Frisco, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Lowest floor at or above BFE
- Code section
- Frisco Code § 42-92(1)
- Certification
- Engineer, architect, or surveyor required
- Freeboard
- None in ordinance; BFE is minimum
- Floodways
- Level-raising encroachments prohibited
Summary
In Frisco's FEMA special flood hazard areas, every new or substantially improved home must have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation, with compliance certified by a licensed engineer, architect, or land surveyor.
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth in section 42-26, section 42-62(8), or section 42-93(c), the following provisions are required: (1) Residential construction. 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 section 42-63(a) is satisfied.
Full Breakdown
Frisco Code § 42-92(1) requires new residential construction and substantial improvements in special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor, including basement, to or above the base flood elevation established on the community's FIRM. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify compliance to the city's floodplain administrator, and a floodplain development permit is required under § 42-63(a). Nonresidential buildings may floodproof to the base flood level instead. Enclosures below the lowest floor need automatic flood-equalizing vents, and § 42-95 prohibits floodway encroachments that raise base flood levels absent engineering proof of no increase.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or substantially improving a structure in the special flood hazard area without the required elevation certification and floodplain development permit violates Chapter 42 and blocks permit approval until the lowest-floor standard is met.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new Frisco home be built in the floodplain?
Does Frisco's flood ordinance require freeboard above BFE?
Can you build in a Frisco floodway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frisco
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Frisco to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle flood elevation requirements.