Midland, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 11-3, the Flood Damage Prevention Code, applies to "all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the City of Midland, Texas" (§ 11-3-9), which the chapter defines as land subject to a one-percent-annual-chance flood as mapped by FEMA on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Midland County. Section 11-3-4 requires a floodplain development permit before any development proceeds; § 11-3-8 bars locating, altering, or changing the use of any structure or land without full compliance. Applications go to the Floodplain Administrator (the City Engineer or a designee) on City-furnished forms and must show, among other things, the elevation of the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures, floodproofing elevation for nonresidential buildings, and any proposed alteration or relocation of a watercourse (§ 11-3-5(C)1).

The Administrator reviews permits against factors including danger to life and property, the effect on other lands, and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan (§ 11-3-5(C)2), and must notify TWDB and TCEQ, plus FEMA, before any watercourse alteration is approved (§ 11-3-5(B)6). Development is measured against the September 16, 2005 Flood Insurance Study for Midland County and its accompanying FIRMs, as amended (§ 11-3-10). Variances go to the City Council, which may attach conditions, but cannot approve a variance inside a designated floodway if it would raise flood levels during the base flood (§§ 11-3-13, 11-3-14).