Tracy, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

52, adopted under Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800, applies to all special flood hazard areas identified in the Flood Insurance Study of the City of Tracy dated January 24, 1991, and all later amendments, which are incorporated by reference. 120 requires a development permit before any construction or development begins in one of these areas; applications go to the Floodplain Administrator, a role assigned to the City's Development Services Director, and must include scaled plans showing elevations, existing or proposed structures, fill, drainage facilities, and grading, plus the proposed lowest-floor and floodproofing elevations relative to mean sea level and the base flood elevation.

060(b) layers on a state-law backstop: under Government Code Section 65962, if a project sits in a flood hazard zone, the City cannot approve a development agreement, a discretionary permit or entitlement that adds a new building or increases occupancy, a ministerial permit for a new residence, or most tentative or parcel maps, unless the City makes findings, based on substantial evidence, that flood-control facilities or imposed conditions will protect the project to the urban level of flood protection (or the FEMA standard in non-urbanized areas).

No construction or substantial improvement requiring a building or grading permit may proceed in a special flood hazard area without full compliance with the chapter and other applicable flood-control regulations.