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Building in a flood zone in San Jose

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

What San Jose's code says

San Jose code What San Jose's code adds
Floodplain permit
  • You need a development permit before any construction or development, including manufactured homes, in a special flood hazard area.
    § 17.08.570 · 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 Section 17.08.510.
Height of the lowest floor
  • The lowest floor must be at or above the FIRM depth number.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO with a depth number on the FIRM.
    § 17.08.620 · code text
    Zone AO. Elevated to or above the depth number specified on the FIRM.
  • The lowest floor must be 2 feet above the highest nearby ground.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO with no depth number on the FIRM.
    § 17.08.620 · code text
    If there is no depth number on the FIRM, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated two feet above the highest adjacent grade.
  • The lowest floor must be at or above the base flood elevation on the FIRM or best available data.
    Applies: New or substantially improved homes in Zones A, A1-A30, AE or AH.
    § 17.08.620 · code text
    Elevated to or above the base flood elevation specified on the FIRM or the best available data as defined in Section 17.08.210 when base flood elevation has not been provided.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the rules for building in a San Jose flood zone?

San Jose's code: You need a development permit before any construction or development, including manufactured homes, in a special flood hazard area. (§ 17.08.570); The lowest floor must be at or above the FIRM depth number. (New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO with a depth number on the FIRM.) (§ 17.08.620).

General information, not legal advice.

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San Jose Municipal Code — full text