Building in a flood zone in Redlands: the local rules

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

What Redlands's code says

Redlands code What Redlands's code adds
Floodplain permit	You need a development permit before construction or development begins. Applies: Applies in any special flood hazard area. § 15.32.090 · code text A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard.
Building in a floodway	No fill, construction or other development unless certified not to raise base flood levels; other flood rules still apply. Applies: Areas designated as regulatory floodways. § 15.32.160 · 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 the base flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
Height of the lowest floor	The lowest floor, including basement, must be 2 feet above the base flood elevation. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in zone AE, AH or A1-30. § 15.32.110 · code text Residential construction, new or substantial improvement of any structure in zone AE, AH, or A1-30 shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated two feet (2') above the base flood elevation. Lowest floor: at least 2 feet higher than the flood map depth number, above the highest adjacent ground. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in zone AO where a depth number is given. § 15.32.110 · code text Residential construction, new or substantial improvement, of any structure in zone AO shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM by at least two feet (2'), or elevated at least four feet (4') above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. The lowest floor must be at least 4 feet above the highest adjacent ground. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in zone AO where no depth number is given. § 15.32.110 · code text Residential construction, new or substantial improvement, of any structure in zone AO shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM by at least two feet (2'), or elevated at least four feet (4') above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. The lowest floor must be at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in zone A. § 15.32.110 · code text Residential construction, new or substantial improvement of any structure in zone A shall have the lowest floor, including basement, be elevated at least two feet (2') above the base flood elevation.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Redlands's code: You need a development permit before construction or development begins. (Applies in any special flood hazard area.) (§ 15.32.090); The lowest floor, including basement, must be 2 feet above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in zone AE, AH or A1-30.) (§ 15.32.110).

Building in a flood zone in Redlands

What Redlands's code says

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