Converse, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Lowest floor at or above BFE
- Applies to
- New construction & substantial improvements
- Certification
- PE, architect, or surveyor required
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per violation
- Citation
- Sec. 22-82, Converse Code of Ordinances
Summary
Converse requires new and substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or surveyor under Sec. 22-82.
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to or above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the floodplain administrator that the standard of this subsection as proposed in division 4, subsection 22-63(a)(1), is satisfied.
Full Breakdown
In Converse's mapped special flood hazard areas, Sec. 22-82 sets the elevation standard for new construction and substantial improvements. Residential structures must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation (BFE) shown on the FIRM, with certification from a licensed engineer, architect, or surveyor filed with the floodplain administrator. Nonresidential buildings get an alternative: dry floodproof below the BFE with impermeable, hydrostatically-rated walls, engineer-certified. The code doesn't add a local freeboard cushion above BFE, it tracks the FEMA minimum directly.
Violations & Fines
Constructing below the required base flood elevation or without a floodplain development permit is a misdemeanor: up to $500 per violation plus costs under Sec. 22-102, and the city can pursue further legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Converse require freeboard above the base flood elevation?
What happens if I build below the required elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Converse
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Converse to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle flood elevation requirements.