

Before ground is broken in a mapped zone, Section C4-61 requires a development permit application to the floodplain administrator (the city engineer, per Section C4-62) showing the lowest floor elevation relative to mean sea level, the proposed floodproofing elevation, and any watercourse alteration; the administrator must mail notice to owners within a 300-foot radius at least ten days before deciding, and a public hearing is held only if someone requests one in writing. Projects needing other discretionary approvals get CEQA review by the planning commission or planning director before the floodplain administrator acts.

Decisions may be appealed to the planning commission within ten calendar days under Section C4-82, and a variance may be sought under Section C4-81 where strict compliance would create exceptional hardship. The chapter is expressly a floor, not a ceiling: Section C4-46 requires its provisions to be read as minimum requirements and construed in favor of the city, and Section C4-45 makes the more restrictive rule prevail if it conflicts with an easement, covenant, or deed restriction.