Flood Zones: Fort Worth vs North Richland Hills
How do flood zones rules compare between Fort Worth, TX and North Richland Hills, TX?
Fort Worth and North Richland Hills have similar restriction levels.
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth regulates floodplain development under Chapter 35 of the Code of Ordinances and participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The city lies along the Trinity River, West Fork, Clear Fork, and Marine Creek with significant FEMA-mapped flood zones. Sec. 35-27 requires a floodplain development permit for any construction or substantial improvement in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Fort Worth enforces a 1-foot freeboard above the base flood elevation for new residential structures.
View full Fort Worth rules →North Richland Hills, TX
Tarrant County
North Richland Hills participates in the NFIP with FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas primarily along Big Fossil Creek, Little Bear Creek, and Calloway Branch. New construction in Zone AE must elevate lowest floors at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
View full North Richland Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Worth | North Richland Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Chapter 35 (Flood Prevention and Protection) | - |
| NFIP Participation | Active participant | - |
| Freeboard | 1 foot above base flood elevation | 2 feet above BFE |
| Permit Required | Floodplain development permit (Sec. 35-27) | - |
| Major Waterways | Trinity River, West Fork, Clear Fork, Marine Creek | - |
| NFIP CID | - | 480607 |
| Main Streams | - | Big Fossil, Little Bear creeks |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50 percent value trigger |
| Floodplain Admin | - | (817) 427-6400 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Worth FAQ
Do I need a permit to build in a Fort Worth flood zone?
Yes. Chapter 35 requires a floodplain development permit for any construction, fill, or substantial improvement within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
How high must my house be above the flood level?
Fort Worth requires new residential structures in the SFHA to be elevated at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation (BFE) as shown on FEMA flood maps.
North Richland Hills FAQ
How do I find out if my NRH home is in a flood zone?
Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) with your address, or contact NRH Public Works. Your lender also determines flood zone status for insurance purposes.
Can I build an addition in the NRH floodplain?
Additions in the SFHA require a floodplain development permit. Large additions (over 50 percent of home value) may trigger substantial improvement rules, requiring the entire structure to meet current elevation standards.
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