FEMA flood zone rules in San Antonio, TX — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
San Antonio enforces floodplain development standards through the UDC and Chapter 34 (Water and Sewers). FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) restrict building in the 100-year floodplain. Building in floodplains requires permits and compliance with elevation and construction standards. FEMA released updated flood maps for San Antonio and Bexar County effective July 2023, and the Concepcion Creek project will add 4,000+ structures to the floodplain by 2027.
San Antonio lies in 'Flash Flood Alley' where the Balcones Escarpment creates rapid runoff during heavy rainfall. FEMA flood zones cover areas along the San Antonio River, Salado Creek, Leon Creek, Olmos Creek, Medio Creek, and tributaries. The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) maintains Bexar County flood maps as a FEMA Cooperating Technical Partner, investing $14 million to map 1,700+ stream miles. New flood maps became effective July 19, 2023. The Bexar Regional Watershed Management (BRWM) partnership (formed after $1 billion+ damage in 1998/2002 floods) coordinates flood control across Bexar County, the City, and SARA, plus 20 suburban cities. Development in the floodplain requires a city Floodplain Development Permit. The Olmos Dam protects downtown. Updated maps expected 2027 for Concepcion Creek watershed (4,000+ structures affected).
Building in floodplain without permit: stop-work order. Non-compliant construction: mandatory elevation or retrofit. NFIP non-compliance affects community insurance eligibility.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bexar County.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle flood zones.
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