Building in a flood zone in Newport Beach: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Newport Beach Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Newport Beach's code says

Newport Beach code What Newport Beach's code adds
Floodplain permit	A building permit application is needed before construction. Applies: Construction within any area of special flood hazards. § 15.50.200 · code text 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.
Building in a floodway	Encroachments, including fill and new construction, are banned unless a certified hydrologic and hydraulic analysis shows no flood level increase. Applies: Within floodways. § 15.50.200 · code text 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.
Height of the lowest floor	Above the highest adjacent grade by at least the FIRM depth number plus 1 foot of freeboard. Applies: AO Zone with a FIRM depth number; lowest floor, including basement, of new or substantially improved homes. § 15.50.200 · code text 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. At least 2 feet above the highest grade. Applies: Homes in an AO Zone with no depth number. § 15.50.200 · code text 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. At or above the design flood elevation the city sets. Applies: Homes in an unnumbered A Zone. § 15.50.200 · code text In an unnumbered A Zone, elevated to or above the design flood elevation, as determined by the City. At or above the design flood elevation. Applies: Homes in flood zones other than AO and unnumbered A; Coastal High Hazard, VE and Coastal A Zones have added rules. § 15.50.200 · code text In all other zones, elevated to or above the design flood elevation per Section 15.50.070.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a Newport Beach flood zone?

Newport Beach's code: A building permit application is needed before construction. (Construction within any area of special flood hazards.) (§ 15.50.200); Above the highest adjacent grade by at least the FIRM depth number plus 1 foot of freeboard. (AO Zone with a FIRM depth number; lowest floor, including basement, of new or substantially improved homes.) (§ 15.50.200).

Building in a flood zone in Newport Beach

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