Constructing improvements in the floodplain has the potential to impact flood levels. If not properly designed, a structure may be susceptible to flood damage or may cause flood damage to adjacent properties. Improvements or repairs to existing structures in the floodplain, such as remodels, additions, or garage conversions, would require review by the City to determine if such improvements would constitute a “Substantial Improvement” as defined by federal regulations.
If any improvements to structures in the floodplain are not constructed to federal standards, this may affect the ability of the owner to obtain flood insurance or a loan on the structure. Flood relief assistance funds may also be withheld if the structure is not in compliance with federal requirements.
In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City has adopted a Floodplain Management Ordinance, Chapter 10.06 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code, which governs development in the City’s floodplains. In order to remain a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community, the City must regulate development in our flood hazard areas per the requirements of the Floodplain Management Ordinance along with other various technical documents published by FEMA.
Below lists the most pertinent documents for development and additional information may be found on FEMA’s website at the link provided below.
Santa Clarita Municipal Code, Section 10.06
FEMA Technical Bulletins:
- Technical Bulletin 0 – User’s Guide to NFIP Technical Bulletins
- Technical Bulletin 1 – Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures
- Technical Bulletin 2 – Flood Damage – Resistant Materials Requirements
- Technical Bulletin 3-93 – Non-Residential Floodproofing – Requirements and Certification
- Technical Bulletin 4 – Elevator Installation
- Technical Bulletin 6-93 – Below-Grade Parking Requirements
- Technical Bulletin 7-93 – Wet Floodproofing Requirements
- Technical Bulletin 10-01 – Ensuring That Structures Built on Fill or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas are Reasonably Safe From Flooding
- Technical Bulletin 11 – Crawlspace Construction
- Determining Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage
- Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference
- Septic Tank Policy
- Elevation Certificate
- Floodproofing Certificate
- Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
- Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
Additional Requirements for Development in a Floodplain
