FAQ's

A: A flood zone is an area that has been identified on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as being prone to flooding. Various types of flood zones appear on a FIRM and are shown in the table below:

Zone	Description
A	Areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no base flood elevation or depths are shown.
AE	Areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood as determined by detailed methods. Base flood elevations are shown within these zones (zone AE is used on new and revised maps in lieu of zones A1-A30).
AH	Areas subject to inundation by 100-year shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are between one and three feet. Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown in this zone.
AO	Areas subject to inundation by 100-year shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are between one and three feet. Average flood depths derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within this zone.
A1-A30	Areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood as determined by detailed methods. Base flood elevations are shown within these zones (zone AE is used on new and revised maps in place of zones A1-A30).
A99	Special flood-hazard areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood but that ultimately will be protected by a Federal flood-protection system that is being constructed. Flood-protection systems in this zone include dikes, dams, and levees on which construction progress meets statutory provisions for considering the system complete for insurance rating purposes. No base flood elevations or depths are shown.
B	Areas of moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flooding in the area, as identified in the community flood insurance study (FIS). Buildings in these zones, however, could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall where local drainage systems were inadequate. Local stormwater drainage systems are not normally considered in the community's FIS. The failure of a local drainage system creates areas of high flood risk within zone B. Flood insurance is available in participating communities but is not required by regulation (zone X is used on new and revised maps in place of zones B and C).
C	Areas of moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flooding in the area, as identified in the community FIS. Buildings in zone C, however, could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall where local drainage systems were inadequate. Local stormwater drainage systems are not normally considered in the community's FIS. The failure of a local drainage system creates areas of high flood risk within zone C. Flood insurance is available in participating communities but is not required by regulation (zone X is used on new and revised maps in place of zones B and C).
D	Unstudied areas in which flood hazards are undetermined but flooding is possible. No mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply, but coverage is available in participating communities.
V	Coastal areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood having additional hazards associated with storm-induced waves. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no base flood elevations or depths are shown.
VE	Coastal areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood having additional hazards due to storm-induced velocity wave action. Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within these zones (zone VE is used on new and revised maps in lieu of zones V1-V30).
V1-V30	Coastal areas subject to inundation by a 100-year flood having additional hazards due to storm-induced velocity wave action. Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within these zones (zone VE is used on new and revised maps in lieu of zones V1-V30).
X	Areas of moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flooding in the area as identified in the community FIS. Buildings in these zones, however, could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall where local drainage systems were inadequate. Local stormwater drainage systems are not normally considered in the community's FIS. The failure of a local drainage system creates areas of high flood risk within zone X. Flood insurance is available in participating communities but is not required by regulation (zone X is used on new and revised maps in lieu of zones B and C).

A: For buildings within an area designated as a 100-year flood zone, Pacific County requires the submittal of a pre-construction flood elevation certificate (FEC) prepared by a licensed land surveyor or Professional Engineer (PE). Prior to the final inspection, a post-construction FEC (again, prepared by a licensed land surveyor or PE) shall be submitted to Pacific County. The post-construction FEC will indicate how the building was constructed in regards to the established flood elevation for that particular property/area and should indicate that the building was constructed in compliance with adopted flood construction standards (Pacific County and FEMA). For specific construction details for building within a flood zone, please refer to Pacific County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance or contact a building inspector.

A: There are essentially two (2) types of frequently flooded areas as defined by Pacific County’s regulations. The first refers to lands that are located within a 100-year flood zone as established by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). Development within the 100-year flood zone typically requires the submittal of pre and post construction flood elevation certificates and compliance with Pacific County’s Shoreline Master Program. The second refers to areas of periodic inundation as a result of high ground water tables and stormwater runoff and only applies to the Long Beach Peninsula. Development activities within, or adjacent to, frequently flooded areas typically requires enhanced permit review by Pacific County and the submittal of a drainage plan prepared by a professional engineer. You may view the frequently flooded maps online or you may visit or call our Planning Division for additional information.