Wichita Falls, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 1 foot above BFE
- Applies to
- SFHA new & substantial improvements
- Certification by
- Engineer, architect, or surveyor
- Enforcing agency
- Floodplain administrator (Public Works)
- Code section
- Wichita Falls Code § 54-92
Summary
In any FEMA special flood hazard area, new construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor.
In all areas of special flood hazard where base flood elevation data has been provided ... the following are required: (1) Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more 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 section 54-62, is satisfied.
Full Breakdown
Wichita Falls Code § 54-92 sets one foot of freeboard. A residential structure built or substantially improved in a special flood hazard area must have its lowest floor, basement included, elevated one foot or more above the base flood elevation. Commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential buildings must elevate the same amount or be dry-floodproofed to one foot above the BFE. Machinery, ductwork, and utilities sit one foot above the BFE, and enclosures below the lowest floor need flood vents. A registered engineer, architect, or land surveyor certifies the elevation to the floodplain administrator, the Public Works director, on an elevation certificate.
Violations & Fines
Building below one foot above the base flood elevation, or failing to submit the required elevation certification, violates § 54-92. The floodplain administrator can withhold or revoke the floodplain development permit, and owners pay higher NFIP flood-insurance premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a home be built in the Wichita Falls floodplain?
Can a nonresidential building be floodproofed instead of elevated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
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