Flood Zone Information & The Community Rating System (CRS) Program
Local Flood Hazard
Less than five percent of the city of Pleasanton is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The city of Pleasanton has worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to eliminate the majority of the City’s special flood hazard areas (100-year flood zone). A 100-year flood is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.
Waterways and stormwater transport systems traverse the entire city of Pleasanton. The majority of these waterways are maintained by Zone 7 Agency, Arroyo Del Valle is one of them and subject to flows coming out of Lake Del Valle which is owned by California Department of Water Resources. Areas adjacent to a major channel have documented flooding potential, these include:
- Arroyo de La Laguna/Alamo Canal
- Arroyo del Valle
- Arroyo Mocho
- Chabot Canal
- Tassajara Creek
Stream Gauges
For stream flow data on hydrosphere click the link below and zoom in to city of Pleasanton. Click on the tear drop symbol on the left-hand corner of the page to see the stream gauge information:
Zone 7 Central Stream Gauges (zoom in to City of Pleasanton after you click on this link)
Zone 7 has a team that closely monitors local stream gauges and weather forecasts during storm events, from Early Storm/Flood Warning to Flood Advisory and Flood Warning, their alert levels are tailored to assist you in navigating various degrees of flood risk. To watch a video and learn about each alert level and what you can do to stay safe visit Zone 7 Agency website, just click on this link: https://www.zone7water.com/preparedness
Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federally backed flood insurance within communities that enact and enforce floodplain regulations. To be covered by a flood insurance policy (for the structure and/or its contents), a property must be in a community that participates in the NFIP. The City of Pleasanton is a participant of the NFIP. The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating communities. The goals of the CRS are to reduce flood damages to insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. The CRS has been developed to provide incentives in the form of premium discounts for communities to go beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements to develop extra measures to provide protection from flooding. View additional information on the FEMA website. The city of Pleasanton is a CRS Class 7 providing residents with 15% discount on flood insurance premium rates. City staff has worked hard to ensure the City is safe and resilient to flooding. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect reduced flood risks in Pleasanton due to community actions which meet the three goals of the CRS Program:- Reduce flood damage to insurable property; and
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP; and
- Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
Request Flood Zone Information
As a public service, the city of Pleasanton will also provide the following information upon request:
- Whether a property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the City
- Additional flood insurance data for a site, such as the FIRM zone and the base flood elevation or depth, if shown on the FIRM
- Elevation certificates: The city of Pleasanton maintains elevation certificates (ECs) for new and substantially improved structures in the SFHA since 1993. To find out if the City has an elevation certificate on file for your property, click here for a list of ECs on file or you may call (925) 437-4005. City of Pleasanton staff will also make site visits to provide one-on-one advice to property owners regarding flooding and drainage issues on private property. We also have site specific information for some parcels within Pleasanton. For more information, please contact the Engineering Division at (925) 437-4005.
To determine if your property is within FEMA’s Flood Hazard Area, you may visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. You do not need an account to get flood zone information – just type in your address within the search bar on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (click on “Search” On the next page, choose DYNAMIC MAP to get the flood map of the area.
To learn how to read the Flood Insurance Rate Map and learn about the different flood hazard areas click on How to read a FIRM map.
You can also reach out to the city of Pleasanton’s Engineering Division. There are several ways to reach us:
- By voicemail at the City’s Floodplain Information Message Center at (925) 931-5649. Please state the street address and, if available, the subdivision, lot and block number in your message
- In person at the City’s Permit Center at 200 Old Bernal Avenue, which is open for walk-ins Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Engineering Division at (925) 437-4005.
- Fill out the flood determination request form: Flood Request Determination Form.
Flood Preparedness & Response
Flood Warning System
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
Stay informed! There are several options to receive flood warnings.
In addition to AC Alert, a region-wide emergency alert system, the city of Pleasanton has many ways of communicating with you in an emergency:
- Opt-in mass notification platforms, which are available on our website for public sign up: https://www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/emergency-preparedness/
- Local news media
- Social media
AC Alert, a region-wide emergency alert system, is a new service that provides a way to quickly alert you in the event of a local emergency and is free to use. These alerts will provide important information you may need to keep you and your family safe.
Sign up for AC Alert: AC Alert – Public – Sign up (everbridge.net)
If a flood warning is issued, citizens could be asked to evacuate. If time permits before leaving, be sure to:
- lock all doors and windows, and make sure windows are boarded and taped up
- turn off the electricity at the main breaker terminal and gas system at the outside source (the earlier the better, if you know how) and be alert for gas leaks; use a flashlight to inspect for damage
- unplug small appliances
- put towels or rugs around openings to reduce seepage
- move lightweight or easily damaged items to the highest location possible, securing them and covering them with plastic
- secure outdoor furniture and potted plants
- place dangerous chemicals, insecticides, herbicides or gasoline in watertight containers and in a high spot
Steps to Take Today
There are floodproofing improvements that can be done to your structure that may reduce the damage caused by flooding. If you are at risk to flooding you should consider the feasibility of floodproofing your facility like elevating your building or wet floodproofing. For more information, you may contact the Engineering on Duty (EOD) at (925) 437-4005 or via the Public Works contact form. You can also contact us online.
Emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. Emergency preparedness can bring you peace of mind. Take steps now to help your family prepare for an emergency.
Do you need flood insurance?
Pleasanton property owners and renters can obtain low-cost flood insurance because Pleasanton is an NFIP member and has a floodplain management program. You do not have to live in the floodplain to qualify for flood insurance. The city of Pleasanton is a CRS class 7, providing residents with a 15% discount on flood insurance rates.
Approximately 30% of all flood insurance claims occur outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area. Property owners can insure their buildings and contents, and renters can insure their possessions. Keep in mind, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect, so do not get caught applying for flood insurance the day before the storm. For more information, call your local insurance agent or the NFIP at (800) 638-6620.
The NFIP
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase flood insurance on eligible buildings and contents, whether they are in or out of a floodplain. This community participates in the NFIP, making federally-backed flood insurance available to its property owners.
The NFIP insures most walled and roofed buildings that are principally above ground on a permanent foundation, including mobile homes, and buildings in the course of construction. Property owners can purchase building and contents coverage from any local property and casualty insurance agent. To find a local insurance agent that writes flood insurance in your area visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Mandatory Purchase Requirement
Pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory for all federal or federally related financial assistance for the acquisition and/or construction of buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). An SFHA is defined as any “A” or “V” flood zone on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
The mandatory purchase requirement also applies to secured loans from such financial institutions as commercial lenders, savings and loans associations, savings banks, and credit unions that are regulated, supervised, or insured by federal agencies, such as the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of Currency, the Farm Credit Administration, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the National Credit Union Administration. It further applies to all loans purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in the secondary mortgage market.
Federal financial assistance programs affected by the laws include loans and grants from agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, Small Business Administration, and FEMA disaster assistance.
How it Works
When making, increasing, renewing, or extending any type of federally backed loan, lenders are required to conduct a flood zone determination using the most current FEMA FIRM to determine if any part of the building is located in an SFHA. If the building is in an SFHA, the federal agency or lender is required by law to provide written notification to the borrower that flood insurance is mandatory as a condition of the loan. Even though a portion of real property on which a building is located may lie within an SFHA, the purchase and notification requirements do not apply unless the building itself, or some part of the building, is in the SFHA. However, lenders, on their own initiative, may require the purchase of flood insurance even if a building is located outside an SFHA. Up to 25% of all NFIP flood losses arise from outside SFHAs (B, C, and X Zones).
Under federal regulations, the required coverage must equal the amount of the loan (excluding appraised value of the land) or the maximum amount of insurance available from the NFIP, whichever is less. The maximum amount of coverage available for a single-family residence is $250,000 and for non-residential (commercial) buildings is $500,000. Federal agencies and regulators may have stricter requirements, including government-sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Things You Can Do Before a Storm
The weather is unpredictable. Taking the time to prepare in advance of extreme weather will prepare you to weather a storm.
Here are some ways you can prepare:
- Buy flood insurance. Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. Generally, there is a 30-day waiting period for this policy to become effective, so don’t wait until the last minute to apply.
- Keep your insurance policies and a list of personal property in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box. Know the name and location of the agent(s) who issued these policies.
- Keep sandbags or quick dam flood bags and other house-protecting items (plastic sheeting, plywood, portable pumps) at the ready.
- Store important documents and personal objects where they won’t get damaged.
- Elevate or relocate utilities. Better yet, if feasible, elevate or relocate your entire home.
- Build and install flood shields for doors and openings to prevent the entrance of floodwater.
- Install a sump pump with backup power in crawl spaces or basements.
- To prevent foundation failure, place openings in your foundation walls that allow floodwaters to enter and exit.
- Clean up leaves and debris in the street and gutters.
- Monitor current weather conditions
- Inspect your roof for any damage or leaks
- Inspect your property, clearing private drains, v-ditches and rain gutters
- Check trees and remove any limbs that look like they could create a safety hazard
- Cover toxic materials with tight-fitting lids and/or store them indoors
- Review your family emergency plan.
What to do during a storm
The safety of your family is the most important consideration. Since floodwaters can rise rapidly, you should be prepared to evacuate before the water level reaches your property. During the storm, the following tips may be helpful:
- Keep a battery-powered radio. Follow emergency instructions as they are given.
- If you are caught in the house by suddenly rising waters, move to the second floor and, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with you. Then, wait for help. Don’t try to swim to safety. Rescue teams will look for you.
- When outside the house, remember water depths during floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters that are more than knee-deep.
- Stay away from storm drain channels and areas subject to sudden flooding
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
Do not:
- Remain in the car, if your car stalls in a flooded area. Abandon it as soon as possible and seek higher ground. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
- Try to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. You could be swept away by strong currents. Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
- Sight see in flooded areas or make unnecessary trips. Use the telephone only for emergencies or to report dangerous conditions.
Winter Storm Pet Care:
- Remember to plan for temporary care of family pets during emergencies. Shelters may or may not have facilities to care for animals. Frightened pets may be injured or killed during severe storms.
- To look for pets after the storm, call East County Animal Shelter at (510) 677-7763 or the SPCA at (510) 569-0702.
What to do after a flood:
- Before entering a building, check for structural damage and make sure it is not in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank and let the house air for several minutes to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
- Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to the electric or gas company, police or fire department.
- Upon entering the building, do not use an open flame as a light source since gas may be trapped inside. A battery-operated flashlight is ideal.
- Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If appliances or electrical equipment have been in contact with water, have them checked before use.
Sandbag Stations
With the rainy season upon us, the City of Pleasanton reminds local residents and businesses that free sand and sandbags are available to those concerned about flooding. Residents can pick up free sandbags at the Operations Services Department, located at 3333 Busch Road. The sandbags can be picked up at anytime and are located in the parking lot. Please bring your own shovel.
To dispose of sandbags properly after the rainy season please visit the Pleasanton Garbage Services website or call them at (925) 846-2042.
Constructing in the Floodplain
Constructing improvements in the floodplain has the potential to impact flood levels. If not properly designed, a structure may be susceptible to flood damage or may cause flood damage to adjacent properties. Improvements or repairs to existing structures in the floodplain, such as remodels or garage conversions, would require review by city officials to determine if such improvements would constitute a “substantial improvement” as defined by Federal Regulations (Substantial Improvement is activated if the cost of the new improvements or repairs exceeds 50% of the value of the original structure).
Meet improvement requirements
The NFIP requires that if the cost of reconstruction, additions, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards. For example, a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation. Please contact the Building Inspection Division at (925) 931-5300 for more information.
Meet permitting requirements
All development within the city requires a permit. Always check and fulfill permitting requirements with the Building Inspection Division at (925) 931-5300 and/or the Planning Division at (925) 931-5600 before you alter, fill, re-grade, or build on any portion of your property and/or within any easement or right-of-way. Also, contact either of the numbers above to report any suspected permitting violations. Contact the Public Works – Engineering at (925) 437-4005 or via the Public Works contact form. You can also contact us online.
If improvements are not constructed to Federal standards, this may affect the ability of the owner to obtain flood insurance or a loan on the structure. Flood relief assistance funds may also be withheld if the structure is not in compliance with Federal requirements.
Even if you do not live in or near a floodplain, runoff water (rain, irrigation, garden hose) from your property flows down the gutter into the storm drains and out to the creek. This runoff may contain pollutants that harm our creeks and streams, and the wildlife that live there. The City of Pleasanton is committed to protecting our creeks and streams by involving and educating our residents. To report dumping in the floodplains of Pleasanton or possible pollutants that may be flowing into the City’s gutters or drains, call (925) 931-5500. To find out more about what you can do to help go to http://www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/gov/depts/os/env/water/faq.asp.
The city’s flood ordinance can be found by clicking in the link below:
Elevation Certificates and Other Floodplain construction Certificates
Because new buildings built in the floodplain are at risk of flood damage, elevating or dry floodproofing of non-residential buildings is an important requirement of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
FEMA Elevation Certificate form and information
Because the city is a participant in the Community Rating System (CRS), all new and substantially improved structures in Pleasanton are required to use the current version of FEMA’s Elevation Certificate form and FEMA’s Dry Floodproofing for Non-Residential Structures form.
FEMA has updated its Elevation Certificate form. All Elevation Certificates that are developed within the City of Pleasanton on or after July 7, 2023, must use this updated FEMA’s Elevation Certificate form. Surveyors, building owners, and engineers can find detailed instructions on the updated form.
If the form opens with a “Please wait…” message, download the file to your computer and open it with Adobe software (e.g., Reader or Acrobat). On the form, toggle from the fillable form to the instructions by clicking the “Form instructions” button at the top of the file.
FEMA Dry Floodproofing for Non-Residential Structures form and information
FEMA has updated its Dry Floodproofing for Non-Residential Structures Form. All new development within the City of Pleasanton that seeks to use a dry-floodproofing method on or after July 7, 2023, must use this updated form. Surveyors, building owners, and engineers can find detailed instructions on the updated form.
Additional Resources
You can find the following helpful FEMA publications in the city’s public library.
- Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
- Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
- Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55 (2011)
- Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
- Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
- Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA-257 (1994)
- Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)
- Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
- Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511 (2005)
For publications in alternative languages, click here.
- Para publicaciones en español oprima aquí. (Spanish)
- alnashr biallughat albadilat anqur huna. (Arabic)
- Yǐ qítā yǔyán fābù qǐng diǎnjī cǐ chù. (Chinese)
Helpful Links
- http://www.zone7water.com/
- Zone 7 Storm Central Realtime Stream Gauges
- Flood Insurance | FEMA.gov
- www.floodsmart.gov
- City of Pleasanton’s Annual Outreach
- SFHA Brochure
- FEMA’s “Six Ways to Protect Your Home”
- Special Flood Hazard Area Brochure
Additional Information
Learn how to protect your property from flood damage: