Garland, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential freeboard
- 2 feet above base flood elevation
- Equipment clearance
- At least 1 foot above BFE
- Certification required from
- Registered engineer, architect, or surveyor
- Manufactured homes
- 2 feet above BFE on permanent foundation
- Max fine
- $500.00 per violation
Summary
Garland requires two feet of freeboard above the base flood elevation for new and substantially improved residential structures, exceeding the one-foot federal minimum. Mechanical and electrical equipment must clear the base flood elevation by at least one foot, and a licensed engineer, architect, or surveyor must certify compliance to the City's floodplain administrator under § 31.104(B)(1).
Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated two (2) feet above the base flood elevation. The bottom of all associated machinery and equipment shall be elevated a minimum of one (1) foot 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 31.103(C)(1)(a), is satisfied.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
100(C)(7)). 104(A)(4), must clear the base flood elevation by at least one foot. 104(B)(2)). 104(B)(4)). 104(B)(3)). 104(D)).
Violations & Fines
Building or substantially improving a structure below the required freeboard, or without the engineer's or surveyor's elevation certification, violates § 31.104(F) and constitutes a misdemeanor. Conviction brings a fine of not more than $500.00 per violation, plus case costs, and does not stop the City from pursuing any other lawful remedy against the noncompliant structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Garland require above base flood elevation?
Do I need an engineer to certify my elevated house?
What about a home built with an enclosed area below the flood floor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland 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.