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Building in a flood zone in Orinda

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

What Orinda's code says

Orinda code What Orinda's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • You need a development permit before construction or development starts in a special flood hazard area.
    § 18.05.100 · code text
    A development permit must be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 18.05.050 of this chapter.
Building in a floodway
  • No new building or fill is allowed unless a professional engineer certifies no base flood rise and code compliance.
    Applies: Special flood hazard areas designated as floodways.
    § 18.05.220 · code text
    No new construction, substantial improvement, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within special flood hazard areas, except as provided in subsection B of this section.
Height of the lowest floor
  • Lowest floor at least 2 feet above the FIRM depth number over nearby ground, or 2 feet if none.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone.
    § 18.05.160 · code text
    In an AO zone, is elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding two feet above 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.
  • The lowest floor must be at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an A zone; the base flood elevation is set by a method in the code.
    § 18.05.160 · code text
    In an A zone, elevated to at least two feet above the base flood elevation.
  • The lowest floor must be at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in all flood zones other than A and AO.
    § 18.05.160 · code text
    In all other zones, elevated to at least two feet above the base flood elevation.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in an Orinda flood zone?

Orinda's code: You need a development permit before construction or development starts in a special flood hazard area. (§ 18.05.100); Lowest floor at least 2 feet above the FIRM depth number over nearby ground, or 2 feet if none. (New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone.) (§ 18.05.160).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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