FEMA flood zone rules in Dallas, TX — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A, Article V (Floodplain and Escarpment Zone Regulations) regulates development in the 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain. All residential and commercial development in the regulatory floodplain is reviewed by the city before permits are issued. Property owners may need fill permits and floodplain alteration permits before construction. The ordinance meets or exceeds FEMA NFIP minimum criteria under 44 CFR Part 60.3(d). Dallas participates in the Community Rating System for flood insurance discounts.
Dallas has FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Trinity River, White Rock Creek, Five Mile Creek, Bachman Branch, and numerous tributaries throughout the city. The Trinity River Corridor project is a multi-billion dollar initiative improving levees, creating recreational amenities, and managing flood risk through central Dallas. The Dallas Floodway Extension provides additional protection for southern Dallas. Properties in flood zones require flood insurance with federally-backed mortgages. Dallas participates in the NFIP with a high Community Rating System score for reduced premiums. New construction in floodplains requires permits, elevation certificates, and compliance with the city's floodplain management ordinance. Flash flooding during spring thunderstorms is a recurring hazard.
Building in floodplain without permit: stop-work order and significant fines. Non-compliant elevation: mandatory retrofit or removal. NFIP violations affect the entire community's CRS rating and insurance costs.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle flood zones.
See how Dallas's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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