Bellaire, TX Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Bellaire's stormwater management regulations are among its most critical due to the city's location in the Brays Bayou watershed, which experienced catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordinances establishes flood damage prevention standards that exceed FEMA minimums. New construction, substantial improvements, and redevelopment projects must demonstrate that stormwater runoff from the site will not increase above pre-development levels. On-site detention may be required for projects that increase impervious cover. The city has adopted a no-adverse-impact floodplain management approach. Building permits for new construction require a drainage plan showing how stormwater will be managed. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and has achieved Community Rating System (CRS) credit for enhanced floodplain management. Bellaire requires that the lowest floor of new residential construction be elevated above the base flood elevation per FEMA and city standards. Fill material used to elevate structures must be balanced by compensatory storage to avoid displacing floodwater onto neighboring properties.