Baytown, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Baytown's flood risk is among the most significant in the Houston metropolitan area due to its location at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Galveston Bay, combined with flat terrain, clay soils, and historical land subsidence. The city's floodplain management ordinance implements FEMA National Flood Insurance Program requirements and goes further to protect residents. FEMA flood zone designations in Baytown include A zones (1% annual chance riverine flooding), AE zones (with established base flood elevations), V zones (coastal high hazard with wave action), and X zones (moderate to minimal risk). New residential construction in A and AE zones must have the lowest floor elevated to at least the base flood elevation (BFE). The city may require additional freeboard above the BFE. V zone construction requires elevation on pilings with the area below the BFE left open or constructed with breakaway walls. Substantial improvements to existing structures, defined as repairs or improvements costing 50% or more of the building's pre-improvement market value, must bring the entire structure into compliance with current flood regulations. This is particularly important for older homes damaged by storms. Baytown participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), which earns flood insurance premium discounts for policyholders based on the city's floodplain management activities. Flood insurance is mandatory for properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area with federally backed mortgages and is strongly recommended for all properties given Baytown's flood history, including significant damage from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019. Elevation certificates are required for new construction and substantial improvements in flood zones. The city maintains FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) showing designated flood zones.