FEMA releases preliminary flood maps for Santa Rosa Creek Watershed

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released preliminary flood maps for the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed. The preliminary maps identify high-risk flood zones, referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties in these areas may be subject to flood insurance requirements and stricter building regulations.

In unincorporated Sonoma County, this specifically impacts about 50 properties near Matanzas Creek in Bennett Valley and Santa Rosa Creek west of the city, before the Laguna de Santa Rosa.

FEMA’s flood risk mapping effort, conducted in coordination with the City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma Water and the County of Sonoma, is part of FEMA’s nationwide initiative to update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The new maps incorporate the latest available data, including local hydrologic and hydraulic studies, to identify flood-prone areas. The updated assessments of flood risk help communities make informed decisions about where to live, what to build, and how to protect homes and businesses. The flood maps also help local officials develop strategies for improving resiliency, such as infrastructure improvements and future development.

“This collaborative effort gives us a more accurate understanding of the potential for flooding in the Santa Rosa Creek watershed,” said District 3 Supervisor Chris Coursey, who represents Santa Rosa and central Sonoma County. “Clear, science-based information is key to helping our community stay safe and prepared. While most of the changes impact areas within the City of Santa Rosa, it’s important that all residents understand what’s changing and what steps they may need to take.”

Prior to finalizing the maps, FEMA will open a 90-day public appeal and comment period, expected to begin this winter. During this time, residents and property owners may formally challenge FEMA’s flood zone designation using scientific or technical data.

Following the appeal period, FEMA will review submissions and determine the appropriate next steps. Once the flood maps are adopted, properties located in high-risk flood zones will be subject to building regulations and flood insurance requirements. Property owners may be required to obtain flood insurance, particularly those who have federally-backed mortgages. Most standard homeowners and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage, but coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and private insurers. Additionally, new construction or substantial improvements within Special Flood Hazard Areas must comply with the city’s local floodplain development regulations.

The public is invited to attend a virtual community meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, to pose questions and obtain detailed information about the new flood risk maps. The meeting will be hosted by the County of Sonoma, the City of Santa Rosa, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program. To view the preliminary maps and learn more about the upcoming community meeting, visit srcity.org/FEMAFloodMapping.

Subscribe for project updates, view FAQs and track the project timeline at srcity.org/FEMAFloodMapping. For questions about parcels in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, please contact Permit Sonoma:

Nathan Quarles Deputy Director, Engineering Construction
nathan.quarles@sonomacounty.gov

Steve Snow Supervising Engineer, Engineering Construction
steve.snow@sonomacounty.gov

Additional Resources:

• City of Santa Rosa Resource Center: srcity.org/FEMAFloodMapping
• FEMA Flood Map Information: fema.gov/flood-maps
• Flood Insurance Details: FloodSmart.gov
• FEMA Map Specialist: (877) 336-2627 or FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov

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Media Contact:
Genevieve Bertone
Permit Sonoma Department Program Manager, Outreach
Genevieve.Bertone@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565- 1231