Flood Control Functions
The Flood Control Section is responsible for the maintenance of existing stormwater drainage facilities, construction of new district facilities, flood warning, hydrologic data collection and assuring private development projects meet flood Control objectives and compliance with Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) guidelines. It provides staff support for the Flood Control Commission, drafts and reviews state and local regulations and provides FEMA and County Flood Plain Map information, technical reports, public and private land development studies and standards for support of private development.
It also receives drainage complaints and provides information and appropriate action(s). For questions about general Flood Control issues, please call (858) 694-2112.
Flood Control/Hydrology
The Hydrology Section is primarily responsible for Flood Warning and rainfall data collection.
Flood Warning uses a network of automated rain, stream, reservoir and weather stations known as the ALERT Flood Warning System. Weather changes are reported in real-time to our Kearny Mesa office.
Flood warning gates on Quarry Road in Spring Valley
Information on potential flooding situations detected by this system is relayed to the National Weather Service and the Office of Emergency Services and other County agencies as needed.
The Hydrology Section is responsible for maintaining a historical database containing data from over 100 rain gauges; some stations have records going back as far as 1850. This data is used for design studies, climatology studies, litigation, analysis and general interest.
For information contact the Flood Control/Hydrology Office at: (858) 495-5557
Land Development Project Reviews
Flood Control performs office and field reviews of project plans for appropriate flood protection and to assure District facilities meet County Standards. It also reviews watercourse permits for possible diversion or damages to property and building permits for appropriate flood protection (without diversion or damage to properties).
The Land Development Plan Check Manual includes a chapter on Drainage. To review the chapter, click here and scroll to page 24 of 75.
Flood Plain Mapping
The County of San Diego Mapping program has Flood Plain Mapped 148.7 miles of rivers and streams. In addition, it has Flood Plain Mapped 28.4 additional miles for other agencies which are administered by the County (177.1 miles total).
Flood Control Facility Maintenance
The Flood Control District maintains about 60 miles of pipes, channels, and boxes at approximately 1600 locations within the unincorporated County.
To report channel maintenance problems and related general questions, call (858) 514-4990. For after-hours emergencies, call (858) 565-5262.
Flood Control District Board
The San Diego County Flood Control District (FCD) is run by a five-member panel called the Board of Directors, also serving as the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. The Board of Directors has created a FCD Advisory Commission that investigates, then advises the Board, FCD Manager (the Assistant Director of Land Development), and County staff regarding various District issues. It is the responsibility of the FCD Manager and staff to enact the terms of the San Diego County FCD Act and carry out the policy of the Board of Directors.
Contact:
Flood Control District Manager
Cid Tesoro
Department of Public Works
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite P, MS0326
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858.694.3672
Fax: 858.495.5263
E-mail: Cid.Tesoro@sdcounty.ca.gov
Please visit the Flood Control District website here.
Helpful Information and Documents:
Floodplain Management Plan (.pdf)
Resident Survey Results (.pdf)
Hydrology Soil Group Map (.pdf)
Hydrology Manual
Drainage Design Manual
Flood Control Publications & Downloadable Documents
Weather-Related Sites
Links to Other Flood Agencies
Flood Control Grant Projects:
McClellan-Palomar Airport Water Quality Basin
Woodside Avenue Water Quality Basin
Cottonwood Creek Invasive Species Removal Project
