Jefferson County, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Jefferson County, TX, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Permit required before
- Any construction, fill, or substantial improvement
- Governing maps
- FIRM/FIS dated Dec. 1, 1982, as revised
- Administering official
- County Engineer as Floodplain Administrator
- Permit forms
- Appendix 1 (application), Appendix 2 (Elevation Cert.)
- Fine per violation/day
- Up to $100
Summary
A county development permit is required before any construction, fill or substantial improvement begins in Jefferson County's mapped special flood hazard areas. The Flood Damage Prevention Order adopts FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and maps and puts the County Engineer in charge of permitting.
3.1 LANDS TO WHICH THIS ORDER APPLIES. This Order shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of Jefferson County. 3.2 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for Jefferson County," dated December 1, 1982, and any revisions thereto, with accompanying Flood Insurance Maps, and any revisions thereto, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Order.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
1. 3-2 governs until a new map is issued. 1-1 requires a development permit before any construction, substantial improvement, or development, including fill and other land-disturbing activities, begins within a mapped special flood hazard area; the permit application appears in Appendix 1 and requires an accompanying Elevation Certificate in Appendix 2. 2 as the county's Floodplain Administrator, responsible for granting or denying permits. 3, verify other required federal, state or local approvals are obtained, and deny applications that do not comply with the Order or sound floodplain management. 5 requires all provisions to be treated as minimum requirements construed in favor of the county.
Violations & Fines
Constructing, locating, extending, converting or altering any structure or land without full compliance with the Flood Damage Prevention Order is a violation under Section 3.3. Each act of violation and each day it continues is punishable by a fine of not more than $100, plus all costs and expenses of the case, and the county retains the right to pursue other lawful action to prevent or remedy the violation. The Floodplain Administrator may also deny or withhold a development permit under Section 4.3-1(4) for a project that does not comply with the Order or sound floodplain management practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a flood zone in unincorporated Jefferson County?
Which maps define the flood zones in Jefferson County?
Who decides whether my project can proceed in the floodplain?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
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