DeSoto, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 2 feet above base flood elevation
- Governing section
- DeSoto Code Section 3.1208
- Enforced by
- Floodplain administrator (city engineer)
- Applies to
- New build and substantial improvement
- Proof
- Engineer/architect/surveyor elevation certificate
Summary
In DeSoto's FEMA special flood hazard areas, new and substantially improved homes must set the lowest floor, including basement, two feet above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor.
Residential Construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated two (2) feet above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the floodplain administrator that these standards as proposed in Section 3.1207(c)(1)(A), are satisfied.
Full Breakdown
DeSoto Code Section 3.1208 requires every new or substantially improved residential structure in a special flood hazard area to elevate its lowest floor, basement included, two (2) feet above the base flood elevation shown on the FIRM. That two-foot freeboard exceeds the federal at-BFE minimum. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the as-built elevation to DeSoto's floodplain administrator, the city engineer. Nonresidential buildings must meet the same two-foot mark or be dry-floodproofed watertight below the base flood level. Enclosures below the lowest floor are limited to parking, building access, or storage.
Violations & Fines
A structure built or improved without the required elevation certificate proving the two-foot standard is presumed in violation of DeSoto's floodplain regulations, blocking permits and raising National Flood Insurance Program premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new DeSoto home's floor sit in a flood zone?
Does the two-foot rule apply to remodels?
Who verifies the elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeSoto
Texas rules heatmap·Compare DeSoto to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle flood elevation requirements.