Kyle, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Under City Code Section 17-83, in any Kyle special flood hazard area where base flood elevation data has been provided, new construction and substantial improvement of a residential structure must have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation, and a registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify to the floodplain administrator that the standard is satisfied. Nonresidential structures under Section 17-83(2) may instead be floodproofed watertight below the base flood level if a registered engineer or architect certifies the design, with the floodproofing elevation recorded by the floodplain administrator.

Section 17-83(3) requires any enclosure below the lowest floor used only for parking, building access, or storage to include openings that automatically equalize floodwater pressure, at least two openings totaling one square inch of net area per square foot of enclosed area, with the bottom of each opening no higher than one foot above grade. Manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within Zones A1-30, AH, or AE must, under Section 17-83(4), be elevated on a permanent foundation so the lowest floor sits at or above the base flood elevation and be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement, while recreational vehicles under Section 17-83(5) are exempt only if they stay fewer than 180 consecutive days, remain licensed and ready for highway use, or otherwise meet the same permit and elevation standards as manufactured homes. Section 17-82 separately requires all new construction to be anchored against flotation and built with flood-resistant materials and utilities located to prevent water intrusion.