In 2001, the Federal Emergency Management Agency finalized a Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map that placed certain neighborhoods in San Mateo into a Special Flood Hazard Area.

On October 16, 2012, the City will experience a flood map update called a Physical Map Revision (PMR). This map change is a result of the completion of the Levee Project - a flood protection improvement project that resulted in approximately 8,000 homes being removed from the FEMA "high risk" flood zone.

In this section of our website you can learn more about the history of the Flood Zone in San Mateo, receive answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and access resources that will help you better understand your flood status.

Going from “High Risk” to “Low Risk” Zone?

South Shoreview, Parkside, Sunnybrae, 19th Avenue Park, Areas neighboring the Marina Lagoon.  Overview of Process  Important Resources (including links to map resources!)

Remaining in "High Risk" Area?

North Shoreview and Parts of North Central. Read the latest newsletter that shares our future goals for increasing flood protection for properties north of San Mateo Creek, and tips for lowering your premium.

Entering "High Risk" Area for First Time?

1.) Small Pocket in San Mateo Village  2.) Small Area 20th to 25th & Railroad to Palm As part of the City’s efforts to update its flood zone maps, the City was required to perform a study of properties that may be susceptible to creek flooding in a 100 year storm. From this recent study, we learned that we have approximately 250 properties in two small areas of our City that are susceptible to creek flooding. Learn more

Insurance Agents

You are critical to flood protection education. FEMA will be training insurance agents on how you can guide your clients through their transition from “high risk” flood status to “low risk” flood status. By attending this seminar, you will earn continued education credits and most importantly, learn more about how to serve flood policy clients. RSVP required. Host: City of San Mateo. Presenting Team: FEMA. View Invitation  Seminar Handout

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More Information
For questions related to this information or any FEMA related topic, please contact Sheri Costa-Batis in the San Mateo Public Works Department at  or (650) 522-7334.