Chapter 15.50 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT8

The Legislature of the State has in California Government Code Sections 65302, 65560 and 65800 conferred upon local government units’ authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the City Council does ordain as set out in this chapter. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2023-22 § 743, 2023)

A. The flood hazard areas of the City of Newport Beach are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare.

B. These flood losses are caused by uses that are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or
protected from flood damage. The cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special
flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities also contribute to the flood loss.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed:

A. To protect human life and health;

B. To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;

C. To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding which is generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;

D. To minimize prolonged business interruptions;

E. To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;

F. To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blight areas caused by flood damage;

G. To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and

H. To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

8. Prior ordinance history: Ords. 1779, 88-8 and 91-38.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.040 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.050

In order to accomplish its purpose, this chapter includes methods and provisions to:

A. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water
or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or flood heights or
velocities;

B. Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;

C. Controlling the alteration of natural floodplain, stream channels, and natural protective
barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters;

D. Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood
damage; and

E. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood
waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this chapter its most reasonable application.

“Addition” means any additional building square footage added to the lot.

“Addition cost” means the “addition” square footage multiplied by the cost per foot average as determined by the Building Official.

“Adversely affect” means that the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development will increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point.

“Appeal” means a request for a review of the Floodplain Administrator’s interpretation of any provision of this chapter.

“Area of shallow flooding” means a designated AO or AH zone on the FIRM. The base flood depths range from one to three feet; a clearly defined channel does not exist; the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate; and velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.

“Area of special flood-related erosion hazard” means the land within a community, which is most likely to be subject to severe flood-related erosion losses. The area may be designated as Zone E on the FIRM.

“Area of special flood hazard.” See “Special flood hazard area.”

“Area of special mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazard” means the area subject to severe mudslides (i.e., mudflows). The area is designated as Zone M on the FIRM.

“Base flood” means a flood, which has a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also called the “one hundred (100)-year flood”). Base flood is the term used through this chapter.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.050 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.050

“Base flood elevation” means elevation of flooding, including wave height, having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

“Basement” means any area of the building having its floor subgrade, i.e., below ground level on all sides.

“Breakaway walls” are any type of walls, whether solid or lattice, and whether constructed of concrete, masonry, wood, metal, plastic or any other suitable building material which is not part of the structural support of the building and which is designed to break away under abnormally high tides or wave action without causing damage to the structural integrity of the building on which they are used or any buildings to which they might be carried by flood waters. A breakaway wall shall have a safe design loading resistance of not less than ten (10) and no more than twenty (20) pounds per square foot. Use of breakaway walls must be certified by a registered engineer or architect and shall meet the following conditions:

1. Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water load less than that which would occur
during the base flood; and

2. The elevated portion of the building shall not incur any structural damage due to the effects
of wind and water loads acting simultaneously in the event of the base flood.

“Building.” See “Structure.”

“Coastal high hazard area” means an area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the
inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high
velocity wave action from storms or seismic sources. It is an area subject to high velocity waters,
including coastal and tidal inundation or tsunamis. The area is designated on the FIRM as Zone
VE or V.

“Current value of the structure” means the existing structure square footage multiplied by the
cost per foot average as determined by the Building Official.

Design flood elevation. The design flood elevation shall be used to define flood hazard areas. At
a minimum, the design flood elevation shall be the higher of the following:

1. The base flood elevation at the depth of peak elevation of flooding, including wave height,
that has a one percent (one hundred (100) year flood) or greater chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year plus one foot of freeboard.

2. The elevation of the design flood associated with the area designated on a flood hazard map
adopted by the community, or otherwise legally designated.

“Development” means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including
but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving,
excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.

“Existing manufactured home park or subdivision” means a manufactured home park or
subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes were affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) was
completed before August 28, 1978, which was the effective date of the floodplain management
regulations adopted by the City.

“Expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision” means the preparation of
additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.050 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.050

homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and
either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).

“Flood, flooding, or flood water” means:

1. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land
areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters; the unusual and rapid accumulation or
runoff of surface waters from any source; and/or mudslides; and

2. The condition resulting from flood-related erosion.

“Flood boundary and floodway map (FBFM)” means the official map on which the Federal
Emergency Management Agency or Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration has
delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the floodway.

“Flood hazard boundary map” or “FHBM” means the official map on which the Federal
Emergency Management Agency has delineated the areas of flood hazards.

“Flood insurance rate map” or “FIRM” means the official map on which the Federal Emergency
Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium
zones applicable to the community.

“Flood insurance study” or “FIS” means the official report provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency that includes flood profiles, the flood insurance rate map, the flood
boundary and floodway map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.

“Floodplain or flood-prone area” means any land area susceptible to being inundated by water
from any source. See “Flooding.”

“Floodplain Administrator” is the individual appointed to administer and enforce the floodplain
management regulations.

“Floodplain management” means the operation of an overall program of corrective and
preventive measures for reducing flood damage and preserving and enhancing, where possible,
natural resources in the floodplain, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans,
flood control works, floodplain management regulations, and open space plans.

“Floodplain management regulations” means this chapter and other zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as grading and erosion control) and other applications of police power which control development in flood-prone areas. This term describes federal, state or local regulations in any combination thereof, which provide standards for preventing and reducing flood loss and damage.

“Floodproofing” means any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures, which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures, and their contents.

“Floodway” means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot, as delineated on the FIRM. Also referred to as a “regulatory floodway.”

“Fraud and victimization” as related to Section 15.50.190, Variances, of this chapter, means that the variance granted must not cause fraud on or victimization of the public. In examining this requirement, the City of Newport Beach will consider the fact that every newly constructed building adds to government responsibilities and remains a part of the community for fifty (50)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.050 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.050

to one hundred (100) years. Buildings that are permitted to be constructed below the base flood elevation are subject during all those years to increased risk of damage from floods, while future owners of the property and the community as a whole are subject to all the costs, inconvenience, danger, and suffering that those increased flood damages bring. In addition, future owners may purchase the property, unaware that it is subject to potential flood damage, and can be insured only at very high flood insurance rates.

“Functionally dependent use” means a use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, and does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.

“Governing body” is the local governing unit, i.e., county or municipality that is empowered to adopt and implement regulations to provide for the public health, safety and general welfare of its citizenry.

“Hardship” as related to Section 15.50.190, Variances, of this chapter, means the exceptional hardship that would result from a failure to grant the requested variance. The City of Newport Beach requires that the variance be exceptional, unusual, and peculiar to the property involved. Mere economic or financial hardship alone is not exceptional. Inconvenience, aesthetic considerations, physical handicaps, personal preferences, or the disapproval of one’s neighbors likewise cannot, as a rule, qualify as an exceptional hardship. All of these problems can be resolved through other means without granting a variance, even if the alternative is more expensive, or requires the property owner to build elsewhere or put the parcel to a slightly different use than originally intended.

“Highest adjacent grade” means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to
construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.

“Historic structure” means any structure that is:

1. Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the
Department of the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as
meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;

2. Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the
historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined
by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;

3. Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation
programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or

4. Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either by an approved state program as
determined by the Secretary of the Interior or directly by the Secretary of the Interior in
states with approved programs.

“Lowest floor” means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including basement. An
unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or
storage in an area other than a basement area (see “basement”) is not considered a building’s
lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of
the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this chapter. (Note: This definition allows
garages serving one or two dwelling units to be built at grade. Below grade garages serving one

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.050 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.050

or two dwelling units are not allowed as they are considered to be basements.)

“Manufactured home” means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term “manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle.”

“Manufactured home park or subdivision” means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

“Mudslide” (i.e., mudflow) describes a condition where there is a river, flow or inundation of liquid mud down a hillside, usually as a result of a dual condition of loss of brush cover and the subsequent accumulation of water on the ground, preceded by a period of unusually heavy or sustained rain.

“Mudslide (i.e., mudflow) prone area” means an area with land surfaces and slopes of unconsolidated material where the history, geology, and climate indicate a potential for mudflow.

“New construction,” for floodplain management purposes, means structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by this community, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

“New manufactured home park or subdivision” means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by this community.

“North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD)” means, for the purpose of National Flood Insurance Program, the vertical datum to which base flood elevations shown on a community’s flood insurance rate map are referenced.

“Obstruction” includes, but is not limited to, any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channelization, bridge, conduit, culvert, building, wire, fence, rock, gravel, refuse, fill, structure, vegetation or other material in, along, across or projecting into any watercourse which may alter, impede, retard or change the direction and/ or velocity of the flow of water, or due to its location, its propensity to snare or collect debris carried by the flow of water, or its likelihood of being carried downstream.

“One-hundred-year flood” or “100-year flood.” See “Base flood.”

“Primary frontal dune” means a continuous or nearly continuous mound or ridge of sand with relatively steep seaward and landward slopes immediately landward and adjacent to the beach and subject to erosion and overtopping from high tides and waves during major coastal storms. The inland limit of the primary frontal dune occurs at the point where there is a distinct change from a relatively mild slope.

“Principal structure” means a structure used for the principal use of the property as distinguished from an accessory use.

“Public safety and nuisance” as related to Section 15.50.190, Variances, of this chapter means that the granting of a variance must not result in anything which is injurious to safety or health of an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, or unlawfully obstructs the free passage or use, in the customary manner, of any navigable lake, or river, bay, stream, canal, or basin.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.050 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.050

“Recreational vehicle” means a vehicle which is:

1. Built on a single chassis;

2. Four hundred (400) square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;

3. Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and

4. Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters
for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

“Regulatory floodway” means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land
areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing
the water surface elevation more than one foot, as delineated on the FIRM.

“Remodel” means any reconstruction, rehabilitation or renovation of an existing structure
whereby no additional floor area is added to an existing structure.

“Remodel cost” means the cost of the remodel as determined by the Building Official.

“Sand dunes” means naturally occurring accumulations of sand in ridges or mounds landward of
the beach.

“Sheet flow area.” See “Area of shallow flooding.”

“Special flood hazard area (SHFA)” means an area having special flood, mudslide (i.e.,
mudflow) or flood-related erosion hazards, and shown on an FHBM or FIRM as Zone A, AO,
AE, A99, AH, VE or V.

“Start of construction” includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or other improvement was within one hundred eighty (180) days of the permit. The actual start means either the first placement or permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a “substantial improvement,” the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

“Structure” means a walled and roofed building that is principally above ground; this includes a gas or liquid storage tank or a manufactured home.

“Substantial damage” means any damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition (see “Remodel cost”) would equal or exceed fifty (50) percent of the current value of the structure before the damage occurred.

“Substantial improvement” means any one or more or any combination of repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement of a building or structure taking place during a ten (10) year period, the cumulative cost of which equals or exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. For each building or structure, the ten (10) year period begins on the date of the first permit issued for improvement

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.050 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.080

or repair of that building or structure subsequent to December 31, 2025. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

1. Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of State or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which have been identified by a Code Enforcement Officer and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or 2. Any alteration of a historic structure; provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a historic structure. “V zone.” See “Coastal high hazard area.” “Variance” means a grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter, which permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this chapter. “Violation” means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with this chapter. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in this chapter is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided. “Water surface elevation” means the height, in relation to the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, (or other datum, where specified) of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas. “Watercourse” means a lake, river, creek, stream, wash, arroyo, channel or other topographic feature on or over which waters flow at least periodically. Watercourse includes specifically designated areas in which substantial flood damage may occur. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2005-5 § 4 (part), 2005; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2019-2 §§ 3, 4, 2019; Ord. 2022-26 § 14, 2022; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the City of Newport Beach. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the “Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for Orange County, California and Incorporated Area” dated revised March 21, 2019, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), dated revised March 21, 2019, and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. This FIS, and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions, and attendant mapping are the minimum area of applicability of this chapter and may be supplemented by studies for other areas which allow implementation of this chapter, and which are recommended to the City Council by the Floodplain Administrator. The FIS and the FIRMs are on file at the office of the Community Development Department at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 95-36 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2005-5 § 4 (part), 2005; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2019-2 § 5, 2019; Ord. 2022-26 § 14, 2022)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.080 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.130

No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Nothing herein shall prevent the City Council from taking such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:

A. Considered as minimum requirements;

B. Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and

C. Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the City of Newport Beach, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration, Federal Agency Management Agency for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993)

The City Manager or their designated representative is hereby appointed to administer, implement and enforce this chapter by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its provisions. The Floodplain Administrator shall also:

A. Take action to remedy violations of this chapter;

B. Complete and submit a biennial report to Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

C. Assure the community’s General Plan is consistent with floodplain management objectives.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.130 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.150

2025-23 § 13, 2025)

The Floodplain Administrator or their designated representative shall review all development permits to determine:

A. Permit requirements of this chapter have been satisfied, including determination of
substantial improvement and substantial damage of existing structures;

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. This
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; and

E. All Letters of Map Revisions for flood control projects are approved prior to the issuance
of building permits. Building permits must not be issued based on Conditional Letters of
Map Revision. Approved Conditional Letters of Map Revision allow construction of the
proposed flood control project and land preparation as specified in the “start of
construction” definition (Section 15.50.050).
(Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 15.50.070, the Floodplain Administrator, or their designated representative, 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 Sections 15.50.200 through 15.50.250. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2019-2 § 6, 2019; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

Procedures.

The Floodplain Administrator shall:

A. Answer to questions about substantially damaged buildings and develop detailed
procedures for identifying and administering requirements for substantial improvement and
substantial damage to include defining “current value of the structure.”

B. Assure procedures are coordinated with other departments/divisions and implemented by
community staff.
(Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

The Floodplain Administrator shall obtain and maintain for public inspection and make available as needed:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.150 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.180

A. The certification required in Section 15.50.200(C)(1)(e);

B. The certification required in Section 15.50.200(C)(2)(c) (elevation or floodproofing of nonresidential structures);

C. The certified elevation required in Section 15.50.220(B) (subdivision standards). (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002)

A. Alteration or Relocation of a Watercourse. The Floodplain Administrator or their designated representative shall:

1. Notify adjacent communities and the California Department of Water Resources prior
to alteration or relocation;

2. Submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

3. Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of said
watercourse is maintained.

B. Base Flood Elevation Changes Due to Physical Alterations. The Floodplain Administrator
or their designated representative shall:

1. Within six months of information becoming available or project completion,
whichever comes first, submit or assure that the permit applicant submits technical or
scientific data to Federal Emergency Management Agency for a Letter of Map
Revision (“LOMR”).

2. Verify all LOMRs for flood control projects are approved prior to the issuance of
building permits. Building permits must not be issued based on Conditional Letters of
Map Revision (“CLOMRs”). Approved CLOMRs allow construction of the proposed
flood control project and land preparation as specified in the “start of construction”
definition (Section 15.50.050). Such submissions are necessary so that upon
confirmation of those physical changes affecting flooding conditions, risk premium
rates and floodplain management requirements are based on current data.

C. Changes in Corporate Boundaries. The Floodplain Administrator or their designated
representative shall notify Federal Emergency Management Agency in writing whenever
the corporate boundaries have been modified by annexation or other means and include a
copy of a map of the community clearly delineating the new corporate limits.
(Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

The Floodplain Administrator shall make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the area 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 Section 15.50.180. (Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.180 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.180

A. The Planning Commission shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error
in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Floodplain Administrator, in
the enforcement or administration of this chapter.

B. The Planning Commission shall review and decide requests for variances. In ruling on such
applications, the Planning Commission shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant
factors, standards specified in other sections of this chapter, and:

1. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;

2. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;

3. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the
effect of such damage on the individual owner and future owners of the property;

4. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;

5. The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;

6. The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use, which are not subject to
flooding or erosion damage;

7. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;

8. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain
management program of that area;

9. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles;

10. The expected heights, velocity duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the
flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and

11. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions,
including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas,
electric, water systems, and streets and bridges.

C. Generally, variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to
be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with
existing structures constructed below the base flood level, providing all items in this
chapter have been fully considered. As lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the
technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.

D. Upon consideration of the factors set forth in Section 15.50.190 and the purposes of this
chapter, the Planning Commission may attach conditions to the granting of variances as it
deems necessary to further the purposes of this chapter.

E. Those aggrieved by the decision of the Planning Commission may appeal such decision to
the City Council as provided in Title 20. A member of the City Council may call for review
any decision of the Planning Commission under this chapter as provided in Title 20.

F. The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and report
any variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the biennial report.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2013-24 § 14, 2013; Ord.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.180 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.200

2015-9 § 28, 2015; Ord. 2019-2 § 7, 2019; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

A. Variances may be issued for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration of structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places, without regard to the procedures set forth in the remainder of this section upon determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.

B. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels
during the base flood discharge would result.

C. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum
necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

D. Variances shall only be issued upon:

1. A showing of good and sufficient cause;

2. A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship
to the applicant; and

3. A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood
heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create
nuisances, cause fraud on, or victimization of, the public, or conflict with existing
local laws or ordinances.

E. Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements and for other
development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use; provided, that the
structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood damages
during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.

F. Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the structure
will be permitted to be built with a lowest floor elevation below the regulatory flood
elevation and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk
resulting from the reduced flood lowest flood elevation. A copy of the notice shall be
recorded by the Floodplain Board in the office of the Orange County Recorder and shall be
recorded in a manner so that it appears in chain of title of the affected parcel of land.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011)

In all areas of special flood hazards, all new construction, all substantial improvements of structures, including, but not limited to, a structure used for a residential or nonresidential use, or any manufactured home, shall meet the following standards:

A. Anchoring. Adequate anchoring to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the
structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of
buoyancy.

B. Construction Materials and Methods.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.200 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.200

1. With materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;

2. Using methods and practices that minimize flood damage;

3. With electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and
other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding; and

4. For AH or AO Zones, so that there are adequate drainage paths around structures on
slopes to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.

C. Elevation and Floodproofing.

1. Residential construction shall have the lowest floor, including basement:

a. In an AO Zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or
exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM plus one foot of
freeboard, or elevated at least two feet above the highest grade if no depth
number is specified.

b. In an unnumbered A Zone, elevated to or above the design flood elevation, as
determined by the City.

c. Coastal High Hazard Zones, VE and Coastal A Zones shall also comply with the
requirements of Section 15.50.230.

d. In all other zones, elevated to or above the design flood elevation per Section
15.50.070.

e. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) that are
usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, and which are
subject to flooding, shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood
forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of flood water.
Designs for meeting this requirement must exceed the following minimum
criteria:

i. Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect to comply
with a local floodproofing standard approved by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency; or

ii. Have a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed area
having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square
foot of enclosed area subject to flooding where the enclosed area is
measured on the exterior of the enclosure walls. The bottom of all
openings shall be no higher than one foot above the higher of the final
interior grade or floor and the finished exterior grade immediately under
each opening. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or
other coverings or devices; provided, that they permit the automatic entry
and exit of flood water. Openings shall be permitted to be installed in doors
and windows; doors and windows without installed openings do not meet
the requirements of this section.

f. Upon completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor including

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.200 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.205

basement shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor,
and verified by the community building inspector to be properly elevated. Such
certification or verification shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator.

2. Nonresidential Construction. Nonresidential construction shall either be elevated to
conform with subsections (C)(1)(a), (b) and (c) of this section or together with
attendant utility and sanitary facilities:

a. Be floodproofed below the elevation recommended under subsections (C)(1)(a),
(b) and (c) of this section so that the structure is watertight with walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water;

b. Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads and effects of buoyancy; and

c. Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the standards of this section are satisfied. Such certification shall be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator.

3. Manufactured Homes. Manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved
shall be elevated to or above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an
adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral
movement.

D. Required Submittals. Before construction begins within any area of special flood hazards
established in Section 15.50.070, application for a building permit shall be made pursuant
to the Newport Beach Administrative Code, adopted in Section 15.02.010. In addition to
submittals required by the Newport Beach Administrative Code, drawings shall show the
nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of each structure; existing and proposed
grades, and drainage facilities. Specifically, the following information is required:

1. Proposed elevation, as determined by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil
engineer, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures;

2. Proposed elevation, in relation to NAVD, to which any structure will be floodproofed;

3. All appropriate certifications listed in Section 15.50.150;

4. Description of the extent to which any water-course will be altered or relocated as a
result of the proposed development; and

5. Plans for any walls to be used to enclose space below the base flood levels.

E. Floodways. Encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements,
and other development within floodways are prohibited, unless it has been demonstrated to
the satisfaction of the Floodplain Administrator through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis
performed and certified by a registered civil engineer in accordance with standard
engineering practice that the proposed encroachment will not result in any increase in flood
levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 95-36 § 2, 1995; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2005-5
§ 4 (part), 2005; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord. 2019-2 § 8, 2019; Ord. 2022-26 § 14, 2022)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.205 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.220

In all areas of special flood hazards, all recreational vehicles shall:

A. Be on the site for fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days; or

B. Be fully licensed and ready for highway use (a recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions). (Ord. 2018-2 § 9, 2019)

A. All new and replacement electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding using the following minimum requirements or similar methods:

1. Electrical service conduits and cables below the design flood elevation shall be
waterproofed or conform to the provisions of the electrical code for wet locations.

2. Panelboards, load centers, main disconnect switches, and all circuit breakers shall be
located above and be accessible from above the design flood elevation.

3. Plumbing systems and components, including plumbing fixtures, shall be elevated
above the design flood elevation. The openings shall be protected with automatic
backwater valves or other automatic backflow devices. Devices shall be installed in
each line that extends below the design flood elevation to prevent release of sewage
into floodwaters and to prevent infiltration by floodwaters into the plumbing.

4. Ductwork and ductwork insulation shall be at or above the design flood elevation
unless designed, constructed, and installed to resist all flood-related loads and to
prevent floodwater from entering or accumulating within the ductwork.

5. Air intake openings and exhaust outlets shall be at or above the design flood
elevation.

6. All elevator components shall be located above the design flood elevation.

B. New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharge from the systems into flood
waters.

C. On-site waste disposal systems shall be located above the design flood elevation to avoid
impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2022-26 § 14, 2022)

A. All preliminary development and subdivision proposals shall identify the flood hazard area and elevation of the base flood.

B. All final development and subdivision plans will provide the elevation of proposed
structure(s) and pad(s). If the site is filled above the base flood, the final pad elevation shall

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.220 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.220

be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor and provided to the
Floodplain Administrator.

C. All development and subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize
flood damage.

D. All development and subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as
sewer, gas, electric and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage.

E. All development and subdivisions shall provide adequate drainage to reduce exposure to
flood hazards.

F. A development permit shall be obtained before any construction begins on a development
or a subdivision, including manufactured homes, within any area of special flood hazards
established in Section 15.50.070. Application for a development permit shall be made on
forms furnished by the City Manager or their designated representative and shall include
but not be limited to: plans in duplicate, drawn to scale showing: the location, dimensions,
and elevations of each existing or proposed structure within the development or
subdivision; existing and proposed grades, and drainage facilities. Specifically, the
following information is required:

1. Proposed locations of water supply, sanitary sewer, and other utilities;

2. Location of the regulatory floodway when applicable;

3. Base flood elevation information as specified in Section 15.50.070;

4. Proposed elevation, in relation to North American Vertical Datum of 1988
(“NAVD”), as determined by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer, of
the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures;

5. Proposed elevation, in relation to NAVD, of the lowest floor (including basement) of
all structures;

6. Proposed elevation, in relation to NAVD, to which any nonresidential structure will
be floodproofed, as required under Section 15.50.200(C)(2) and detailed in Federal
Emergency Management Agency Technical Bulletin TB 3-93, which Bulletin is
incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set forth;

7. Certification from a registered civil engineer or architect that the nonresidential
floodproofed building meets the floodproofing criteria in Section 15.50.200(C)(2)(c);

8. All appropriate certifications listed in Section 15.50.150;

   9. Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a
   result of the proposed development;

   10. Plans for any walls to be used to enclose space below the base flood level; and

   11. Provide certification that all necessary permits have been obtained from Federal,
   State, and local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required.

   NOTE: It is the developer’s responsibility to obtain these approvals.

   G. The Floodplain Administrator shall:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.220 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.230

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

2. Review the developer’s certification that all other required State and Federal permits
have been obtained;

3. Review all development permits to determine that 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;

4. Review all development permits in the coastal high hazard area of the area of special
flood hazard to determine if the proposed development alters sand dunes so as to
increase potential flood damage;

5. Review all development permits to determine whether proposed building sites will be
reasonably safe from flooding; and

6. Take action to remedy violations of this chapter.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2005-5 § 4 (part), 2005; Ord.
2019-2 § 10, 2019; Ord. 2025-23 § 13, 2025)

Within coastal high hazard areas, Zones V, V1-30, and VE, as delineated in the FIS and FIRM, the following standards shall apply:

A. All new residential and nonresidential construction, including substantial improvement/
damage, and manufactured homes shall be elevated on adequately anchored pilings or
columns and securely anchored to such pilings or columns so that the bottom of the lowest
horizontal structural members of the lowest floor (excluding the pilings and columns) is
elevated to or above the design flood elevation. The pile or column foundation and structure
attached thereto is anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement due to the
effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water
loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used
shall be those required by the California Building Code.

B. All new construction and other development shall be located on the landward side of the
reach of mean high tide.

C. All new construction and substantial improvement shall have the space below the lowest
floor free of obstructions or constructed with breakaway walls as defined in Section

solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage. Elevator shafts in coastal high hazard areas and Coastal A Zones are not required to have breakaway walls and shall comply with FEMA Technical Bulletin 4, Elevator Installation (latest edition).

D. Fill shall not be used for structural support of buildings.

E. Manmade alteration of sand dunes which would increase potential flood damage is
prohibited.

F. The Floodplain Administrator shall obtain and maintain the following records:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.230 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.50.250

1. Certification by a registered engineer or land surveyor that a proposed structure
complies with subsection (A) of this section;

2. The elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the bottom of the lowest horizontal
structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings or columns) of all new and
substantially improved structures, and whether such structures contain a basement.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2011-5 § 8 (part), 2011; Ord.
2019-2 § 11, 2019; Ord. 2022-26 § 14, 2022)

A. The Floodplain Administrator shall review permits for proposed construction and development to determine if it is proposed within a mudslide area.

B. Permits shall be reviewed to determine that the proposed site and improvement will be
reasonably safe from mudslide hazards. Factors to be considered in making this
determination include but are not limited to the:

1. Type and quality of soils,

2. Evidence of ground water or surface water problems,

3. Depth and quality of any fill,

4. Overall slope of the site, and

5. Weight that any proposed development will impose on the slope.

C. Within areas which may have mudslide hazards, the Floodplain Administrator shall require
that:

1. A site investigation and further review be made by persons qualified in geology and
soils engineering;

2. The proposed grading, excavation, new construction, and substantial improvement be
adequately designed and protected against mudslide damages;

3. The proposed grading, excavations, new construction, and substantial improvement
not aggravate the existing hazard by creating either on-site or off-site disturbances;
and

4. Drainage, planting, watering, and maintenance not endanger slope stability.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002)

A. The Floodplain Administrator shall require permits for proposed construction and other development within all flood-related erosion-prone areas as known to the community;

B. Permit applications shall be reviewed to determine whether the proposed site alterations
and improvements will be reasonably safe from flood-related erosion and will not cause
flood-related erosion hazards or otherwise aggravate the existing hazard;

C. If a proposed improvement is found to be in the path of flood-related erosion or would

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.50.250 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.50.250

increase the erosion hazard, such improvement shall be relocated or adequate protective
measures shall be taken to avoid aggravating the existing erosion hazard;

D. Within zone VE on the flood insurance rate map, a setback is required for all new
development from the ocean, lake, bay, riverfront or other body of water to create a safety
buffer consisting of a natural vegetative or contour strip. This buffer shall be designated
according to the flood-related erosion hazard and erosion rate, in relation to the anticipated
“Useful life” of structures, and depending upon the geologic, hydrologic, topographic, and
climatic characteristics of the land. The buffer may be used for suitable open space
purposes, such as for agricultural, forestry, outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat areas,
and for other activities using temporary and portable structures only.
(Ord. 93-5 § 1 (part), 1993; Ord. 2002-20 § 8 (part), 2002; Ord. 2005-5 § 4 (part), 2005)

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City of Newport Beach, CA