Stafford regulates development within FEMA-mapped floodplains under Chapter 26, requiring floodplain development permits and elevation standards consistent with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Chapter 26 (Drainage and Flood Control), Article IV, sets Stafford's floodplain administration rules under the NFIP. Any development, including new construction, substantial improvement, fill, or grading within a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a floodplain development permit. Residential structures must have the lowest floor elevated to or above the base flood elevation, and nonresidential structures must be elevated or dry-floodproofed. The Floodplain Administrator reviews permit applications, elevation certificates, and substantial improvement determinations.
Building, filling, or substantially improving structures in a Stafford floodplain without a permit, or failing to meet elevation and floodproofing requirements.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle flood zones.
See how Stafford's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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