Richardson, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- Two feet above BFE
- Governing section
- Code sec. 9-67(a)
- Applies to
- FEMA special flood hazard areas
- Proof required
- FEMA elevation certificate
- Administrator
- City engineer
Summary
In Richardson's FEMA special flood hazard areas, any new or substantially improved residential structure must have its lowest floor, including basement, elevated a full two feet above the base flood elevation, verified by a FEMA elevation certificate.
Residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated two feet above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer or land surveyor shall submit a FEMA elevation certificate to the city engineer that the standard of this subsection, as proposed in subsection 9-44(1)a., 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 35 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Richardson Code of Ordinances Chapter 9, Article III governs flood damage prevention. Section 9-67(a) requires new construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure to have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated two feet above the base flood elevation (BFE). That two-foot freeboard exceeds the NFIP minimum. A registered professional engineer or land surveyor must file a FEMA elevation certificate with the city engineer confirming compliance. Nonresidential buildings meet the same two-foot standard by elevation or dry floodproofing, and mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plumbing equipment must sit at least one foot above BFE per section 9-66(7). The city engineer administers the program and issues floodplain development permits.
Violations & Fines
Building below the two-foot standard, or without the required FEMA elevation certificate, violates Chapter 9. Enforced by the city engineer as floodplain administrator; punishable under the section 1-8 general penalty, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new home's floor be in Richardson's floodplain?
Who confirms the elevation is met?
Does the rule cover commercial buildings too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson 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 Dallas County handle flood elevation requirements.