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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 10½-82, specific standards
Required freeboard
1 foot above BFE
Alternate standard
500-year elevation, whichever higher
Administrator
City Engineer (floodplain admin)
Applies within
FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area

Summary

New and substantially improved homes in Pearland's FEMA flood hazard area must have their lowest floor, including all ductwork, plumbing, and HVAC, elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation, or above the 500-year flood level, whichever is higher.

Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement and all essential plumbing, HVAC units and utilities, including duct work), elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation or at or above 500-year floodplain elevation, whichever is higher.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 28).

Full Breakdown

Section 10½-82 sets Pearland's construction standard inside FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Residential builds and substantial improvements must elevate the lowest floor, basement, essential plumbing, HVAC units, and duct work included, to at least one foot of freeboard above the base flood elevation, or to the 500-year floodplain elevation, whichever is higher. Nonresidential structures must instead be elevated or floodproofed to that level. The City Engineer serves as floodplain administrator and issues the required development permit; an elevation certificate from a registered professional engineer documents the finished lowest floor.

Violations & Fines

Building or substantially improving in the SFHA without a floodplain development permit, or below the required elevation, violates Chapter 10½; the City Engineer can deny permits and enforce the community's NFIP floodplain standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high must a new Pearland home be built in the floodplain?
The lowest floor, including ductwork, plumbing, and HVAC, must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, or at the 500-year flood elevation if that is higher.
Does the elevation rule apply to non-residential buildings?
Yes. Nonresidential construction and substantial improvements must be either elevated or floodproofed under Section 10½-82, with a registered engineer certifying the floodproofing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pearland

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSignificant RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome Restrictions

All Pearland rules

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