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Lake Elsinore · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Lake Elsinore

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

What Lake Elsinore's code says

Lake Elsinore code What Lake Elsinore's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • A development permit is needed before any construction or other development, including manufactured homes.
    Applies: In any area of special flood hazard.
    § 15.64.400 · code text
    A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development including manufactured homes within any area of special flood hazard established in LEMC § 15.64.310.
Height of the lowest floor
  • 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in AE, AH and A1-30 flood zones.
    § 15.64.500 · code text
    In AE, AH, A1-30 Zones, elevated two feet above the BFE.
  • 2 feet above the FIRM depth number, measured from the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone with a depth number on the FIRM.
    § 15.64.500 · code text
    In an AO Zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height two feet above the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least four feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • At least 4 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone with no depth number on the FIRM.
    § 15.64.500 · code text
    In an AO Zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height two feet above the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least four feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an A zone with no base flood elevation on the FIRM.
    § 15.64.500 · code text
    In an A Zone, without BFEs specified on the FIRM [unnumbered A zone], elevated two feet above the BFE; as determined under LEMC § 15.64.310.
  • Foundation or basement no lower than 1,264 feet above sea level, plus up to 3 feet for wave run-up.
    Applies: New homes on the lake shore within Grand Avenue, Riverside Drive, Lakeshore Drive, Mission Trail and Corydon Road; the Floodplain Administrator sets run-up.
    § 15.68.010 · code text
    No person shall construct any new residential structure within the perimeter streets of Grand Avenue, Riverside Drive, Lakeshore Drive, Mission Trail and Corydon Road along the shore of Lake Elsinore such that the foundation or basement shall be below an elevation of 1,264 feet mean sea level, plus a maximum of three feet for wave run-up as determined by the Floodplain Administrator.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a Lake Elsinore flood zone?

Lake Elsinore's code: A development permit is needed before any construction or other development, including manufactured homes. (In any area of special flood hazard.) (§ 15.64.400); 2 feet above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in AE, AH and A1-30 flood zones.) (§ 15.64.500).

General information, not legal advice.

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Lake Elsinore Municipal Code — full text