For Engineers / Surveyors / Architects

All development and grading in the floodplain (not just construction of buildings) requires local permits. Be sure that you contact the County’s Community Development Resource Agency to discuss applicable requirements.

Ordinance

The County’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, County Code Article 15.52, defines development requirements within floodplains and floodways to promote public health and safety, and to minimize flood losses. Adopted County Building Codes include structural requirements applicable to development in these areas, and the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s Storm Water Management Manual (PDF) includes policies, guidelines, and specific design criteria for stormwater management and conveyance infrastructure.

Letter of Map Amendment

An Elevation Certificate (EC) is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, to determine the proper flood insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F). The Elevation Certificate is required in order to properly rate post-FIRM buildings or substantially improved structures. You may learn more about Elevation Certificates by visiting FEMA's Overview of the NFIP Elevation Certificate.

A LOMA or LOMR-F are documents that FEMA can issue that officially remove a property and/or structure from the Special Flood Hazard Area (100 year floodplain) depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. A LOMA or LOMR-F request must include certain mapping and survey information for FEMA’s consideration. Specific requirements relating to this process can be found on the FEMA website.

Elevation Benchmarks

Elevation benchmarks in proximity to Special Flood Hazard Areas in Placer County are mapped (PDF) for your convenience. Monument reference numbers shown thereon are those used in the National Geodetic Survey Datasheets, where additional information is provided.

Additional Resources

FEMA has numerous helpful resources available on their website, including information specifically directed to engineers, surveyors, and architects. 

• Answers to Questions about Substantially Damage Buildings (FEMA-213): https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/169099
• Elevation Certificate: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_nfip_elevation-certificate-form-instructions_feb-2020.pdf
• Technical Bulletins 0-11: https://www.fema.gov/nfip-technical-bulletins
• Protecting Building Utility Systems From Flood Damage (FEMA P-348): https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3729
• Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference (FEMA P-758): https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nfip_substantial-improvement-substantial-damage-desk-reference.pdf
• Flood proofing Non-Residential Buildings (FEMA P-936): https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34270
• Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards (FEMA P-85): https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema85_flyer_052219.pdf
• Revisions and Amendments to National Flood Insurance Program Maps: https://www.fema.gov/mt-1-application-forms-instructions