Garland, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

The floodplain administrator, the Director of Engineering, administers this article and 44 CFR floodplain-management regulations for all special flood hazard areas mapped in the FEMA Flood Insurance Studies for Dallas, Collin, and Rockwall Counties (§ 31.102(B)). No structure or land may be built, altered, or have its use changed inside those zones without first obtaining a development permit and complying fully with the article and other regulations (§ 31.102(D)-(E)). Permit applications go to the floodplain administrator on City forms and must include the elevation of the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures, the elevation to which any nonresidential structure will be floodproofed, and a description of how any watercourse or drainage will be altered (§ 31.103(C)(1)).

The administrator reviews applications against factors including danger to life and property, susceptibility to flood damage, safety of emergency access, and consistency with the comprehensive plan (§ 31.103(C)(2)). Where a floodway has not been formally designated, no new construction, fill, or substantial improvement is allowed in zones A1-30 or AE unless it is shown the cumulative effect will not raise the base flood water surface more than one foot anywhere in the City (§ 31.103(B)(9)). Variances go to the City Council, which can grant relief for historic structures or small infill lots but may never approve an increase in flood levels within a designated floodway (§ 31.103(D)). Anyone aggrieved by a City Council variance decision may appeal to the courts (§ 31.103(D)(3)).