Mcallen, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Lowest floor at or above BFE
- Freeboard
- None beyond base flood elevation
- Certification
- Engineer/architect/surveyor to floodplain admin
- Code section
- § 118-57(a)
- AO/AH zones
- Two feet above adjacent grade
Summary
In McAllen's FEMA special flood hazard areas, new residential construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or surveyor.
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data have been provided ..., the following provisions are required: (a) 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 ... is satisfied.
Full Breakdown
McAllen Code § 118-57(a) requires the lowest floor, including basement, of any new or substantially improved residential structure in a special flood hazard area to sit at or above the base flood elevation: the city adopts the NFIP minimum with no added freeboard. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the as-built elevation to the floodplain administrator under § 118-44(3). Nonresidential buildings may instead be dry-floodproofed watertight below the base flood level. In AO/AH shallow-flooding zones, § 118-59 requires the lowest floor at least two feet above highest adjacent grade where no depth number is mapped.
Violations & Fines
Building or substantially improving without meeting the elevation standard violates Chapter 118; § 118-60 imposes the general penalty of § 1-14, and the city may take further lawful action to remedy the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does McAllen require freeboard above the base flood elevation?
Who certifies the elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mcallen
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle flood elevation requirements.