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🌍 Environmental Rules/Flood Zones

Fulshear vs Katy

How do flood zones rules compare between Fulshear, TX and Katy, TX?

Fulshear and Katy have similar restriction levels.

Fulshear, TX

Fort Bend County

Heavy Restrictions

Fulshear regulates development in FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas using Fort Bend County FIRMs effective January 29, 2021, requiring permits for any work in floodplains.

View full Fulshear rules →

Katy, TX

Fort Bend County

Heavy Restrictions

Katy's flood damage prevention article requires anchoring, flood-resistant construction, and floodplain administrator approval for all new construction and substantial improvements in special and moderate flood hazard areas.

View full Katy rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactFulshearKaty
FIRM effective dateJanuary 29, 2021-
Permit requiredAll floodplain development-
Map sourceFEMA Fort Bend County FIS-
AuthorityCity floodplain administratorTexas Water Code 16.315
Areas covered-Special and moderate hazard
Administrator-City building inspector
Federal rules-44 CFR NFIP
Subdivisions-Drainage required

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Fulshear FAQ

Do I need a permit to build a shed in my Fulshear floodplain?

Yes. Any structure or land alteration in a special flood hazard area requires a floodplain development permit from the city, even small accessory structures.

How do I check if my Fulshear property is in a flood zone?

Use the FEMA Map Service Center or contact Fulshear Development Services. The city uses FEMA FIRMs for Fort Bend County effective January 29, 2021.

Katy FAQ

What counts as a substantial improvement?

Federally, any repair, reconstruction, or improvement whose cost equals or exceeds 50 percent of the structure's market value before improvement. Katy follows the 44 CFR definition.

Can I build in a Katy floodplain?

Only with floodplain administrator approval and elevation, anchoring, and flood-resistant materials meeting the ordinance and 44 CFR. Some uses are flatly prohibited.

Who is the floodplain administrator?

Katy's city building inspector administers the flood damage prevention ordinance and ensures NFIP compliance under 44 CFR.

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