Floodplain Management
The City of Cupertino is a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP requires participating communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that help mitigate flooding effects. The Public Works Department is responsible for administering this program and providing flood protection and insurance information to Cupertino residents and businesses. The information compiled below are suggested ways to protect yourself and your property in the event of a flood, whether or not you reside in a FEMA designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
FLOOD MAP INFORMATION
Know your flood risk.
There are several ways to check whether your property is in or out of a FEMA designated SFHA (Zone A or AE in Cupertino).
- Contact the Cupertino Public Works Department at 408-777-3354 or engineering@cupertino.gov. We can review FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with you and provide additional information that may not be shown on the FIRM, such as historical flood information. The City also maintains records of elevation certificates and may have one on file for your property.
- View your property’s flood zone designation on Cupertino Service Finder. Click on “FEMA Flood Zone” and enter your property address in the Search bar.
- Enter your property address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to view and download the FIRM that covers your area as well as any available FIRM updates.
Build responsibly in floodplains.
All new construction or substantial improvements within the City’s SFHA are subject to special requirements per the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 16.52.043. Property owners can also make physical alterations, such as elevating a structure, to reduce flood risks and flood insurance premiums.
Contact the Cupertino Public Works Department at 408-777-3354 or engineering@cupertino.gov to ensure compliance with code requirements.
Contact the Cupertino Building Division at 408-777-3228 or permitcenter@cupertino.gov to obtain a permit before you build.
Substantial Improvements Handout(PDF, 91KB)
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor
FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
Read Valley Water’s Annual Floodplain Mailer for 9 helpful tips to ensure you are flood ready. For additional flood preparedness tools and resources, please visit and the City's Emergency Preparedness webpage.
FLOOD INSURANCE
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover losses due to floods. In some instances, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory(PDF, 168KB). Even when flood insurance is not required or you live in a moderate-to-low risk area, FEMA recommends residents purchase flood insurance as the risk of flooding is still very real.
The City of Cupertino voluntarily participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). As an active CRS participant, the City demonstrates each year how the City exceeds minimum floodplain management requirements of the NFIP. As a result, Cupertino residents and businesses can receive a 15 percent discount on insurance premiums for properties within a SFHA and a 5 percent discount on insurance premiums for properties outside a SFHA.
To find a local agent, call 1-800-427-4661 or visit floodsmart
PREPARING FOR THE WINTER STORM SEASON
The Cupertino community should remain cognizant of any potential flood risks surrounding their property and be prepared for flooding possibilities, especially those who reside in a FEMA designated SFHA. Here are some ways we can work together to protect Cupertino from flooding:
Remove fallen leaves and other debris.
The city’s storm drainage system is composed of street gutters, storm drain inlets, and pipes that connect the inlets to local creeks. This system drains street runoff into the creeks and channels on the valley floor.
- Residents can assist the city and help protect your immediate neighborhood from localized flooding by sweeping gutters regularly, placing swept material in their appropriate waste bin, and checking that nearby storm drain grates are not covered with leaves or litter. Residents should abide by street sweeping/no parking signs to allow the city to keep the gutters clean and the storm drain system flowing.
- In the fall, before the rains start, city maintenance crews vacuum out city storm drain inlets, and check for any evidence of hazardous materials in the drains. This cleaning prevents any illegally dumped materials that may be sitting in the inlets from washing into our creeks with the first rains.
Report illegal dumping incidents.
It is illegal to dump anything into a creek or a storm drain in the City of Cupertino.
- Residents can report dumping incidents to the City by calling (408) 777-3269 during business hours and 911 after hours and on weekends.
- Residents can also report blockages like wood or debris dumping in creeks to Valley Water by calling 408-630-2378 or report substances polluting a creek by calling 1-888-510-5151 anytime.
Obtain sandbags when necessary.
Visit the self-serve sandbag station just outside the City Maintenance Yard parking lot located at 10555 Mary Ave to obtain free pre-filled sandbags.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Valley Water Flood Preparedness Page
Homeland Security’s Disaster and Emergencies Readiness Page
Real-time Gauge Data (Valley Water ALERT System)
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Cupertino Office of Emergency Services Emergency Preparedness Page
Santa Clara County Library Flooding Resources Collection