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Fairfield · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Fairfield

Fairfield's own rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text for every value.

Ask about building in a flood zone in Fairfield See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the Fairfield Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Fairfield's code says

Fairfield code What Fairfield's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • You need a flood plain development permit before construction or development starts in any special flood hazard area.
    § 8A.4.1 · code text
    A flood plain development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in section 8A.3.2.
Height of the lowest floor
  • The lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved buildings, including homes, in special flood hazard areas.
    § 8A.5.1.3 · code text
    New construction and substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to at least one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.
  • Lowest floor: above the highest adjacent ground, at least 1 foot above the flood map depth number.
    Applies: New or substantially improved buildings, including homes, in Zone AO where the flood map shows a depth number.
    § 8A.5.1.3 · code text
    New construction and substantial improvement of any structure in Zone AO shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to at least one (1) foot above the depth number specified on the FIRM.
  • The lowest floor must be at least 3 feet above the highest adjacent ground.
    Applies: New or substantially improved buildings, including homes, in Zone AO where the flood map shows no depth number.
    § 8A.5.1.3 · code text
    If there is no depth number on the FIRM, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated to at least three (3) feet above the highest adjacent grade.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a Fairfield flood zone?

Fairfield's code: You need a flood plain development permit before construction or development starts in any special flood hazard area. (§ 8A.4.1); The lowest floor must be at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved buildings, including homes, in special flood hazard areas.) (§ 8A.5.1.3).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Fairfield's building in a flood zone rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Fairfield Municipal Code — full text