About
Flood Zone 9 serving the Ross Valley was formed in 1965. It consists of most of the 28 square mile Ross Valley watershed, stretching from White’s Hill to San Francisco Bay.
Flood Zone 9’s services and activities include:
- Operating and maintaining flood control infrastructure
- Administering the Zone 9 Advisory Board and Storm Drainage Fee
- Conducting drainage and feasibility studies
- Developing and constructing flood risk reduction projects
Watershed
Zone 9 is located within the Ross Valley watershed. The Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program was established after the flooding that occurred in Ross Valley during December 2005. The floods caused nearly $95 million in damages in the communities of Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield and Larkspur.
The program is a regional effort led by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The objective to substantially reduce the frequency and severity of flooding throughout the Ross Valley Watershed, in an economically viable manner while prioritizing public safety and minimizing environmental impacts.
The Flood Control District works towards this objective through these actions:
Reduce and attenuate flows by increasing floodplain detention storage and stormwater infiltration
Increase creek and floodplain capacity to convey floodwaters by:Enlarging some channels through the removal, modification or replacement of existing obstructions to flow, such as structures or bridges
Containing flood flows as they move through the watershed
Conducting regular creek and channel maintenance
Community flood education including flood preparedness real-time rain and stream monitoring, flood response checklists and information
Advisory Board
The Zone is overseen by a seven-member Advisory Board. They meet at least once annually. The Advisory Board may:
- Cancel a meeting by announcing the cancellation of the meeting
- Call special meetings, with proper notice, if the need arises
There is one member each appointed by the City of Larkspur, Town of Ross, and the Town of Fairfax, and up to four members appointed by the County Board of Supervisors as At-Large members from anywhere in Flood Control Zone 9. All members live within the zone's boundaries. Advisory Board members are appointed to serve a 4-year term.
