Fort Worth council members voted June 11 to adopt changes to how and where the city of Fort Worth establishes and regulates flood risk areas.

The details

According to a city news release, beginning July 15, the city will apply stormwater development regulations to permitted development activities that are less than 1 acre within city flood risk areas by requiring an engineer certificate documenting the elevation of livable structures is at least 2 feet above the 100-year flood elevation and that the development will not cause increased flood risk to neighboring properties.

The news release states city flood risk area regulations apply to a range of development activities, including:
  • Fences
  • Accessory structures
  • Room additions
  • New construction
  • Commercial or mixed-use site development projects on less than 1 acre
What you need to know

Residents living and working within the approximately 3.5 square miles of mapped city flood risk areas will be safer from flood risks due to improved stormwater development requirements, according to the news release. Residents can enter their address in the updated flood risk viewer, which shows flood risks mapped by FEMA and also non-FEMA flood risks mapped by the city, to assess their flood risk and take steps to protect their homes or businesses. It’s also a tool that can help property owners and developers make informed decisions when developing, improving and purchasing property.


Residents with specific questions regarding updated regulations and flood risk mapping can call 817-392-1234 or email the city for more information.