TARRANT COUNTY, TX
Transportation Services
Floodplain Permits
Floodplain Permits
As a participating member in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Tarrant County is required to regulate any development in designated flood prone areas. All work within a FEMA designated floodplain requires a Floodplain Permit. The floodplain permit is free. However, it may require additional information indicating that adjacent property owners will not be adversely impacted due to the development.
Additional information may include, but is not limited to, an Elevation Certificate, a flood study, a topographical survey of before and after conditions, Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR), Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), and Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).
A property owner is required to obtain a Floodplain Permit prior to performing any type of work in the floodplain, including the placement of fill. The finished floor elevation of new homes constructed in a floodplain must be located at least two feet above the base flood elevation.
Prior to the submittal of any documents to FEMA, the County Floodplain Administrator will review the documents to ensure they are in compliance with the County's floodplain regulations. FEMA may require additional information to for their records and review, and their approval may be a condition of a Tarrant County Floodplain Permit approval.
A permit will only be issued after we determine the proposed work will not have an adverse impact on adjacent property owners, will not decrease the flood carrying capacity of the watercourse and will not create a situation that is dangerous during flooding events.
Legislation relating to enforcement of the NFIP now makes it possible for Tarrant County to institute a civil suit in District Court to halt illegal improvements in the floodplain, restore pre-existing conditions and recover a civil penalty. This legislation is commonly known as HB 218 and amends Subchapter I, Chapter 16 of the Water Code. Fines can be as much as $100 per day of violation.
All floodplain files are kept in the Transportation Services Department. Other information such as Elevation Certificates, LOMR's, CLOMR's, and LOMA's are also kept on file. FEMA's website also has copies of floodplain maps on their website. If you have questions or comments, please contact Joseph Jackson or by phone 817-884-1153.