How much is flood insurance in Sacramento?

Flood insurance in Sacramento ranges from $300/year in Zone X to $7,500+/year in AE zones in the Natomas Basin. AR zones (under levee restoration) offer reduced rates of $1,000–$3,500/year. Rates depend on elevation, structure type, and levee certification status.

Are Sacramento’s levees safe?

Sacramento’s levee system has been significantly improved through SAFCA’s multi-billion dollar program. Many levees now meet FEMA 100-year standards, but some segments are still being upgraded. The system provides strong protection but no levee is considered failsafe.

What is an AR flood zone in Sacramento?

AR (A99 Restoration) zones are areas where levees are being actively improved to meet FEMA 100-year standards. During the improvement period, flood insurance is required but at reduced rates. Once levee improvements are FEMA-certified, the area may be remapped to Zone X.

Can I build in the Natomas Basin?

Yes. The building moratorium in Natomas was lifted after significant levee improvements. New construction must meet strict flood elevation standards, including building above BFE with Sacramento’s 1-foot freeboard requirement. The area is experiencing active development.

Sacramento, California · FEMA Region 9

Is Sacramento in a Flood Zone?

Q: Is Sacramento in a flood zone?

Much of Sacramento is in or near FEMA flood zones. The Natomas Basin, Pocket/Greenhaven, and areas along the Sacramento and American Rivers are in AE or AR zones. Central Sacramento behind certified levees is typically Zone X (shaded). Enter your address at ReadyPermit for a property-specific check.

High Flood Risk Area

Sacramento is one of the most flood-vulnerable cities in the United States. Built at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the city relies on an extensive levee system for protection. FEMA designates large areas as AE or AR (levee-affected) zones. Flood insurance is required in high-risk areas, and California law mandates flood-risk disclosure for properties in flood hazard zones.

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FEMA Flood Zones in Sacramento

100-Year Floodplain

Areas behind levees that do not meet FEMA certification standards. Much of the Natomas Basin and Pocket/Greenhaven neighborhoods.

Levee Restoration Zone

Areas where levees are being improved to FEMA standards. Flood insurance required at reduced rates during restoration.

X (shaded)

500-Year Floodplain

Moderate risk behind certified levees. Much of central Sacramento with upgraded levee protection.

X (unshaded)

Minimal Risk

Higher-elevation areas east of Highway 99 and foothill neighborhoods. Lowest flood risk.

Flood Insurance Costs in Sacramento

Zone AE (Natomas): $2,500–$7,500/year
Zone AR (levee restoration): $1,000–$3,500/year (reduced rates during improvement)
Zone X (shaded, behind certified levees): $400–$900/year
Zone X (unshaded): $300–$550/year
Sacramento County has one of the highest NFIP policy concentrations in California
Private flood insurance gaining traction as NFIP premiums increase under Risk Rating 2.0

Building Requirements in Flood Zones

AE zones: lowest floor must be elevated to or above BFE; Sacramento requires 1-ft freeboard above FEMA minimum
Natomas Basin: construction moratorium was lifted after levee improvements; strict elevation and flood-proofing standards remain
AR zones: new construction must meet AE-zone standards during levee restoration
California Building Code Chapter 12: flood-resistant materials below BFE
Fill used to elevate building pads must not reduce floodplain storage capacity
All residential sellers must provide Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) identifying flood risk

How to Check Flood Risk in Sacramento

1
Check your flood zone
Enter your Sacramento address into ReadyPermit or Sacramento County’s flood zone lookup. Identify whether you are in AE, AR, or X zones and which levee system protects your area.
2
Identify your levee system
Sacramento’s flood protection depends on which levee system covers your property. The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) maintains information on levee certification status.
3
Get an Elevation Certificate
Required in AE and AR zones. Hire a California-licensed surveyor to document your elevation relative to BFE ($400–$800).
4
Obtain flood insurance
Required in AE/AR zones with federally backed mortgages. AR zone policies offer reduced rates during active levee improvement.
5
Review Natomas-specific rules
If building in the Natomas Basin, additional development standards apply due to the area’s flood history and ongoing levee upgrades.
6
Consider mitigation
Elevation, flood vents, waterproof materials below BFE, and sump pumps can reduce damage. Elevated structures may qualify for lower insurance premiums.
7
Monitor levee improvement progress
SAFCA’s $1.7 billion levee improvement program is ongoing. As levees achieve FEMA certification, flood zone designations and insurance requirements may change.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sacramento Flood Zones

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