San Diego’s rainy season officially began October 1. The City of Poway continues to provide free, unfilled sandbags and loose sand to residents to prepare for severe winter storms. These supplies can be picked up on Garden Road (at the parking lot across from Garden Road Elementary School), Midland Road (at the parking lot across from Old Poway Park) and Lake Poway Road (at the first parking lot on the right approaching the lake). All fire stations also have unfilled sandbags available.
Stay safe this season and remember to approach standing water on roads with caution. As little as six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars and cause stalling or loss of control. To report flooding, call the Public Works Department at 858-668-4700 (during business hours) or 858-668-4751 (after hours).
Maintenance of drainage facilities and natural creeks is very important because any obstructions to flow can contribute to flooding, stream bank erosion, and property damage for yourself and your neighbors. Obstructions can also result in the accumulation of debris and cause sedimentation build-up increasing the chance of a creek to overflow. It is important to know that individual property owners are responsible for the maintenance of creeks or private drainage facilities located on private property. Permits may be required to perform maintenance within natural creeks. Routine maintenance of natural creeks that may not require permits could include the removal of fallen trees, yard waste that has been dumped into creeks, stockpiled wood or other material, grass clippings, leaves and other debris, and the trimming or pruning of dense vegetation. It is also recommended that property owners inspect, clean, and repair rain gutters, roof tops, and yard drains, and take care of any problems noticed during last year’s rains. If you are unsure whether a particular facility or creek is City-maintained, or if you have any questions regarding the maintenance of drainage facilities, you may contact the City’s Development Services Department at 858-668-4600.
The City of Poway participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP makes flood insurance available to everyone, even for properties which have previously flooded. Flood insurance is mandatory in certain situations; however, even if it is not required for your property, you can still talk to your insurance agent about purchasing a flood insurance policy if you are concerned about the possibility of flood damage.
Most alterations to structures or land require permits from the City. If proposed work is located in a mapped floodplain, or if work is proposed on a building that is at least partially within a mapped floodplain, a floodplain development permit is required. You may visit the City of Poway Development Services Department for assistance in determining if your property is located in a mapped floodplain.
Flood maps and additional flood protection information are available at both City Hall and the Poway Community Library. For copies of elevation certificates on buildings built in the floodplain since 1995, call Development Services at (858) 668-4656 or (858) 668-4600.