Lubbock, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

009 requires a Floodplain Development Permit for any development inside a designated floodplain, to make sure the project conforms to the city's flood hazard rules. The application goes to the Floodplain Administrator and must include scaled plans showing the location, dimensions, and elevation of every proposed landscape alteration, structure, and manufactured home placement, plus its position relative to the special flood hazard area. Four items are specifically required: the elevation, relative to mean sea level, of the lowest floor including any basement of new or substantially improved structures; the elevation to which any nonresidential structure will be floodproofed; an engineer's or architect's certificate that a floodproofed nonresidential structure meets the floodproofing criteria; and a description of how the project will alter or relocate any watercourse or natural drainage.

The Floodplain Administrator decides whether to approve or deny the permit based on ten factors, covering flood and erosion danger, susceptibility of the proposed use to flood damage, whether debris could sweep onto other lands, compatibility with surrounding development, emergency vehicle access during a flood, the cost of governmental services during and after flooding, expected flood height and velocity, whether the use needs a waterfront location, availability of non-flood-prone alternative sites, and consistency with the area's comprehensive plan. The Floodplain Administrator or City Engineer can revoke a permit for cause after written notice and a hearing, and a revoked, suspended, or revised permit carries no fee refund.

A revocation, suspension, or revision can be appealed to the City Council by filing a written application with the City Secretary within 10 days of the written order.