Plano, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Required freeboard
- Two feet above base flood elevation
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 16-176(1)
- Permit
- Floodplain development permit required
- Administrator
- Director of Engineering
- BFE basis
- Collin County FIS, Nov 21 2024
Summary
In Plano's FEMA special flood hazard areas, new and substantially improved homes must have their lowest floor, including basement, elevated to two feet above the base flood elevation: a full two feet of freeboard, verified by a licensed engineer, architect, or land surveyor.
(1) Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to two (2) feet 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 16-173(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 153).
Full Breakdown
City Code Section 16-176(1) requires the lowest floor, basement included, of every new or substantially improved residential structure in a special flood hazard area to sit two feet above the base flood elevation. The general standard in Section 16-175(4) applies the same two-foot freeboard to all construction, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing service equipment. A floodplain development permit under Section 16-166 is mandatory, and a registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the elevation. The Director of Engineering serves as floodplain administrator. Nonresidential buildings may instead be dry-floodproofed watertight to two feet above the base flood level.
Violations & Fines
Building or substantially improving without meeting the two-foot freeboard, or without a floodplain development permit, is a misdemeanor under Section 16-162, punishable by a fine set under City Code subsection 1-4(b), with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Plano require above the base flood elevation?
Can a commercial building be floodproofed instead of elevated?
Who enforces Plano's floodplain rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plano
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Plano to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Collin County handle flood elevation requirements.