Travis County, TX Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Travis County, TX, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- 2018 Flood
- Lake Travis +18 ft
- Freeboard
- 1 ft (2 ft Onion Creek)
- Authority
- LCRA / FEMA / County
- Atlas 14
- Adopted 2020
Summary
Travis County enforces floodplain development through Chapter 82 and participates in NFIP. The 2018 Llano River / Lake Travis flood raised the lake 18 feet in days and drove significant floodplain map revisions. Lake Travis and Lake Austin are managed by LCRA with flood operations out of Mansfield Dam. Development in SFHA requires a Floodplain Development Permit and finished-floor 1 foot above BFE, 2 feet in the Onion Creek basin.
FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Welcome! Looking for a Flood Map? Enter an address, a place, or longitude/latitude coordinates: Looking for more than just a current flood map? Visit Search All Products to access the full range of flood risk products for your community. About Flood Map Service Center The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk. FEMA flood maps are continually updated through a variety of processes. Effective information that you download or print from this site may change or become superseded by new maps over time.
Full Breakdown
FEMA FIRM panels updated 2019 for Travis County. Onion Creek, Shoal Creek, and Walnut Creek have Letters of Map Revision on file. Atlas 14 rainfall data adopted 2020 increased 100-year flood elevations across the county. LCRA flood gate operations can release 100,000+ cfs from Mansfield Dam during major events. Substantial improvement rules (50% rule) apply to repairs.
Violations & Fines
NFIP non-compliance: loss of subsidized flood insurance community-wide. Ch. 82 violations: up to $1,000 per day. Mandatory elevation or removal of non-compliant structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Travis County flood maps keep changing?
Do I need flood insurance on Lake Travis?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FEMA MSC
- [2]LCRA Floods
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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