|
Dam
Indundation
AREAS OF POTENTIAL FLOODING - DAM INUNDATION
A Brief Explanation
California law requires the seller (if acting without an agent) or
the seller's agent to disclose to a prospective transferee of real
property if the property is located within an area
of potential flooding as shown on an inundation map prepared by
the local organization, utility or owner of the dam and approved
by the
California Office of Emergency Services ("OES"). Disclosure
must be made if:
-
a seller (if acting without an
agent) or the seller's agent has "actual knowledge" that
the property is located within an area of potential flooding
or inundation, OR
-
the local jurisdiction has
compiled a list of properties (identified by parcel) that
are within an area of potential flooding or inundation and a
notice has been posted at the offices of the county recorder,
county assessor, and county planning agency that identifies
the location of the parcel list.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 8589.4, which is commonly
referred to as the Potential Flooding - Dam Inundation Act (the "PFDI
Act"), inundation maps must
be prepared, delivered and approved by the OES. These
maps show areas of potential flooding in the event of sudden or total
failure of any dam, the failure of which would result in death or
personal injury.
The PFDI Act requires the local governmental organization, utility, or owner
of a designated dam to submit:
-
one map which delineates potential
flood zones that could result in the event of dam failure when the reservoir
is at full capacity, OR
-
three maps which delineate potential
flood zones that could result in the event of dam failure when the reservoir
is at full capacity, at median-storage level, and at normally low-storage
level.
The OES is required to review and approve maps that have been prepared and submitted
to ensure that the maps meet all requirements before providing approved copies
to appropriate public safety agencies of any local jurisdiction likely to be
affected so that emergency procedures can be adopted for the evacuation and control
of populated areas.
-
OES has yet to review and
submit approved maps for numerous dams to local authorities. As such,
this PDR may not reference all dams within the area of potential flooding
for the subject property.
-
Dam inundation maps depict
a best estimate of water flow in the event of dam failure. Projected
water flow is based on a scenario in which a full reservoir completely
empties itself and does not account for run-off from other sources. Created
in the 1970's, these maps do not employ newer assumptions and map-making
methods.
-
Dam inundation maps do not
identify areas of potential flooding resulting from storms and other
causes.
-
A parcel of property located
outside of an area of potential flooding may still be subject to severe
flooding.
For more information, please contact the Office
of Emergency Services (OES) at their Sacramento office or contact them via
the world wide web at http://www.oes.ca.gov/.
|
|
