How do I develop in parcels with High Risk Flood Zone designation where structures are not raised 18" above Base Flood Elevation?
In addition to the required plans for the project, forms and fees, you will have to produce documentation to validate the development improvement in the High-Risk Flood Zone location.
Documents required at the time of development submittal in High Risk Flood Zone where the structure is not raised 18" above Base Flood Elevation is below:
a. Property Appraisal report (not older than 6 months)
b. Construction cost estimate (labor and material separated)
If you need to be approved for any development in these High-Risk Flood Zones, the substantial improvement (SI) allowed is capped at 50% of the dwelling cost of the structure and proposed improvements.
The method that City of East Palo Alto is using to calculate SI is detailed below:
a. The standard appraisal gives the value of the dwelling, and we require that for calculating the project percentage. Only 50% of that amount is allowed to be improved in the High-Risk Flood Zones.
b. When the project is submitted for development review in High-Risk Flood Zone, we require a construction cost estimate that separates the labor and material. We use the material cost against the overall dwelling cost to make sure it is under 50% SI and award it accordingly.
Contact Information
1960 Tate Street
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Ph: 650-853-3189
Email: planning@cityofepa.org
Counter Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am - 3:45pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm) Wednesday and Friday virtually and by appointment only
(Please note in order to allow for processing time, the last walk-ins for service are at 11:45 am and 3:45 pm)
Counter staff will be available virtually and by appointment only on Wednesday and Fridays. Staff can be reached at any time and appointments can be made by emailing staff at planning@cityofepa.org or via this link. Planning staff will continue to respond to emails by the following day or the following Monday for inquiries received on Friday.
In the case of more urgent issues or questions tied directly to an existing project, please contact the project planner or call the mainline (650-853-3189) to be routed to the project planner. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Note: Please drop off all payments/checks attached with relevant application forms in addition to emailing us a copy. Application forms must be attached. Checks without forms attached will not be processed.
All payment for projects will be required to be paid by a check made out to "City of East Palo Alto"
This check will be attached to the planning permit application form and dropped off at a no-contact Drop Box at the address listed above.
Upcoming Events
-
07/17/2025 - 4:00pm