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Frequently Asked Questions

Is my property subject to flooding?

The best available mapped flood information is provided by Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) which are maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The county’s web Geographic Information System (GIS) shows parcels and the flood hazard information from these maps. You may also review these maps at the Planning and Building Department.


FIRM maps have four flood hazard zones. In FIRM Flood Zone A, the property is within the mapped 100-year flood plain. This means the property is expected to flood once every 100 years on average. In FIRM Flood Zone B, the property is within the mapped 500-year flood plain. This means the property is expected to flood once every 500 years on average. In FIRM Flood Zone C, the property is within the mapped area of minimal flooding. If the parcel is located in FIRM Flood Zone D, the property is within an area of undetermined, but possible, flood hazards.

Show All Answers

1. What is an assessor’s parcel number?
2. How do I find out if my parcel is the city or in the county?
3. What is a zoning classification?
4. What development does zoning allow?
5. What is a land use designation?
6. What is a combining zone?
7. What are building setbacks?
8. What is the minimum parcel size?
9. What permits are required to build, rebuild or remodel a house?
10. What’s the difference between building in the coastal zone and the inland areas?
11. How do I research if a property is in the coastal zone?
12. Can I place a manufactured home on my property?
13. Are accessory dwelling units allowed on a property?
14. How tall can a fence be built?
15. Are horses, chickens, goats or other domesticated animals allowed in residential zones?
16. Can I remove trees from a property?
17. Can a person live in a travel trailer on a property?
18. How do I determine if a lot was legally created?
19. Are there any easements that affect a property?
20. Is my property subject to flooding?
21. What is a nonconforming structure or use?
22. If an old structure burns down, can it be rebuilt?
23. Can a house be remodeled if it does not meet the required setbacks?
24. Can a parcel be subdivided?
25. What is the basic process for getting a building permit?
26. What is the basic process for getting a planning permit?
27. What are typical fees for a planning permit?
28. How do I get help applying for a planning permit?
29. I’m thinking about buying a property. How can I research more about it?
30. How do I research which zones allow a particular use?
31. What is the difference between a principally permitted use and a conditionally permitted use?
32. What is the process for annexing a parcel into a city?
33. Does the county enforce covenants, conditions, or restrictions in subdivisions?
34. Click here to return to the Planning and Building Department