FEMA flood zone rules in Midland County, TX β also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules β determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Midland County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces the Midland County Flood Damage Prevention Regulations originally adopted in 1992. The County also adopted the Monahans and South Draw Interim Flood Planning Framework on December 13, 2021. A Floodplain Permit application is required for any development within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA β FEMA Zone A, AE, AH, AO). Floodway development is prohibited absent a no-rise certification by a Texas-licensed engineer. Permit completion qualifies the structure for NFIP flood insurance.
Midland County's Flood Damage Prevention Regulations were originally adopted in 1992, and the County adopted the Monahans and South Draw Interim Flood Planning Framework on December 13, 2021 to coordinate regional drainage planning. Administration falls to Midland County Public Works at the Midland County Courthouse, 500 N Loraine Street, Midland, TX 79701, telephone 432-742-7777. Any development β new construction, substantial improvement (improvement equal to or exceeding 50 percent of pre-improvement market value), fill, or grading β within a FEMA-designated SFHA shown on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) requires a Floodplain Permit issued before work begins. Lowest-floor elevation must equal or exceed the Base Flood Elevation. Development within a regulatory floodway is prohibited unless a Texas-licensed professional engineer certifies that the proposed work will cause no increase in BFE (44 CFR Β§60.3(d)(3)). All structures in the SFHA must be anchored, use flood-resistant materials below the BFE, and have utilities elevated. Manufactured homes have additional anchoring rules. Midland County drains primarily into Monahans Draw and South Draw β playa-and-arroyo systems characteristic of the semi-arid Permian Basin β which can produce sudden runoff during intense storms. NFIP flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages on SFHA properties under 42 U.S.C. Β§4012a.
Construction without a required Floodplain Permit, or non-compliant elevation/floodway work, is enforceable as a stop-work matter under the County Regulations and may be pursued under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233. Non-compliance can also trigger NFIP probation or suspension of the community, raising flood insurance rates for all residents. Federal lenders cannot close on a federally-backed mortgage in an SFHA without flood insurance under 42 U.S.C. Β§4012a. Permit a project first by contacting Midland County Public Works at 432-742-7777.
Midland County, TX
Midland County has no noise ordinance with set quiet hours in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to regulate noise (Local Gov Cod...
Midland County, TX
Midland County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority (Local Gov Code Ch. 233). The county's Subdivisi...
Midland County, TX
Midland County has no general leash law in unincorporated areas. Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 822 governs dangerous dogs and dog-at-large near children, an...
Midland County, TX
Midland County Commissioners Court may restrict 'restricted fireworks' (skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins) in the unincorporated county under Tex...
Midland County, TX
Midland County does NOT impose STR parking requirements in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority (Tex. LGC Ch. 233) and the county has n...
Midland County, TX
Midland County does NOT set STR occupancy caps in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority (Tex. LGC Ch. 233) and the county has no STR ord...
See how Midland County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.