Floodplains
In Santa Clara, certain areas that have been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as Special Flood Hazard Areas are called "100-year floodplains". A flood that results from a rainfall that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year is called a “100-year flood”. Floodplains are the areas along rivers or streams that have been or may be expected to be covered by a “100-year flood”. To find out whether your property lies within a floodplain, or for information on flood-related questions, call the City Planning Department at (408) 615-2450.

Recent Development
Floodplain boundaries have changed over the years and as a result, the flood maps for the City of Santa Clara are being revised. Last year, the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) completed a flood study and some flood protection improvements along the Guadalupe River. At that time, FEMA approved interim flood maps. All the flood protection improvements are now completed and FEMA has approved the final flood maps with an effective date of October 25, 2006. The Final Letter of Map Revision and the current flood maps can be viewed from this website, from links found on the bottom of this page.

Flood Insurance
Most property owner insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding. However, because the City of Santa Clara participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, residents can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the federal government and is available to anyone who has property in the City, even if it is not in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Homes and businesses located within Special Flood Hazard Areas are required to be covered by a flood insurance policy as a condition of federally funded financial assistance for purchase or construction of the building. Information about flood insurance can be obtained from your insurance agent, or by calling the National Flood Insurance Program customer service line at 1-800-427-4661 or visit http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodins/infocon.shtm.

Information Sources
The existing flood maps and flood protection references are available at the Santa Clara Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd., (408) 615-2900. The existing flood maps are also available at the City's Permit Center, 1500 Warburton Ave., or call (408) 615-2450. Any construction for flood-proofing your property requires a permit from the City's Building Division. Elevation Certificates for recent construction are available at the City's Planning Department, (408) 615-2450. Online flood information can be viewed at the FEMA website or on the City website from the links posted below. Please also note that due to their size, the maps viewable from these links cannot be printed out on your home computer. In addition, note that the maps on the FEMA website, linked above, do not reflect the latest revision dates; the more current maps are linked below from the City's website.

24/7 Emergencies
To report life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. To report emergencies involving City electric, water and sewer utilities, storm drains, or flooding, call (408) 615-5640. For information on sandbags call the City Corporation Yard at (408) 615-3080. Up-to-date flood information during storms can be found on the SCVWD website. For recorded information call 1-888-HEYNOAH (1-888-439-6624).

Flood Warning Program
When a flood may occur, the City will warn citizens through distribution of advisory notices and emergency officials will visit each neighborhood that is threatened. For more information about the City's flood warning and emergency response plan, contact the City's Emergency Services Coordinator in the City's Fire Department at (408) 615-4900.

Dumping Creates Flood Hazard
Dumping debris into storm drains can restrict water flow, creating a flood hazard. This not only results in additional expense to the taxpayers, but also the Municipal Code prohibits the dumping of debris into the City's storm drain system.

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