Waco, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- Two feet above BFE
- Governing section
- Waco Code § 11-62(1)
- Applies to
- FEMA special flood hazard areas
- Enforcer
- Floodplain administrator
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per day
Summary
In Waco's FEMA special flood hazard areas, new and substantially improved homes must have their lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to two feet or more above the base flood elevation: a two-foot freeboard standard certified by a licensed professional.
In all areas of special flood hazard where base flood elevation data has been provided, as set forth in subsections 11-2(b) or 11-63(c), the following provisions are required: (1) Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to two feet or more above the base flood elevation, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities. A registered professional engineer, architect or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the floodplain administrator that the standard of this subsection ... 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 88).
Full Breakdown
Waco Code of Ordinances Section 11-62(1) governs residential building in the special flood hazard areas mapped along the Brazos River and its tributaries. New construction and substantial improvements must set the lowest floor (including basement) at least two feet above the base flood elevation shown on the FIRM, along with attendant utility and sanitary facilities. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify the elevation to the floodplain administrator. Nonresidential structures get the same two-foot freeboard or must be dry-floodproofed to that level. The city manager or designee serves as floodplain administrator and reviews every floodplain development permit.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a structure in violation is a misdemeanor, with each day a separate offense and a fine up to $500 per violation. Owners, engineers, architects, builders, and contractors can all be charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new Waco home's floor be in the floodplain?
Does the two-foot rule apply to commercial buildings?
Who certifies the elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waco
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