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Patterson · Building on your lot

Building in a flood zone in Patterson

Patterson's own rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text for every value.

Ask about building in a flood zone in Patterson See coverage

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

What Patterson's code says

Patterson code What Patterson's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • A development permit is needed before construction or development begins; the fee is set by city council resolution.
    Applies: In areas of special flood hazard.
    § 17.16.010 · code text
    A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard.
Height of the lowest floor
  • 1 foot above the base flood elevation.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in A1-30, AE and AH zones.
    § 17.12.010 · code text
    New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure within A1-30, AE and AH zones shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation.
  • At least the FIRM depth number plus 1 foot, above the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO with a FIRM depth number; the lowest floor includes any basement.
    § 17.12.010 · code text
    New construction and substantial improvement of any structure in Zone AO shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM plus one foot,
  • At least 3 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO with no FIRM depth number; the lowest floor includes any basement.
    § 17.12.010 · code text
    or at least three feet if no depth number is specified.
When a remodel must meet flood rules
  • Repairs or improvements costing 50% or more of the building's market value.
    Applies: Market value before the work starts, or before the damage for a damaged building being restored.
    § 17.08.370 · code text
    means any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent of the market value of the structure either: (A) before the improvement or repair is started; or (B) if the structure has been damaged, and is being restored, before the damage occurred.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Patterson's code: A development permit is needed before construction or development begins; the fee is set by city council resolution. (In areas of special flood hazard.) (§ 17.16.010); 1 foot above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in A1-30, AE and AH zones.) (§ 17.12.010).

General information, not legal advice.

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Patterson Municipal Code — full text