Department of Water Resources Home

Flood Management

Flood & Safety Topics Flood Management Levee Repairs & Floodplain Management Floodplain Management Floodplain Assistance Special Projects Local Flood Risk Planning

Local Flood Risk Planning

Six bills were enacted in October 2007 - Assembly Bills 162, 70, 5, and 156 and Senate Bills 5 and 17 - to address statewide flood problems, including assessing the capabilities of the Central Valley levee system, developing plans to better manage the flood protection system, and mandating that local planning efforts recognize the risks of flooding. These bills became effective January 2008 and collectively added or amended sections in the California Code, Health and Safety Code, Public Resource Code, and Water Code. Together, these bills outlined a comprehensive approach to improving flood management at the State regional and local levels.


Local Flood Risk Handbook Available Now

In cooperation with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, Housing and Community Development, California Emergency Management Agency, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and California Geological Survey, DWR has prepared a guidance document entitled "Implementing California Flood Legislation into Local Land Use Planning: A Handbook for Local Communities." The Handbook describes how the 2007 flood risk management legislation affects city and county responsibilities related to local planning requirements, including general plans, development agreements, zoning ordinances, tentative maps and other actions. The Handbook can be accessed at the link noted below. Also, to request a printed copy or CD of the document, please send your mailing address to localfloodriskhandbook@water.ca.gov. If you have any comments, please send them to localfloodriskhandbook@water.ca.gov, or you may contact Ricardo Pineda, Chief of the Floodplain Management Branch, at rpineda@water.ca.gov or (916) 574-1475.