FEMA Floodplain Management Program

Visit the FEMA website to determine if your property is within the SFHA.

Public Works staff can determine your flood zone designation using available Assessor's Parcel Map, County base maps, FEMA information, and other documents or maps. The fee for this written determination is $100 per parcel. If a site visit is warranted, there will be an additional $400 plus time and material fee.

For the Flood Zone Determination (PDF), please have the address and/or parcel number, as well as the phone number, for the property in question available. The information provided in response to your request includes the FIRM designation, community number, panel number and effective date, base flood elevation (if available on the FIRM), and average depth of inundation. 

If you are constructing improvements within the SFHA, you are required to apply for a Floodplain Permit (PDF) from the Public Works Department, at the Application and Permit Center. Elevation Certificate (EC) will be required for new and substantial improvements.

Elevation Certificates (EC) provide elevation information on the structure. Copies of the form and instructions are available on FEMA's website. The County maintains ECs for all new and substantially improved structures in the SFHA. To obtain a copy of the EC, please contact our Floodplain Management team at (925) 313-2000 (Public Works main line). 

Floodplain Map Changes

Letter of Map changes are in the forms of Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), or in an official republication of the map to reflect the changes. The LOMA or LOMR application is submitted directly to FEMA by you as the property owner or your agent. Before submitting the application, FEMA requires the community to review the application for certain LOMA application and all LOMR application.

LOMA amends the FIRM by letter and is usually issued because a property was inadvertently mapped in the SFHA, but is actually above the BFE on high ground. If a property is located within the regulatory floodway, FEMA requires the community to review the application before submitting it to FEMA.

LOMR revises the FIRM and sometimes the FIS. FEMA requires a community to review the application before submitting it to FEMA.

Review by the community is acknowledged by signing the Community Acknowledgement section of the application. Staff will review your application for compliance with local ordinance, regulations, and permits; and reasonableness and accuracy, given the knowledge of local conditions. FEMA will review the application and supporting technical data. The cost for this review is based on time and material, with an initial deposit of $500. The deposit will need to be included with the Community Acknowledgement form, a copy of the application to FEMA, and any other applicable supporting documents to Public Works Department, Engineering Services Division.

Contra Costa County has earned a Class 6 community rating from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As a result, current and new policyholders will save 20% percent on the annual premium on each flood insurance policy in identified high-risk areas and 10% percent in lower risk areas.