Flood Zones: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do flood zones rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio and Universal City have similar restriction levels.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio enforces floodplain development standards through the UDC and Chapter 34 (Water and Sewers). FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) restrict building in the 100-year floodplain. Building in floodplains requires permits and compliance with elevation and construction standards. FEMA released updated flood maps for San Antonio and Bexar County effective July 2023, and the Concepcion Creek project will add 4,000+ structures to the floodplain by 2027.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, with FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas along Cibolo Creek requiring elevation, flood vents, and floodplain development permits.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | UDC; Chapter 34 (Water and Sewers); Div. 6 Aquifer Recharge Zone | - |
| FEMA Maps | Updated July 2023; Concepcion Creek revision by 2027 | - |
| High-Risk Zones | Zone A and AE (100-year floodplain) | - |
| Insurance | Required for mortgaged properties in SFHAs | - |
| Building | Permits required; elevation and construction standards apply | - |
| NFIP participant | - | Yes |
| Primary flood source | - | Cibolo Creek |
| Zone AE freeboard | - | 1 foot above BFE |
| Flood vents | - | 1 sq in per sq ft |
| Substantial improvement | - | 50 percent threshold |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Can I build in a flood zone in San Antonio?
Yes, but you must obtain permits and comply with floodplain construction standards. Properties in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas face elevation requirements, construction restrictions, and mandatory flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
How do I check if my property is in a flood zone?
Use the San Antonio River Authority's Floodplain Viewer or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). FEMA updated flood maps for San Antonio and Bexar County in July 2023, and additional Concepcion Creek revisions are expected by 2027.
Universal City FAQ
Is my house in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov by entering your address. Properties along Cibolo Creek may be in Zone AE.
Do I need flood insurance?
If your property is in Zone AE and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Zone X properties are recommended but not required.
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