OC Flood Frequently Asked Questions
- Routine Flood Control Channel Maintenance Questions
- Emergency Flood Control Channel Questions
- Permit Questions
- I would like to install a utility line under, over,
across, or along a flood control facility. What do I do?
- Where can I get flood insurance?
- Is my property in a flood zone?
- What are Flood Maps?
- Who maps the flood zone areas?
- What is the 100-year floodplain?
- Does the 100-year flood occur once every 100 years?
- What is a "floodway"? What does it mean when homes
or land are in the floodway?
- What is BFE?
- What is required to certify a levee as providing
protection from the base flood?
- Will rates be reduced when a flood control project
is partially completed?
- What do I need to know if my building is in the
floodplain?
- The map shows that my lot is in the mapped floodplain,
but the ground my house is on is higher. I believe I shouldn't be shown in the floodplain.
What are FEMA's requirements for being removed from the 1% annual chance flood hazard
area?
- Can floodway or floodplain boundaries be changed?
Routine Flood Control Channel Maintenance Questions
 I have observed a flood control channel with debris and trash
in it. Who do I report this problem to?
 To request debris removed from a flood control channel or to report
a channel damaged or in-need of repair, please contact OC Public Works's Operation
& Maintenance: Phone: (714) 955.0200 Monday - Friday, 6 am - 4:30 pm
Emergency Flood Control Channel Questions
I am concerned about the rising water in a flood control channel.
Who do I report this problem to? Q: Help, a local emergency has been declared! How
can I find out more information?
Please see Emergency Information. Also, listen to or watch your
local news.
I would like to install a utility line under, over, across, or
along a flood control facility. What do I do?
Homeowner’s insurance is separate from flood insurance. Most
homeowner’s insurance offer flood insurance also. You may contact the National
Flood Insurance Program at 1-888-FLOOD29.
Please see Emergency Information. Also, listen to or watch your
local news.
Permit Questions
I would like to install a utility line under, over, across, or along a flood control facility. What do I do
Please contact County Property Permits:
Phone: (714) 834-5738
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 3:30 pm
Where can I obtain permits for construction, temporary access, and water discharges within the flood control district facilities?
Please visit the County Property Permits web site
Public Works Cashier Questions
Where can I get the Construction Plan Holders List?
To request currently advertised Construction Plans & Special Provisions, please contact the Public Work's Cashier:
Phone:(714) 834-4585
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4 pm
FEMA Floodplain, Insurance or Map Questions
Am I in a floodplain?
To obtain information about floodplains, or to request a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), click here.
Also see the Floodplain Management FAQ.
Where can I find information about flood insurance?
To obtain information about floodplains, or to request a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), click here.
To obtain information about flood insurance, click here.
FAQ.
Where can I get flood insurance?
Flood insurance can be obtained through a homeowner’s insurance
agent or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Your current homeowner’s insurance agent may not have a competitive rate so
it is best to shop around.
Is my property in a flood zone?
Zoning can be determined by viewing FEMA’s Federal Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Digital Federal Insurance
Rate Map (DFIRM). You may view the maps by going on- line or you may obtain
the FIRM by ordering from FEMA or if the property is located in the Unincorporated
Areas of Orange County you can call the County of Orange Flood
at (714) 834-5618 and ask for floodplain determination.
What are Flood Maps?
To prepare the flood maps that illustrate the extent of flood hazard
in a flood prone community, FEMA generally conducts engineering studies referred
to as Flood Insurance Studies (FISs). Using the information gathered in these studies,
FEMA engineers and cartographers delineate Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) on
Flood Maps, Special Flood Hazard Areas are subject to inundation by a flood that
has a 1-percent or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded during any given
year. This type of flood commonly is referred to as the 100-year flood or base flood.
Who maps the flood zone areas?
FEMA sets the flood zone areas and boundaries.
What is the 100-year floodplain?
The 100-year floodplain is defined as the area that would be covered
by floodwater during a 100-year storm event. In stormwater managements, floods are
classified by statistical probability of occurrence. When we speak of a 100-year
flood, we are referring to a flood event that has a one percent chance of occurring
in any given year. The magnitude of a 100-year flood is determined from historical
data and precipitation patterns within the watershed.
Floodplain boundaries vary along a channel depending on
such factors as topography, soils and vegetation, the size of the watershed, and
the condition of the channel. These boundaries may also change over time as the
watershed is developed or the channel is altered. In addition, the floodplain may
be redefined as new or revised statistical data becomes available.
Does the 100-year flood occur once every 100 years?
No, in fact, the 100-year flood has a 26 percent chance of occurring
during a 30 year period, the length of many mortgages. The 100-year flood is a regulatory
standard used by the federal agencies and most states, to administer floodplain
management programs. The 100-year flood is used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the basis for insurance requirements nationwide.
What is a "floodway"? What does it mean when homes or land are
in the floodway?
Rivers and streams where FEMA has prepared detailed engineering
studies may also have designated floodways. For most waterways, the floodway is
where the water is likely to be deepest and fastest. It is the area of the floodplain
that should be reserved (kept free of obstructions) to allow floodwaters to move
downstream. Placing fill or buildings in a floodway may block the flow of water
and increase flood heights. Because of this, your community will require that you
submit engineering analyses before it approves permits for development in the floodway.
If your home is already in the floodway, you may want to
consider what you will do if it is damaged. If it is substantially damaged (the
costs to repair equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the building) your community
will require that you bring it into compliance. In most cases, this means you will
have to elevate it above the base flood elevation. Because placing fill dirt in
the floodplain can make flooding worse, you'll probably have to elevate on columns,
pilings or raised foundation walls. If your land is large enough to have a site
outside of the floodway or even out of the floodplain, you may want to think about
moving your home to a safer location.
What is BFE?
Base Flood Elevation (BFE)--The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance
Rate Map for Zones AE, AH, A1-A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1-V30,
and VE that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has
a one percent chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.
What is required to certify a levee as providing protection from
the base flood?
In order for FEMA to recognize a levee system as providing protection from the base
(1% annual chance) flood, it must meet, and continue to meet minimum design, operation,
and maintenance standards established in Section 65.10 of the NFIP Regulations.
The design criteria include, but may not be limited to, requirements for freeboard,
closure devices, embankment protection, embankment and foundation stability, settlement,
and interior drainage. Public agencies must have complete operation and maintenance
plans. The operation plan for the levee may include, but is not limited to, procedures
for closures, interior drainage systems, and emergency measures. The maintenance
plan should detail responsibility and frequency of maintenance necessary to ensure
the integrity of the levee system. All items necessary for a levee system to be
recognized as providing protection from the 1% annual chance flood must be certified
by a registered professional engineer. The certification requirement is different
if a Federal agency has responsibility for the levee.
Will rates be reduced when a flood control project is partially
completed?
The answer to this question depends on whether the flood control
project provides an adequate level of protection and if it involves federal funding.
If the project is federally funded, then FEMA will revise the FIRM to show changes
in the floodplain if the critical features of the project are under construction,
50% of the total cost has been expended, and 100% of the funding is authorized.
When the FIRM is revised, the protected area will be designated Zone A99, and the
flood insurance rate will be the same as in Zones B, C, and X.
If a flood control project does not involve federal funds, FEMA would handle a map
revision request as a Conditional Letter of Map Revision. The project sponsor must
submit engineering and technical information to document the level of protection,
how the floodplain is modified, the structural adequacy of the project, and operations
and maintenance requirements. The FIRM would be changed after the project is complete
and "as built" plans have been certified and submitted to FEMA. At that time, the
flood insurance rate in areas certified as protected would be the same as in Zones
B, C, and X.
What do I need to know if my building is in the floodplain?
Buildings in special flood hazard areas shown on FIRMs may be
damaged when flooding occurs. Some buildings flood frequently, while others get
damaged by only the more severe event. If your home is in the 1% annual chance floodplain,
it has a 26% chance of getting flooded over a 30-year period. This means it is about
five times more likely to get damaged by flood than by a severe fire!
You should know that usually you can get flood insurance, if available, by contacting
your regular homeowners insurance agent. FEMA and others recommend that everyone
in special flood hazard areas buy flood insurance. If you buy a home or refinance
your home, your mortgage lender or banker may require flood insurance. But, even
if not required, it is a good investment especially in areas that flood frequently
or where flood forces are likely to cause major damage.
Another thing you should know is that your community may require permits for remodeling,
improving, expanding, or rebuilding your building. In order to reduce long-term
flood damage, the NFIP requires that buildings that are substantially improved or
substantially damaged become compliant. This means if the cost of the improvements
or repairs is more than 50% of the market value of the building, you will have to
make it compliant with the rules for floodplain construction. Usually, this means
lifting it off the foundation and elevating it above the predicted flood level.
If you carry a flood insurance policy and have major flood damage, you may be eligible
for up to $20,000 to help pay for the cost of this works.
The map shows that my lot is in the mapped floodplain, but the ground
my house is on is higher. I believe I shouldn't be shown in the floodplain. What
are FEMA's requirements for being removed from the 1% annual chance flood hazard
area?
To be removed from the floodplain shown on the Flood Insurance
Rate Map, a structure must be on land that is not subject to flooding by the 1%
annual chance flood. Remember, more severe floods can and do happen, so even if
your home is found to be on high ground, it may still be damaged by an extreme flood
event.
If your lot or building site is on natural ground that is higher than the Base Flood
Elevation (BFE) shown on the FIRM, then you may request a Letter of Map Amendment
(LOMA). To support your request, you will have to get a surveyor to determine the
elevation of the ground next to your building and complete an Elevation Certificate.
If the ground is higher than the BFE, then FEMA will issue a LOMA. With a LOMA,
your lender may choose to not require flood insurance. If your home was built on
fill that was placed after the FIRM was prepared, you may request a Letter of Map
Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). As with a LOMA, you will need to get an Elevation
Certificate completed by a land surveyor. If the filled ground is higher than the
BFE, and if you do not have a basement, then FEMA may issue a LOMR-F, and your lender
may choose to not require flood insurance.
Can floodway or floodplain boundaries be changed?
Under current floodplain regulations, the channel and/or adjacent
lands may be modified to reduce the water surface elevation during a 100-year flood,
thus, narrowing the floodway boundaries.
Why am I in a floodplain and my neighbor across the street is
not?
The frequently occurs for properties located at the edge of a
flood zone. FEMA maps the flood zone areas and boundaries and if the landscape is
fairly flat within the dividing line being the middle of the street this could happen.
Other times, your neighbor may have provided FEMA an elevation certificate and submitted
a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). The elevation certificate certifies that the structure
is 1 foot or higher than the base flood elevation and the LOMA revises the FIRM
to that effect. Only a licensed Civil Engineer can issue an elevation certificate.
Can I get my property out of the flood zone?
If you believe your structure or property is above the base flood
elevation, you may want to invest money in hiring a licensed Civil Engineer to provide
an elevation certificate. If the elevation certificate certifies that your property/structure
is one foot above or higher than the base flood elevation, you may move forward
and submit a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to FEMA. may be obtained from FEMA.
Where can I find a licensed Registered Civil Engineer to give
me an Elevation Certificate?
You may find a registered Civil Engineer in the yellow pages of
the phone book.
Can I build in a floodplain?
Most Cities and the County will not allow a new structure to be
constructed in flood zones a, AE, AH, AO and A99.
What is Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)?
An amendment to the currently effective FEMA map which establishes
that a property is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. A LOMA is issued
only by FEMA.
What is Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)?
An official amendment to the currently effective FEMA map. It
is issued by FEMA and changes flood zones, delineations, and elevations.
How do I get a revision to the Flood Insurance Rate Map?
A revision to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) may be requested
by completing and submitting the appropriate portions of the MT-2 application/certification
forms package, entitled "Revisions to National Flood Insurance Program Maps" (FEMA
Form 81-89 Series), and the required supporting information.
When should I request a map revision to the Flood Insurance Rate
Map?
If physical changes to the floodplain have changed the
flood hazard information shown on the effective National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) map, a revision should be requested. The request should be accompanied by
the appropriate portions of the MT-2 application/certification forms package and
the required supporting information.
Where should I send my map revision request?
Revision requests should be sent to the appropriate FEMA Regional
Office.
How long does it take to get a map revision?
FEMA typically responds in less than 30 days, and must respond
to a revision request within 90 days of receipt of the application/certification
forms and the supporting information. The response may be a determination, a request
for additional information, or a statement that additional time will be required
to complete the processing of the request.
How can I expedite my request?
Because FEMA receives many requests, they are processed on a first-come,
first-serve basis. The best way to get a timely response is to make sure the forms
and supporting is complete.
Why did I receive a Letter of Map Revision and not a Physical
Map Revision?
A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) is a much quicker revision than
a Physical Map Revision (PMR). PMRs can take up to two years to become effective.
In addition, a LOMR is a more cost effective means for FEMA to revise a Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM). Due to budget constraints, FEMA uses the LOMR process as much as
possible. You should keep a copy of the LOMR with your valuable papers. It will
be important to have when you are ready to sell your property.
Why wasn't my Letter of Map Change incorporated into the panel
revision?
When a new National Flood Insurance Program map becomes effective
it supersedes all Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) that have been issued for the affected
map panel. When the changes reflected in the LOMC can be shown on the new FIRM,
they are incorporated; however, some LOMC changes cannot be shown on the new FIRM
because the change is too small to see on the map.
Additional FAQ
FEMA maintains a "National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)" section where you can find additional FAQ.
FEMA maintains an "Ask the Expert - Flood Insurance" section where you can find additional FAQ.
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