Floodplain Development Permit
To minimize damage to structures during flood events, the City requires all new construction in the floodplain to be anchored against movement by floodwaters, resistant to flood forces, constructed with flood-resistant materials, and flood- proofed or elevated so that the first floor of living space, as well as all mechanical and services, is at least one foot above the elevation of the 100-year flood. These standards apply to new structures and to substantial improvements of existing structures. The City defines a substantial improvement as any reconstruction, rehabilitation, or addition to an existing structure, the cost of which exceeds 50 percent of the structure’s appraised or market value (whichever the builder chooses to use). Contact the Yuba City Building Department for more information at (530) 822-4629. Additionally, most other types of development within the floodplain also require a floodplain development permit, such as grading, cut and fill, installation of riprap, and other bank stabilization techniques. City inspectors are available to undertake site visits, if requested, to review flood, drainage and sewer issues. Contact the City Public Works Department at (530) 822-4626 or see City Ordinance No. 002-07, Flood Damage Prevention, for further information and prior to undertaking any activity within the floodplain. Also, contact Public Works at (530) 822-4626 to report illegal floodplain development.
Technical Bulletins
The Technical Bulletins provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the NFIP, which are contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3. The bulletins are intended for use primarily by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing NFIP regulations and by members of the development community, such as design professionals and builders. New bulletins, as well as updates of existing bulletins, are issued periodically as needed. The bulletins do not create regulations, rather they provide specific guidance for complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. Below is a table of Technical Bulletins which may be applicable to development in the SFHA in Yuba City.