Building in a Floodplain

 

​All construction or fill within a floodplain requires a floodplain management permit. If you plan to build or grade within a federal or local floodplain, contact Water Resources staff at (916) 874-6851. Non-permitted floodplain construction or fill should be reported to (916) 875-RAIN.

All proposed new structures or substantial improvement of existing structures in a flood hazard area must be constructed at least 18 inches above the flood hazard elevation.

All new structures shall be protected from the Base Flood.​

  • What is the Base Flood Elevation?

Base Flood had been defined only as the 100-year or the one percent annual return frequency flood. For the purpose of the Sacramento County Floodplain Management Ordinance the base flood is determined using best available information including the highest water surface elevation from any source of flooding determined by engineering analysis, measured high water, or Flood Insurance Rate Map (with floodway encroachment).​

  • What is the Minimum Floor Elevation?

​Minimum floor freeboard elevations are required pursuant to the Sacramento County Floodplain Management Ordinance. The lowest finished floor for new construction shall at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation (BFE). Building pads for slab-on-grade construction shall be at least one-foot above the BFE and the lowest floor must be at least 1.5 feet above the BFE. Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment, and other service facilities are required to be designed and/or elevated 1.5 feet above the BFE so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during flooding. 

Contact Information

  • For questions or additional concerns about building in a floodplain, please call (916) 874-9138.
  • Our Front Counter service is also available at:         

    Building Assistance Center
    827 7th Street, Room 102                   
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Email: WRFLOODINFO@saccounty.net

     Note: Building Assistance Center customers can park free for up to 1 hour at the County Administration Center parking garage at the corner of G Street and 7th Street. Park on the second story of the garage and walk across the overpass bridge to the County building (700 H Street). Ask the security officer for directions to the Building Assistance Center.