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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 9 — LAND USE/ZONING/SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS›Chapter 9.100 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT

Mission Viejo Municipal Code Div. 4 Administration

Mission Viejo Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Mission Viejo

Cite as: Mission Viejo Municipal Code Division 4 · Text as of 2026-10-04

Sec. 9.100.410. - Establishment of development permit.

A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazards established in section 9.100.320. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:

(1) Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level of the lowest floor (including basement);

(2) Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure will be floodproofed;

(3) All appropriate certifications listed in section 9.100.430 subsection (4); and

(4) Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.

(Ord. No. 98-193, §§ 1—4, 10-19-98)

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Sec. 9.100.420. - Designation of the floodplain administrator.

The director of public works is hereby appointed to administer and implement this ordinance by granting or denying development permits in accordance with its provisions.

(Ord. No. 98-193, §§ 1—4, 10-19-98)

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Sec. 9.100.430. - Duties and responsibilities of the floodplain administrator.

The duties and responsibilities of the floodplain administrator shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Permit review.

a. Review all development permits to determine that the permit requirements of this ordinance have been satisfied;

b. All other required state and federal permits have been obtained;

c. The site is reasonably safe from flooding.

d. The proposed development does not adversely affect the carrying capacity of areas where base flood elevations have been determined but a floodway has not been designated. For purposes of this ordinance, "adversely affects" means that the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point.

(2) Use of other base flood data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with section 9.100.320, the floodplain administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or other source, in order to administer Division 5 of this chapter. Any such information shall be submitted to the city council for adoption.

(3) [Alteration or relocation.] Whenever a watercourse is to be altered or relocated:

a. Notify adjacent communities and the California Department of Water Resources prior to such alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration;

b. Require that the flood carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse is maintained.

(4) Obtain and maintain for public inspection and make available as needed:

a. The certification required in section 9.100.510, subsection (3)a. (flood elevations);

b. The certification required in section 9.100.510, subsection (3)b.(3) (elevation or floodproofing of nonresidential structures);

c. The certification required in section 9.100.510, subsection (3)c.(1) or 9.100.510, subsection (3)c.(2) (wet floodproofing standard);

d. The certified elevation required in section 9.100.530, subsection (b) (subdivision standards);

e. The certification required in section 9.100.550, subsection (1) (floodway encroachments).

(5) Make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in Division 6 of this chapter.

(6) Take action to remedy violations of this chapter as specified in section 9.100.330 herein.

(Ord. No. 98-193, §§ 1—4, 10-19-98)

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