FEMA flood zone rules in Denton, TX — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Denton Code Ch. 30 regulates FEMA flood zones along Hickory and Pecan Creeks. New construction must elevate one foot above base flood elevation. A floodplain development permit is required.
Denton regulates floodplain development through Chapter 30 of the Denton Code of Ordinances, the Denton Drainage Design Criteria Manual, and its participation in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify Special Flood Hazard Areas along Hickory Creek, Pecan Creek, Cooper Creek, and other tributaries of the Elm Fork Trinity River within the city. Any construction, substantial improvement, or development in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area requires a floodplain development permit issued by Denton Development Services. New residential construction must have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation as shown on the FIRM. This freeboard requirement exceeds the FEMA minimum of at or above BFE. Non-residential structures may be flood-proofed to the same level in lieu of elevation if certified by a registered professional engineer. No fill or encroachment is permitted in the regulatory floodway that would increase the base flood elevation by more than the allowable surcharge. Substantial improvements defined as work costing 50 percent or more of the pre-improvement market value of the structure require bringing the entire structure into compliance with current floodplain regulations. An elevation certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor is required before a certificate of occupancy is issued for any structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Denton has experienced significant flooding events along Pecan Creek and Hickory Creek that reinforce the importance of these regulations.
Building in the floodplain without a permit can result in fines up to $2,000 per day, denial of flood insurance, and increased flood insurance premiums for the entire community if the city's CRS rating is affected.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Denton County.
See how other cities in Denton County handle flood zones.
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