Building in a flood zone in Pleasanton: the local rules

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

What Pleasanton's code says

Pleasanton code What Pleasanton's code adds
Floodplain permit	A development permit is needed before construction or development begins. Applies: In any area of special flood hazard. § 17.08.120 · code text A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 17.08.070.
Building in a floodway	No fill, new construction, substantial improvements or other development unless certified to cause no flood level increase. Applies: In designated floodways; a registered professional engineer or architect must certify it. § 17.08.190 · code text Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development unless certification by a registered professional engineer or architect is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge;
Height of the lowest floor	At least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. Applies: New or substantially improved homes and other buildings, except in Zone AO or AH. § 17.08.150 · code text New construction and substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above one foot higher than the base flood elevation. 1 foot above the FIRM depth number or the highest adjacent grade. Applies: New or substantially improved homes and other buildings in Zone AO or AH when a depth number is given. § 17.08.150 · code text New construction and substantial improvement of any structure in Zone AO or AH shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot above the depth number specified on the FIRM or the highest adjacent grade, or at least three feet if no depth number is specified. At least 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade. Applies: New or substantially improved homes and other buildings in Zone AO or AH when no depth number is given. § 17.08.150 · code text New construction and substantial improvement of any structure in Zone AO or AH shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot above the depth number specified on the FIRM or the highest adjacent grade, or at least three feet if no depth number is specified.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Pleasanton's code: A development permit is needed before construction or development begins. (In any area of special flood hazard.) (§ 17.08.120); At least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes and other buildings, except in Zone AO or AH.) (§ 17.08.150).

Building in a flood zone in Pleasanton

What Pleasanton's code says

Who this affects

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