Goleta Municipal Code Ch. 17.31 Floodplain Management

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the location of new development that could negatively impact the City’s floodways and drainageways.

(Ord. 20-03 § 6)

This chapter applies to all areas of special flood hazards within the City’s jurisdiction as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and as depicted on the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

(Ord. 20-03 § 6)

In all areas of special flood hazards the following standards apply in addition to the standards set forth in Goleta Municipal Code, Chapter 15.10:

A. Prohibited Development. Development is prohibited within the 100-year floodplain where the development would:

1. Obstruct flood flow;

2. Displace floodwaters onto other property; or

3. Be subject to flood damage.

B. Hazards Evaluation Report. A Hazards Evaluation Report may be required in compliance with Section 17.32.030, Hazards Evaluation Report.

C. Required Setback. Development must be set back at least 50 feet from the top of streambanks and flood control channels.

D. Reduced Setback. If a project applicant deems their project infeasible due to the setback, the applicant must provide a site-specific engineering study, including recommended mitigation measures, which demonstrates a reduced setback does not expose development to unacceptable risk.

1. Required Approval. Any reduction to the 50-foot setback must be issued through a Discretionary Approval or approval of a Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit.

2. Required Finding. The Review Authority must find that, in consultation with the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District, the proposed lesser setback would be appropriate, in that it would allow access for flood control maintenance and enable proper operation of the channels.

3. ESHA Protections. Any reduction must also adhere to Section 17.30.070, Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas—Streamside Protection Areas, when applicable.

(Ord. 20-03 § 6)