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Converse, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Converse, 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: Floodplain development permit
Administered by: City manager/floodplain administrator
Maps used: FEMA FIS, Bexar County, 2010
Max fine: $500 per violation

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Converse, TX.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Converse, TX on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Any construction, alteration, or land-use change inside Converse's FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas needs a floodplain development permit before work starts.

A floodplain development permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this chapter. ... No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered, or have its use changed without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.

Source: FEMA Map Service CenterView official code

Full Breakdown

The city adopted FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and rate maps for Bexar County (effective September 29, 2010) to define its special flood hazard areas. Inside those areas, a floodplain development permit is mandatory for any new construction, substantial improvement, or land alteration, and the floodplain administrator (the city manager or designee) reviews applications against elevation, floodproofing, and drainage standards before approving them.

Violations & Fines

Building or altering land in a flood hazard area without full compliance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation, plus costs, and the city council may pursue other lawful remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build in a Converse flood zone?

Yes. Sec. 22-43 requires a floodplain development permit for any construction, alteration, or use change in a mapped special flood hazard area.

Who decides if my Converse property is in a flood zone?

The floodplain administrator applies FEMA's Bexar County Flood Insurance Study and rate maps adopted by the city to make that determination.

What happens if I skip the floodplain permit?

It's a misdemeanor under Sec. 22-102, carrying a fine up to $500 per violation plus costs, with the city able to pursue further enforcement.

Sources & Official References

[1]Converse, TX Code of Ordinances — Ch. 22, Flood Damage Prevention

Other rules in Converse

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All Converse rules

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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Bexar County handle flood zones.

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