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Rancho Palos Verdes · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Rancho Palos Verdes

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

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

What Rancho Palos Verdes's code says

Rancho Palos Verdes code What Rancho Palos Verdes's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • Development permits for all development, substantial improvements or damage, and manufactured homes are reviewed for flood-prone areas.
    § 15.42.105 · code text
    Development permits for all proposed development and substantial improvements/substantial damage in the city, as defined in section 17.96.560, including the placement of manufactured homes, shall be reviewed so that it can be determined whether such construction or development is within floodprone areas.
Extra height above flood level
  • Use flood-resistant materials and utility equipment below 1 foot above the effective base flood elevation.
    Applies: New construction and substantial improvements in the special flood hazard area.
    § 15.42.130 · code text
    All new construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage below the effective base flood elevation and one-foot freeboard;
  • Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment must be raised to 1 foot above the effective base flood elevation.
    Applies: New construction and substantial improvements in the special flood hazard area.
    § 15.42.130 · code text
    All new construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, shall be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are elevated to the effective base flood elevation and one-foot freeboard, are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding as certified by a registered civil engineer or architect.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a Rancho Palos Verdes flood zone?

Rancho Palos Verdes's code: Development permits for all development, substantial improvements or damage, and manufactured homes are reviewed for flood-prone areas. (§ 15.42.105); Use flood-resistant materials and utility equipment below 1 foot above the effective base flood elevation. (New construction and substantial improvements in the special flood hazard area.) (§ 15.42.130).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — full text