Mission, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 38-62(1)
- Elevation standard
- Lowest floor at/above BFE
- Freeboard above BFE
- None required
- Permit
- Floodplain development permit required
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per violation
Summary
In Mission's FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas, new and substantially improved homes must have their lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. Mission adds no freeboard above BFE, and a registered surveyor, engineer, or architect must certify the elevation.
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 subsection 38-43(a)(1) is satisfied.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 38 requires a floodplain development permit before construction in the FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area, administered by the public works director as floodplain administrator. Under Sec. 38-62(1), new and substantially improved residential structures must elevate the lowest floor, including basement, to or above the base flood elevation shown on the November 20, 1991 FIRM. Mission adds no freeboard above BFE. A registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the as-built elevation. In AO/AH shallow-flooding zones, elevate to the FIRM depth number, or at least two feet above highest adjacent grade where no depth is specified (Sec. 38-64).
Violations & Fines
Constructing or altering land without full compliance is a misdemeanor; each violation carries a fine of not more than $500 plus all costs and expenses, and the city may take other lawful action to remedy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mission require freeboard above the base flood elevation?
Who enforces floodplain elevation rules in Mission?
What elevation applies in shallow-flooding AO/AH zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mission
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mission to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hidalgo County handle flood elevation requirements.