Rick Baker Design

Worth a look and consideration if your home may fall in the zone. There are lots of considerations and processes toward development if your parcel is within a FEMA flood .
We are here to help if needed.

**FEMA's Appeal and Comment Period for Flood Risk Maps Opens Jan. 20**
• Appeal period: Jan. 20, 2026 through April 20, 2026
• Learn More: SRCity.org/FEMAFloodMapping

If your Santa Rosa home or business was recently mapped into a high-risk flood area by FEMA, you may submit an appeal and/or comment on the preliminary flood maps to FEMA from January 20 through April 20, 2026.

Properties newly mapped into Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) may be required to obtain flood insurance. FEMA’s upcoming appeal period is the time to:
• Appeal changes to a property’s flood risk designation
• Provide comments on the maps
• Ask questions about the updates

To learn more about how to submit a comment or appeal to FEMA, and for more details on FEMA's Flood Risk Mapping Project, visit SRCity.org/FEMAFloodMapping

Nice clean edge detail.

This image is a detailed cross-section illustrating a structural support system used to anchor an element (like a railing, solar panel frame, or decking structure) to a foundation while also showing the typical layers of a patio or ground-level construction.

🏗️ STRUCTURAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
The core of the image is the metallic bracket and anchor:
• Anchor Bracket: This is a heavy-duty, L-shaped or stair-stepped metal bracket (likely galvanized steel or aluminum) designed to transmit load forces down to the foundation.
• It is shown firmly embedded or bolted into the large concrete footing at the bottom.
• The bracket has internal folds or creases, which provide added rigidity and strength to resist bending or twisting forces.
• Foundation/Footing: The bracket is anchored to a massive, below-grade concrete footing. This footing distributes the weight over a larger area of the subsoil, preventing settlement or movement.
• Channel/Rail: Extending up and away from the bracket is a perforated metal strut channel (often called *Unistrut* or similar brand). This is the mounting point for the actual structure being supported. The holes allow for flexible and adjustable fastening.

🧱 CONSTRUCTION LAYERS (CROSS-SECTION)
The image provides a clear view of the layers typical for a patio, walkway, or slab foundation built on the ground:
• Top Surface (Slab/Pavers): The uppermost layer is a rough, textured concrete slab or interlocking paver system. This is the finished, walkable surface.
• Setting/Base Layer (Sand/Mortar): Immediately beneath the top surface is a thin layer (often sand, fine gravel, or mortar) used to bed the top slab/pavers and ensure a level finish. This layer is light brown/yellow.
• Sub-Base (Crushed Stone/Aggregate): Beneath the setting layer is a thick layer of crushed stone or aggregate (gravel).
• Function: This layer is crucial for drainage (preventing water from collecting and causing frost heave or erosion) and providing a stable, compacted base that evenly supports the layers above it.
• Sub-Soil: At the very bottom is the native earth or soil, into which the main concrete footing is dug and poured.
In summary, the image details a robust method of anchoring a vertical structure to the ground using a large concrete footing and a strong metal bracket, showing how this foundation element integrates with the standard layered construction of a patio or exterior paved area.

A neat study model. I can envision additional real-world applications for this.

I used to love designing and building models.
Most are into digital imagery and design these days.
We live, work, design in a 3D world.
Why design and explore a project in 2D