Zone 5 is the Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Zone 5, established in 1969, with defined projects and coordination among agencies including Santa Cruz County and the City of Capitola.

These agencies work to protect local water resources by managing creeks and streams, cleaning up trash and pollution, and managing storm drains to minimize flooding.

Flood Control Zone 5 includes the urban area encompassing Capitola to the east, Soquel to the north, and Live Oak to the west.

Stormwater is rain that runs off streets, parking lots, roofs, other impervious surfaces, and also rain that naturally flows over the ground surface. Stormwater runoff receives no treatment and enters directly into our storm drain system and out to our creeks, rivers, and ocean.

Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of pollution in our surface waters. Pollutants such as oils, chemicals, fertilizers, and litter can be transported by stormwater into our creeks, rivers, and ocean.

Increases in impervious surfaces can also cause water quantity issues such as flooding and erosion, as well as water quality problems, if not managed properly.

Drainage Zones / Flood Control Districts have been established based upon defined watersheds within urban areas. Permit applications for projects located within a drainage zone are assessed a one-time impervious area fee based upon the increase in impervious and/or semi-pervious surfaces for the project.The County is currently proposing an additional annual fee to maintain drainage infrastructure, identify problem areas, and improve our storm drainage system.

• Aging infrastructure: Much of the storm drain infrastructure in Santa Cruz County is more than 50 years old, and many channels, pipes and pumps located on both public and private properties are deteriorating. Without repairs or improvements, local communities face an elevated risk of flooding in low-lying areas and pollution of beaches, rivers, and other local water resources.
• Minimizing the damaging effects of floods: Lower elevation areas of Santa Cruz County are naturally high flood risk. The 2023 winter storm season resulted in devastating flooding and underscored the need to prepare for emergencies and to protect local, natural water resources.
• Increased costs and decreased funding: Current Zone 5 funding is not sufficient and the rate has not increased since 1969. Inflation and aging infrastructure continue to increase the cost of necessary repairs.

The stormwater fee is a dedicated fee that funds stormwater services that protect water quality and reduce flood risk.

Funds support:

• Operations and Maintenance: Storm response, storm drain inspection/cleaning, open channel maintenance, repairs, increased street sweeping, trash capture removal.
• Clean Water Protection: Outreach/education, inspections, creek monitoring, shoreline/beach/creek cleanups, oversight of development, green infrastructure, and regional collaboration.
• Routine Inspections: Including visual, emergency, and video surveillance inspections of storm drains in order to observe the condition and function.
• Repairs and Capital Improvements: Storm drain conveyance, flood control basins, surface drainage channels, catch basins, manholes, culvert crossings, pump stations.

Increased risk of flood: Without repairs or improvements, local areas face an elevated risk of flooding in low-lying communities. This could lead to significant property damage in neighborhoods and potential loss of life during major floods.

More pollutants reaching streams, rivers, and the ocean: Keeping these water resources safe and clean is critical to protecting both public health and local wildlife. It could also lead to reduced access to beaches, creeks, and recreation amenities, as well as economic impacts.