The City of Napa Development Engineering Division houses the City’s Floodplain Management Program and is responsible for managing the City’s floodplain needs. Our priority is to make sure that the public is well informed and safe from flooding and that the City stays in compliance with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The City also participates in the voluntary incentive program through the NFIP called the Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS recognizes floodplain management programs by rewarding efforts that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements in the form of discounted flood insurance rates for its communities. The City currently holds a rating of 7 with the CRS which provides property owners in the Special Flood Hazard Area with a 15% discount in flood insurance. 

Flood Improvement Projects

In 2000, the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers embarked on what would be a 16 year project to improve flood measures along the Napa River. Phase one of the Napa Creek Bypass Project was completed in 2012 and resulted in a large number of properties being mapped out of the floodway and floodplain. 

The second phase of the Flood Project "Napa River Dry Bypass" was completed in the fall of 2016 and was successfully put to the test several times during the 2016-2017 rainy season when the County received record amounts of rainfall. The City and Flood District have worked diligently with FEMA to produce a revised flood map that reflects the latest flood control improvements. The revised flood maps have been approved under the Napa Post-Bypass Letter of Map Revision (LOMR 16-09-1316P) with an effective date of January 22, 2019. New Flood Map FAQs are available for quick reference for those commonly asked questions under related documents.

Construction in the Floodway and Floodplain

Interested in developing in the Floodway or Floodplain? While not impossible, potential projects will need to follow strict design guidelines to ensure that any proposed development will not only withstand a flooding event but also not jeopardize the existing surrounding or downstream structures. Design guidelines for development in the floodway/floodplain may be found under the City’s Municipal Code Section 17.38-Floodplain Management Overlay District. Effective 2/21/2020 FEMA through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has released an updated version of the Elevation Certificate forms. A copy of the new forms can be found under Documents on the right hand side of this web page. Additional information about the building permit process can be obtained by visiting the Building Department at 1600 First Street or calling 707-257-9540.

Storm Readiness

The City of Napa offers free sandbags to the community on the first Saturday of the month November thru March at the City of Napa Corporation Yard at 770 Jackson Street from 9am-1pm. In the event that a Flood Watch develops, the City will open additional sandbag distribution locations for residents and business owners. Additional information may be found under the Emergency Information page.

Preparing for potential flooding is important, citizens are encouraged to visit Floodsmart’s website where you can learn about flood preparedness, and the benefits of protecting your property against flooding and learn about the FAQs of flood insurance. Citizens can help to be proactive about potential flooding dangers by reporting drainage issues or flooding hazards in the public right way through the City’s online Service Center. 

Citizens can access real time data during a storm by visiting Napa One Rain and National Weather Service websites. Stay informed by registering with Nixle.com to receive local alerts.