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Hayward · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Hayward

Hayward'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 Hayward Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Hayward's code says

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • You need a development permit before construction or development starts in a special flood hazard area.
    § 9-4.100 · code text
    A Development Permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established pursuant to Section 9-4.30.
Building in a floodway
  • Encroachments are banned unless they do not endanger life or significantly restrict carrying capacity, and add no base flood rise.
    Applies: Floodway areas.
    § 9-4.160 · code text
    All encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvement, and other development are prohibited, unless a determination is made that such encroachment will not endanger life, will not significantly restrict the carrying capacity of the floodway, and a registered professional engineer provides a certification that such encroachment will not result in an increase in the base flood elevation level during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
Height of the lowest floor
  • Lowest floor above highest nearby ground, at or above the FIRM depth number, or at least 2 feet if none.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO.
    § 9-4.110 · code text
    In an AO zone, the lowest floor shall be elevated to a height which is elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height which is at or above the depth number specified on the FIRM or at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • The lowest floor must be at or above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in zone A.
    § 9-4.110 · code text
    In an A zone, the lowest floor shall be elevated to a level at or above the base flood elevation.
  • The lowest floor must be at or above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in all other flood zones, not A or AO.
    § 9-4.110 · code text
    In all other zones, the lowest floor shall be elevated to a height at or above the base flood elevation.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Hayward's code: You need a development permit before construction or development starts in a special flood hazard area. (§ 9-4.100); Lowest floor above highest nearby ground, at or above the FIRM depth number, or at least 2 feet if none. (New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO.) (§ 9-4.110).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Hayward's building in a flood zone rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Hayward Municipal Code — full text