Floodplains and Construction

All Development within the floodplain is highly regulated due to its crucial conveyance component as wells as to help maintain some of the important natural resources and functions of the floodplain. Development includes, but is not limited to all new construction, filling, grading and paving. This will also include any substantial improvement or substantial damage improvement to an existing structure. Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement in which the costs equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the existing structure will require a Floodplain Development Permit and Substantial Improvement Application.

Get a building permit by visiting the Planning and Development Services Department before you do any construction, repair or flood-proofing on your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 100-year floodplain?

It is the area of land inundated by floodwaters from a storm that has a one percent (1%) probability of being equal at or exceeded in any given year.

What is the difference between FEMA designated zones A, AE, and X?

Zone A is an area of the 100-year floodplain that has not been studied in sufficient detail to determine the water surface elevation of the 100-year flood. Zone AE is the area of the 100-year floodplain with the elevation of the 100-year flood available and the floodway designated. Zone X is an area inundated by the 500-year storm or areas outside of land inundated by the 500-year storm.

Who do I need to speak with to construct something in a floodplain?

Please contact the City's Department of Public Works receptionist at 817-459-6550 and your information will be forwarded to the appropriate staff person. You can also call the City's Planning and Development Services Department at 817-459-6502.

What is the floodway?

The area of the channel of a creek and the adjacent land areas that are reserved for flood flows. This area is to be clear of fences, buildings, fill, or any other obstructions that could inhibit flood flows.

How do I get an elevation certificate?

The City can provide you with a copy of an existing elevation certificate on file. However, if there is no elevation certificate on file then you will have to contact an engineer or surveyor of your choice to obtain an elevation certificate.

I have never been in a floodplain before and my property has never flooded but now my mortgage company and/or insurance provider wants me to secure flood insurance because my house is now designated in the floodplain.

Usually this is caused by a refinance, re-plat, or add-on construction requiring a building permit. This can also be caused by updated FEMA flood maps. One solution to this issue is to secure an Elevation Certificate. If the Elevation Certificate states that your slab is high enough above the floodplain, you may satisfy your mortgage lender or qualify for reduced insurance rates.

I have specific floodplain questions concerning my Arlington property. Who do I contact to have my questions answered?

Please contact the Department of Public Works at 817-459-6550.

Where can I find information and answers to general floodplain questions on protecting my home from flooding?

Please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website at www.fema.gov or www.floodsmart.gov.

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