Flood Information -
Floodplain Development Permit Requirements
Any development within the SFHA is subject to federal and City’s floodplain management requirements. Always check with the Building Department before you build on, alter, re-grade, or fill on your property. To report illegal floodplain development activity, call the Building Department at (408) 586-3240
Floor Elevation:
New buildings in the SFHA must have their lowest floor elevation (excluding garage) floodproofed or raised a minimum of 1 foot above the base flood (100-year) elevation.
Substantial Improvement (SI):
Substantially improved structures in the SFHA must meet the same floodplain construction requirements as new buildings. SI is defined as any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds forty-nine (49) percent of the fair market value of the structure before the start of the new construction. Improvements to any structure within the SFHA are cumulatively tracked for 10 years.
Substantial Damage (SD):
Substantially damaged structures (a structure damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 49% of the structure’s value before it was damaged) in the SFHA must also meet the same floodplain construction requirements as new buildings. To find out more about these requirements, contact the City Engineering Division at (408) 586-3329.
| Engineering Department | Hours: |
| 455 East Calaveras Boulevard | Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm |
| Main Phone: (408) 586-3300 |