Floodplain Management Information

Floodplain Management Information


Our priority is to make sure that the public is well informed and safe from flooding and that the City stays in compliance with FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The City of Lakeport’s Floodplain Management Program is:  

  • A community effort of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage to properties.
  • Intended to protect public health and safety, reduce damage to buildings and contents, prevent increases in flood damage from new construction, reduce the risk of erosion damage and protect natural and beneficial floodplain functions.
  • Administered in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's policies.
  • An opportunity for homeowners, renters, and business owners in our community to purchase federally-backed flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program
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Flood Zone Determinations
Local Drainage Concerns
How to Prepare for a Flood Event Before, During & After Information For Owners, Tenants, and BusinessesHow to Prepare for a Flood Event Before, During & After Information For Owners, Tenants, and Businesses
Elevation Certificates
Construction Requirements
Stormwater Quality
Floodplain Mapping

 

California Dept. of Water Resources:

 Flood Zone Determinations

Information regarding Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) flood zone determinations in the City of Lakeport, is available at the Community Development Department. Alternatively, if you wish to look up this information yourself, you can access flood zone maps through the FEMA Map Service Center . You do not need an account to get flood zone information—just type in your address on the left-side of the page under “Product Search”. On the next page, click “View” to get the flood map of the area.

 Local Drainage Concerns

Local drainage conditions can be impacted through development and grading activities and maintenance practices. Such impacts can include increases in the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff as well as changing the character and location of discharges from one property to another. Some of these changes are allowed under the law, though damaging someone else’s property is usually not acceptable. Development and construction-related drainage matters are typically addressed and managed by the permitting and inspection agencies. For drainage concerns in the City of Lakeport, please contact the Community Development Department-Building Division.

Before/During/After Rain Events

Before it Rains:

Ø  Always check with the Community Development Department before you build on, fill, alter to re-grade your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that such projects do not cause problems on other properties.

Ø  Every piece of trash can contribute to flooding. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug channels. If your property is next to a ditch, creek, storage basin, or other waterway, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and debris.

Ø  Do not dump or throw anything into drainage ditches, creeks, basins, or other waterways. Such dumping causes pollution and is a violation of Federal, State and Local codes and should be reported to the Stormwater Quality Division.

Ø  You can do your part in helping the drainage system work. Sweep or pick up your gutters to prevent blockages in the storm drains. Remove trash, fallen branches, and other debris from ditches and drain inlets to help prevent blockages.

Ø  Additional measures to protect a property from flood damage may include retrofitting structures, grading, correcting local drainage problems, and such emergency measures as moving furniture and sandbagging.

Ø  Maps of the local flood hazard areas (designated floodplains) are available at FEMA 

During the Rain Event and Flooding:

Ø  Stay connected with the latest news during emergencies or flood warnings through radio, television, and web.

Ø  Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. For more information see the National Weather Service’s campaign, “Turn Around Don’t Drown .”

Ø  Don’t drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.

Ø  Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer, after drowning, is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the utility company or emergency personnel.

Ø  Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Stay clear of unstable stream banks.

After the Storm:

Ø  Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.

Ø  Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. It also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Ø  Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

Ø  Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Ø  Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

Ø  Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Ø  Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Information for Residential Owners/Renters and Small Businesses

Flood Zone Information

  • If you are not sure if your property is located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain), you may request a written determination.
    If you wish to make a determination for yourself, you can view FEMA flood hazard maps at the City of Lakeport’s Building Division at 225 Park St, Lakeport. Or, you can access floodplain maps online at the
    FEMA Map Service Center . You do not need an account to get flood zone information—just type in your address on the left-side of the page under “Product Search”. On the next page, click “View” to get the flood map of the area.

Flood Insurance

  • If your property is located within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, federal law requires that a flood insurance policy be obtained as a condition of a federally backed mortgage or loan that is secured by the structure. It is up to the mortgage lender to determine whether flood insurance is required for a property.
  • The City of Lakeport participates in the National Flood Insurance Program  (NFIP). The NFIP makes federally-backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in our community. If you don't have flood insurance, contact your property/casualty agent or broker about flood insurance eligibility, rates and coverage.
  • Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. There is a 30-day waiting period before National Flood Insurance coverage takes effect.
  • To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit Floodsmart.gov .

Development and Construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area

  • For new or substantially improved structures, elevation certificates are required before, during and after construction. The elevation certificate is an important tool for the NFIP to provide information necessary to ensure structures are properly elevated. Elevation Certificates must be completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer.
  • The NFIP requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value (substantial improvement), then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building.
  • For questions on flood insurance coverage and rates: 1-800-427-4661 or; 
  • FEMA Publications: FEMA Distribution Center at 1-800-480-2520
  • NFIP Info: www.fema.gov/business/nfip or 1-800-427-4661

  • FEMA Map Service Center: http://msc.fema.gov or 1-800-358-9616

  • FEMA Map Assistance Center 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627)

 Other Links:

Lake County Water Resources: http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/WaterResources/Programs/Flood_Management.htm

Federal Emergency Management Agency:  (FEMA)https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management/

California Office of Emergency Services: http://www.caloes.ca.gov/

Association of State Floodplain Managers:  http://www.floods.org/

Floodplain Management Association:  https://floodplain.org/default.aspx

FEMA Floodplain Management webpage: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=7565

FEMA Regions and Contacts: www.fema.gov/about/

FEMA RiskMAP Project: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=4119

About Flood Insurance: https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program

FEMA Information Resource Library - www.fema.gov/library

For general information about flood insurance: www.FloodSmart.gov