Corpus Christi, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Governing section
- City Code § 14-552(1)
- Permit
- Floodplain development permit required
- Enforcer
- Floodplain administrator, Development Services
- Flood maps
- FEMA FIRM effective Oct 13, 2022
Summary
New homes and substantially improved buildings in Corpus Christi's FEMA flood zones must have their lowest floor and machinery elevated one foot above the base flood elevation. A floodplain development permit and an engineer's or surveyor's elevation certificate are required.
Residential construction. New construction of any residential structure must have the lowest floor (including basement) and machinery or equipment, elevated to one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. Substantial damage and substantial improvement must have the lowest floor (including basement) and machinery or equipment, elevated to one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Section 14-552(1) of the Flood Hazard Prevention Code (Chapter 14, Article V) sets the standard: the lowest floor plus machinery and equipment must be elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation for all residential new construction and substantial improvements. Nonresidential buildings must elevate one foot above BFE or be dry-floodproofed. In coastal V zones, elevation is measured to the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member, supported on pilings or columns. The city's floodplain administrator in Development Services enforces the code against the FEMA FIRM effective October 13, 2022, and a registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the finished elevation.
Violations & Fines
Structures lacking a required elevation certificate or other compliance documentation are presumed in violation until proof is provided; the floodplain administrator may revoke permits and issue immediate stop-work orders on noncompliant construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new home be built in a Corpus Christi flood zone?
Does the one-foot rule apply to remodels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corpus Christi
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