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(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Santa Barbara County will transition to the newly updated FEMA flood hazard map (also known as FEMA's Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map) today, replacing all previous versions. While some properties will see reduced requirements under the new maps, many projects will continue to require oversight.
In July 2025, the Board of Supervisors (acting as the Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board) approved updates to the County’s flood hazard maps by incorporating FEMA’s Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The County has been applying the preliminary maps alongside FEMA’s current effective maps. On June 10, 2026, FEMA’s new maps will become effective, the older maps will be rescinded, and the County will rely solely on the updated FEMA maps.