Formation of South Bayfront Flood Control Facilities Assessment District Has Been Approved

On July 13, 2009 the City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the South Bayfront Flood Control Facilities Assessment District.  The Council vote came after tabulation of the ballots sent to voters within the boundary of the district overwhelmingly indicated support of the annual assessment (approximately 80% of the weighted ballots were in favor of the district).

Levee Project Update - July 2010

The flood protection upgrades funded by the Assessment District include levee improvements at four locations along the bayfront.  Because the four locations are located in environmentally sensitive areas, the environmental permitting for the project is extensive and involves several regulatory agencies.  In December 2009 the City obtained the first of four permits necessary to begin construction (from the Regional Water Quality Board).  The City is in the process of acquiring permits from the three remaining agencies:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.  The process of obtaining permits has taken longer than expected due to the presence of the endangered California Clapper Rail bird in the surrounding area, and the required mitigation efforts.

In June, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) accepted the City’s proposal for a one time financial contribution to the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge Predator Program as mitigation for the levee project.  With this hurdle cleared, the City has asked USFWS to expedite issuance of their Biological Opinion.  This document is needed in order to obtain permits from the remaining agencies.  If the Biological Opinion is issued in the next several weeks, City staff estimates the remaining permits could be secured in approximately 4 months, and construction could commence late this year.

The project remains a priority for the City, and staff is working diligently to get the remaining permits in place.  We are prepared to hit the ground running during the construction phase once all permits have been issued.

Timing of New Flood Zone Map
In December 2009 the City filed a request with FEMA requesting that the boundary of the assesment district be granted a "Zone A99/Adequate Progress" designation.  FEMA  is currently reviewing the City's request and will not issue a final letter of determination regarding the new map until this issue has been resolved.  This means that the date for finalization of the new revised map is uncertain.

How Will The Assessment District Affect Me?
The assessment district affects properties on the existing flood map (2001) and the new preliminary flood map (2008), which are South of San Mateo Creek. 
(Click Here to view the entire boundary of the assessment district)

These homeowners will see a charge for the Assessment on their property tax bill this fall.  Property owners have the option to pay off the remaining 19 years of the 20-year assessment in advance.  Contact Tricia Toomey at 650-522-7327 for more information on this option.

Property owners on the existing map who are currently paying flood insurance must continue to do so until the levee improvements are complete, and FEMA has certified the project.

What Do I Need To Do Now?
During the next several months, property owners are urged to follow this issue closely.  Owners in the proposed new flood map will have the ability to purchase insurance at the Preferred Risk rate if secured at least thirty days in advance of the Final Map. 

Check out the latest Assessment District Newsletter for additional information. 

Flood Insurance Rates
Click Here for more information on flood insurance rates.

More Information
For questions related to this information or any FEMA related topic, please contact Tricia Toomey at or call (650) 522-7327.