Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question:
I'm contacting from an architecture firm that is planning on constructing a second-story addition to an existing one-story home. LADBS has informed us that we have to fill an application because the home in located in a FLOOD ZONE. I was wondering if you could tell me what actions we need to take to complete this process and how long will it take for our application to get reviewed.



Answer:
Thank you for your inquiry.

If the home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the project will need to be in compliance with the floodplain management regulations from Title 26, Section 110.1 of the Los Angeles County Code per Title 44, Section 60.3 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These requirements include elevating the structure's first floor to at least one foot above the water surface elevation and restrict usage below the finish floor, if the construction is determined to be a substantial improvement. Note, the County also maintains floodways and water surface elevations based on the County's Capital Flood. The structure would need to be designed to the greater of FEMA's 100-year flood or the County's Capital Flood.

An elevation certificate will need to be completed and submitted to our Building and Safety Division. This elevation certificate will be reviewed by Watershed Management and Building and Safety Divisions and estimate one week for the review. The elevation certificates can be obtained from FEMA's website at: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/160

Depending on the scope of the project a hydraulic analysis may also need to be conducted to determine the impact the project will have on the floodplain. A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) may need to be submitted and will also be reviewed by both Divisions. This review will take approximately six weeks (three weeks for each Division). A LOMR application is available at: http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-hazard-mapping/mt-2-application-forms-and-instructions

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Eduardo Escobar, of the Watershed Management Division at (626) 458-4355.
For our Building and Safety offices and contact numbers, see website at: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/bsd/offices/

Note, if the project is located within the incorporated City of Los Angeles, please contact the City at (213) 485-4820.