FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FLOOD ELEVATION MITIGATION

Where is the FEMA office located in Guerneville, California?

How do I find out if I qualify for the Flood Elevation grant program?

My property floods, why is not on the eligible list?

My property is not on the eligible list, how can I get on it?

Is it true that FEMA will pay for the cost of elevating my house?

How much does it cost to raise my house above the flood level?

Do I have to repay the grant money?

Do I have to invest money before I am approved for a grant?

How much will this entire process cost me?

How long does it take to lift my house?

Why am I required to provide personal financial information?

Where is the FEMA office located in Guerneville, California?

There is no FEMA office in Guerneville, Calif. The Sonoma County Flood Elevation Mitigation Program is a County of Sonoma program that is administered by the Sonoma County Community Development Commission, 1440 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa 95403.

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How do I find out if I qualify for the Flood Elevation grant program?

In order for your property to qualify it must appear on the eligibility list that was established in 1997. To find out if your property is on the list you can call the Sonoma County Community Development Commission office in Santa Rosa, Calif. and request that a Property Information Form be mailed or faxed to you. Please return this request to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission office in Santa Rosa, Calif.

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My property floods, why is not on the eligible list?

There can be several reasons for your property not appear on the list. One is that it does not meet the requirements for eligibility as stated in the approved Program Design. Another can be that you or the previous owner did not respond at the appropriate time when the list was established.

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My property is not on the eligible list, how can I get on it?

At this time there are no provisions for amending the eligibility list that was established in 1997.

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Is it true that FEMA will pay for the cost of elevating my house?

No. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds that are available through the Flood Elevation Program will pay for 75% of your FEMA eligible expenses up to the grant maximum of $39,333.00. You as the property owner are responsible for the 25% owner match and project costs over the grant amount.

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How much does it cost to raise my house above the flood level?

Simply, there are too many variables to estimate project costs with out approved building plans. The condition of your home, the flood levels at your site, the current height of your home in relation to the flood levels and other structural issues are all elements of determining the cost. Contact the Sonoma County Flood Elevation Mitigation Program for additional information.

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Do I have to repay the grant money?

The HMGP funds are a grant, not a loan, and therefore are not required to be repaid. The intent of the Elevation Program is to mitigate against future flood losses. In return for the grant you will be required to record a Deed Restriction against your property as stated in the Program Design.

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Do I have to invest money before I am approved for a grant?

Yes. There are two milestones to be completed for approval: 1) Approval of your property (structure) by FEMA and 2) Meeting individual applicant Program requirements. As part of your FEMA approval you will be required to provide an Elevation Certificate for your property completed by a Land Surveyor. The cost of this certificate is generally between $200 and $400 dollars.

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How much will this entire process cost me?

In addition to the items mentioned above, the 25% match, construction costs in excess of the grant amount and the Elevation Certificate; you will be responsible for providing construction plans and required engineering if necessary.

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How long does it take to lift my house?

The actual construction time that you will be required to be out of your home is 90 days. The process however, from application to construction, can be from 6 to 18 months depending upon how quickly you provide the required information.

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Why am I required to provide personal financial information?

Federal funds are being used to provide assistance; financial information is required for reporting and continued funding determinations. This information is secure and confidential. By providing this information you can be helping yourself and your neighbors bring additional funding to the community.

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