Flood Maps

 

Index

 Flood Zones

While flooding can occur anywhere, certain areas of Benicia are prone to flooding during extreme weather events. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) is responsible for preparation of maps that identify areas most at risk for flooding. These maps can be viewed online at the FEMA Map Service Center, at https://msc.fema.gov/.   Flood zones are geographic areas that the FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk.  These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Each zone reflects the risk of flooding:

Moderate- to low-risk areas are identified on the FIRMs as:
  • Shaded Zone X. These properties are in moderate- to low-risk areas. The risk is reduced in these areas but not eliminated.
  • Zone X. These properties are in an area of overall lower risk.
High-risk areas are identified on the FIRMs as:
  • Zones AE, A, AH, AR, A99, or AO. These properties have at least a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.
  • Zones VE or V. These properties also have at least a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. In addition, these properties face hazards associated with coastal storm waves and storm surge.
For more information about understanding your flood risk, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/, or view an online tutorial prepared by FEMA. 
 
The City of Benicia can assist you to determine the flood zone for your property. Please contact the Public Works Department at (707) 746-4240 or stop by City Hall, 250 East L Street. The City offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from noon to 1:00).
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 New Flood Maps 2016

FEMA completed the San Francisco Bay Area Coastal Study, which is the most comprehensive coastal hazard analysis of San Francisco Bay coastal communities to date. Benicia is a coastal community due to its location adjacent to the Carquinez Strait.  As a result of this study, the FIRMs were revised to adjust the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) within the coastal areas. This means that new flood maps were adopted for all of Solano County, including Benicia.

Click on the link below to view or download the flood maps.

Maps can also be downloaded from FEMA’s website.  To learn more, contact the City of Benicia at 707-746-4240.
 
The FIRMs are available for viewing in the Community Development and Public Works Departments, located at 250 East L Street in Benicia.  The City offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Maps are also available to view at the Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, during the library’s regular hours of operation, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m.
 
To learn more about the FIRMS, visit http://www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata. For questions, call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or email FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
Map Index Updated 08-03-16
Panel 629 Glen Cove and Benicia State Park
Panel 633 Shoreline from Benicia State Park to West 12th Street
Panel 634 Industrial Park: Sulphur Springs Creek From railroad to Lake Herman
Panel 635 North of Lake Herman Road
Panel 641 Shoreline from West 12th Street to Benicia Marina
Panel 642 Shoreline from Benicia Marina to I-680
Panel 653 Shoreline from Sulphur Springs Creek to Unincorporated Solano County
Panel 661 Shoreline from I-680 to Mothball Fleet
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 Flood Insurance

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. It is important for individuals and business owners to know their risks and make informed decisions about flood protection measures and flood insurance options.  Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may not cover destruction caused by certain kinds of disaster, including floods and earthquakes. All Benicia residents have the opportunity to insure their property against future flood damage; please visit www.floodsmart.gov or contact your insurance agent for more information.
 
Flood insurance is mandatory for property owners with buildings in high-risk areas that have mortgages secured by loans from federally regulated or insured lenders.
 
For information about flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website:  http://www.FloodSmart.gov
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