San Anselmo and Sleepy Hollow Creeks periodically flood. This natural process, caused by the clay soils, topography and climate of the Ross Valley has been exacerbated by human development; undersized bridges and building span the creek, railroad berms across the floodplain, and increased impervious surface throughout the watershed. These are the Town's key messages and flood-related information links.

Current Flood Projects

Know Your Risk:

1. Flood risk is described by FEMA maps
    2015 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Flood Risk Assessment
2. Insure according to your risk
   Flood Maps and Insurance Information
   Elevation Certificate Fact Sheet

Build Responsibly:

1. Get an Elevation Certificate
    List of Elevation Certificates on File
2. All construction projects must meet flood protection and water quality rules
   FEMA Guide to Flood Repairs
   Flood Plain Development Permit
   Flood Gate Design
3. Keep drainage-ways clear
4. Limit impervious surfaces

You live in a watershed:

1. Protect the Creek
   Marin County Watershed Program
   MCSTOPPP
   Friends of Corte Madera Creek
2. Flooding is Natural and Historical
    Historical Museum Flooding Webpage
3. Preserve and restore natural floodplain function

Stay Informed:

1. Of approaching storms
    Real-Time Weather and Creek Depth
2. About Regional Flood Control Activities
    Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program- Flood Zone 9
3. About Local Flood Control
          San Anselmo Flood Committee 
   Town Community Rating System Activities
   Sand Bag Information
   Winter Preparedness Tips

Stay Safe:

1. Be Prepared
          Town Disaster Preparedness Links
   Ross Valley Flood Protection Tips
   Flood Preparation Tips (UK)
   American Red Cross Safety Library
2.  Don’t Drive Through Floodwaters
3. Turn Around –Don’t Drown
4. Clean Up After Floods
    After Flood Fact Sheet
    Floodwaters Carry Contaminants, Prevent Mildew

For more information about flood maps, including inquiries about your building's location relative to the floodplain, you may come to our Town offices during open hours.