Flood Damage Prevention

The following is provided to assist the City of Salinas community, participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as of 1981, in understanding local floodplain management regulations and developing in local Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).

The City’s flood insurance study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are on file at the Salinas Permit Center, 65 West Alisal Street, with the Engineering Permit Services Section. Copies of the City’s FIS and FIRMs are also available at the Salinas Public Libraries.

Find more information in the documents and links below.

Salinas Flood Safety Brochure

2009 Summary Of Map Actions Somas

FEMA Flood Fact Sheet For Kids

NFIP Flood After Fire Webinar Deck

Flood Insurance

Flood damage is not covered by homeowner insurance policies. For this reason, the City of Salinas participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides flood insurance options for all structures, whether or not they are located in the floodplain. This insurance can be purchased from participating insurance agencies. The insurance agent may ask for an elevation certificate to begin coverage. This document identifies the building's risk by comparing the building's elevation to the flood height level in that area.

There is a 30-day waiting period by the NFIP before coverage takes effect. Therefore, plan ahead and purchase insurance before the rainy season.

Flood Insurance Requirements

Under federal law, homes or businesses located in the high-risk flood area that receive federal disaster assistance and/or have government-backed mortgages are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance. Per this requirement, the minimum flood insurance coverage must be equal to the amount of the loan, the maximum amount available under the NFIP based on structure type (currently $250,000 for residential property structures), or the insurable value of the property.

Structures located in moderate-to low- risk areas are not required by federal law to obtain flood insurance, but can still be required by the lender. It is the lender's responsibility to review the Flood Insurance Rate Map to determine if the structure is located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The lender will notify you if your structure has been added to the SFHA to update your flood insurance coverage.

Flood Insurance Rates and Coverage

Various factors are used to calculate flood insurance rates, including flood hazard location, elevation, and building age. These factors can cause a drastic variety between rates, so it is best to contact a licensed participating insurance agent to help you determine the premium for your specific property.

Through the NFIP there are two types of coverage: building and contents. Building coverage includes the building, foundation, electrical and plumbing system, and other items permanently attached to the structure, typically excluding basements. Contents coverage may be purchased separately to insure other contents of the insured building. A complete list of what is covered by these two types of coverage and more information about flood insurance can be found in the NFIP's Summary of Coverage Brochure.

Additionally, if your building is located in the floodplain area there are ways to reduce your flood insurance premium. The NFIP "How Can I Pay Less?" website notes common flood mitigation options property owners can consider to help reduce their coverage cost.

Community Rating System

The City of Salinas participates in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS). This voluntary incentive program recognizes the community's effort to reduce flood risk, and promote the awareness of flood insurance by awarding a NFIP policy premium discount for developing these extra measures, beyond the minimum floodplain management requirements.

The U.S Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergancy Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the City of Salinas a class seven (7) rating since 2014. This allows Salinas residents to qualify for a 15 percent discount on flood insurance premiums when located in the SFHA and a five percent discount outside the SFHA. Participation in the CRS program demonstrates the City's effort to help reduce property damage and save lives in the event of a flood.

City Flood Maps (April 2, 2009)

Official Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the City of Salinas have been attached below for your convenience.

A listing of historic Letter of Map Changes (LOMCs) not included in the 2009 FIRMs can be found in the 2009 Summary of Map Actions (SOMAs) above.

Flood Insurance Study (June 21, 2017)

The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) contains detailed flood elevation data in profiles and data tables.

Flood Insurance Study (April 2, 2009)

The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) contains detailed flood elevation data in profiles and data tables.

Historic FIRMs, Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps and FIS

The City of Salinas maintains historic flood maps from 1981 on file. These files are attached and can be viewed in person at the Permit Center. A flood map for Panel 060202 0004 was not published by FEMA as it contains no floodway was delineated within it's boundaries.

Historic Unrecorded Maps

FEMA Flood Protection Publications

The following is a listing of publications provided by FEMA to assist in your development and reduce possible flood damage to your structure.

FEMA Elevation Certificates

Elevation Certificates are required for properties located within a Special Flood Hazard Area to verify a properties flood risk. The City of Salinas, as the local flood plan administrator, archives all Elevation Certificates within our jurisdictions. The properties listed below have an Elevation Certificate on file with the City of Salinas. A copy of an Elevation Certificate can be made available by request and will be treated as a public information request per City Policy.

390 East Alisal Street
64 East Bernal Drive
114 Bridge Street, Battery Building
114 Bridge Street, 60 KV MPAC Building
114 Bridge Street, 115 KV MPAC Building
416 Brighton Street
437 Brighton Street
201 Calle Cebu
205 Calle Cebu
209 Calle Cebu
213 Calle Cebu
217 Calle Cebu
221 Calle Cebu
225 Calle Cebu
229 Calle Cebu
233 Calle Cebu
237 Calle Cebu
240 Calle Cebu
241 Calle Cebu
245 Calle Cebu
477 Carol Drive
485 Carol Drive
1492 Constitution Boulevard
1067 North Davis Road
1209-1215 North Davis Road
1223 North Davis Road
1226 De La Torre
33 Deer Street, #4
731 Elton Place, Accessory Structure #1
731 Elton Place, Accessory Structure #2
770 Elton Place
767 Elton Street*
770 Elton Street*
705 Garner Avenue
707 Garner Avenue
709 Garner Avenue
711 Garner Avenue
713 Garner Avenue
715 Garner Avenue
717 Garner Avenue
719 Garner Avenue
295 Griffin Street, Accessory Structure #1
295 Griffin Street, Accessory Structure #2
295 Griffin Street, Accessory Structure #3
110 Kern Street
150 Kern Street, #52
151 Kern Street
175 Kern Street
181 Kern Street
195 Kern Street
722 La Guardia Street
726 La Guardia Street
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #27
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #28
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #29
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #30
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #31
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #32
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #33
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #34
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #35B
680 Las Casitas Drive, Portable #36
681 Las Casitas Drive
683 Las Casitas Drive
685 Las Casitas Drive
687 Las Casitas Drive
689 Las Casitas Drive
691 Las Casitas Drive
693 Las Casitas Drive
695 Las Casitas Drive
697 Las Casitas Drive
699 Las Casitas Drive
701 Las Casitas Drive
703 Las Casitas Drive
705 Las Casitas Drive
707 Las Casitas Drive
709 Las Casitas Drive
711 Las Casitas Drive
713 Las Casitas Drive
715 Las Casitas Drive
717 Las Casitas Drive
719 Las Casitas Drive
162 North Madeira Avenue, C
10 Manchester Circle
12 Manchester Circle
349 East Market Street
400 East Market Street
336 East Market Street
414 West Market Street
320 Martella Street, Accessory Pump House
19 Massachusetts Circle
591 McAllister Street
12 Neil Street
1346 New Hampshire Court, #11
1346 New Hampshire Court, #12
1346 New Hampshire Court, #14
1346 New Hampshire Court, #17
1346 New Hampshire Court, #19
45 Peach Drive
2107 Perez Street
1019 Post Drive
1025 Post Drive
702 Potrero Way
221 Prader Street
6 Quail Run Circle
11 Quail Run Circle
20 Quail Run Circle
27 Quail Run Circle
36 Quail Run Circle
1149 Ranchero Drive
1153 Ranchero Drive
1157 Ranchero Drive
1177 Ranchero Drive
1201 Ranchero Drive
1210 Ranchero Drive
3 Rossi Circle
2 Rossi Circle
4 Rossi Circle
6 Rossi Circle
10 Rossi Circle, Office
10 Rossi Circle, Building A
10 Rossi Circle, Building B
10 Rossi Circle, Building C
10 Rossi Circle, Building D
10 Rossi Circle, Building E
10 Rossi Circle, Building F
10 Rossi Circle, Building G
10 Rossi Circle, Building H
10 Rossi Circle, Building I
30 East Rossi Street
40 East Rossi Street
50 East Rossi Street
60 East Rossi Street
8 Santa Clara Avenue
150 Sherwood Drive
150 Sherwood Drive, 139
17 Short Street
17 Short Street, Detached Garage
10 Simas Street
34 Simas Street
2106 Soto Place
12 Sun Street
29 Sun Street, Building 1
29 Sun Street, Building 2
29 Sun Street, Building 3
29 Sun Street, Building 4
30 Sun Street
32 Sun Street
34 Sun Street
735 Victor Street
741 Victor Street
745 Victor Street
951 Victor Street

Flood Damage Prevention News

FEMA Updates Flood Maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for parts of Monterey County. The maps identify revised flood hazards along the Salinas River, Gonzales Slough, Natividad Creek and unnamed tributaries. Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from May 12 to August 10, 2022. During that time, public agencies, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or...
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Flood Preparedness Week
OCTOBER 23-30 IS FLOOD PREPAREDNESS WEEK

It is crucial for you to prepare for flooding by following three basic steps:
1. Be aware of your risk: Know whether your home is in a flood zone; pay attention to weather forecasts; and listen to local authorities.
2. Be prepared: Always have an emergency evacuation kit ready; be prepared to evacuate early; have a household inventory with copies of critical documents; and
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Preparedness Information for Insurance
National Preparedness Month has come to an end. As a final community outreach, we have provided a link below that will direct you to the FEMA Flood Insurance page. This link is helpful to be prepared and covered for an emergency. Please keep in mind that there is a 30 day waiting period for insurance coverage. #BeReady
- FEMA Flood Insurance page
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