Keller, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Keller is a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program with FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas primarily along Big Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek, and tributaries. The effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Tarrant County show Zone AE with base flood elevations and Zone X for areas outside the 100-year floodplain. Any development in a Special Flood Hazard Area, including new construction, substantial improvement, fill, grading, and accessory structures, requires a Floodplain Development Permit issued by the Floodplain Administrator. Residential structures in Zone AE must have the lowest floor elevated at least 1 foot above base flood elevation based on local freeboard policy, and nonresidential structures may elevate or use dry floodproofing. Substantial improvement is defined as a repair, addition, or alteration whose cost equals or exceeds 50 percent of the structures pre-improvement market value, at which point the entire structure must be brought into floodplain compliance. Buyers should request the current Elevation Certificate and confirm flood insurance status, especially for properties along the creek corridors. Map amendment requests such as LOMA or LOMR-F can remove a legally unneeded structure from the mandatory purchase area if elevations and engineering support. Keller Development Services administers the program in coordination with FEMA Region 6 and Tarrant County.