County surveyor outlines how Tulare County enforces floodplain rules and nuisance code

Rob Abrahamian, Tulare County’s surveyor, told the Flood Control Commission that county land‑use ordinances and administrative processes are structured to align with federal and state flood-mapping and to ensure transparency for property owners.

Abrahamian said county code requires that tentative subdivision maps identify special flood hazard areas — largely FEMA AE zones — and that subdivision and building reviews may require drainage improvements, dedications, or elevation certificates. “For the most part, these are going to be, FEMA AE zones, the various, FEMA FIRM map zones,” he said, explaining when elevation certificates and engineer surveys are required.

He reviewed chapter 27 (flood damage prevention), implemented to support the National Flood Insurance Program, and chapter 15 (health, safety and sanitation) that addresses nuisances in watercourses. On enforcement, Abrahamian described administrative processes: inspection, notice to owners, abatement procedures, cost recovery and the potential for liens after due process and appeals.

Abrahamian stressed that when multiple standards apply the most stringent requirement controls — whether county ordinance, FEMA rules or building codes — and that staff provide interpretation and guidance to the public, including recording elevation certificates to comply with NFIP audits.

Commissioners asked for clearer definitions of flood control district responsibilities and for improved outreach to water districts and mutual companies during development review. Abrahamian said subdivisions typically trigger broader interagency notice; building permits do not always generate the same outreach.