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Lakewood · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Lakewood

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

What Lakewood's code says

Lakewood code What Lakewood's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • A development permit is needed before any construction or other development begins in a special flood hazard area.
    § 8033 · code text
    A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 8032.1.
Building in a floodway
  • No buildings or structures; only work needed to maintain the flood control channel is allowed.
    Applies: Zone A, the San Gabriel River flood control channel.
    § 8034.1 · code text
    Further, no buildings or structures, as defined in these regulations, shall be constructed in Zone A. The only improvements that shall be permitted in said Zone A shall be those necessary for the continued maintenance of the flood control channel.
Height of the lowest floor
  • Above the highest adjacent grade, at least as high as the depth number in feet on the FIRM.
    Applies: New homes, including manufactured homes, in the AR zone with a base flood depth.
    § 8034.1 · code text
    In the AR (with base flood depth) zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • At least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New homes in the AR zone with a base flood depth, when the FIRM gives no depth number.
    § 8034.1 · code text
    elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
  • The lower of the AR base flood elevation or 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New homes in the AR zone.
    § 8034.1 · code text
    In the AR Zone, elevated using the lower of either the AR base flood elevation or the elevation that is 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Lakewood's code: A development permit is needed before any construction or other development begins in a special flood hazard area. (§ 8033); Above the highest adjacent grade, at least as high as the depth number in feet on the FIRM. (New homes, including manufactured homes, in the AR zone with a base flood depth.) (§ 8034.1).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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