Floodplain Management Office

Know Your Flood Hazard

Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Check your risk: visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flood hazard is not just related to flash flooding. Texas is particularly prone to floods, especially in two large parts of the state: the coast and a wide band called Flash Flood Alley that extends through Central and North Texas. Almost every major city in Texas is in an area at high risk of flooding. Flood hazard refers to risk associated with mapped flood-prone areas of your community, flash flooding, areas of poor drainage, localized street flooding, and other related flood risk areas.

Houston’s unique in that its flat terrain, large amounts of impervious cover (concrete), slowly-absorbing soil, and potential for thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes all combine to form ideal conditions for flooding. Due to its humid-subtropical climate and proximity to the coast, Houston is susceptible to a large amount of rainfall that is often too great for its infrastructure and bayous to handle. Once the City’s ditch and storm sewer networks are inundated with storm water runoff, streets become secondary drainage facilities.

Most stream flooding areas have been mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); however, not all flood-prone areas, areas with poor drainage, or localized street flooding have been mapped. As a result, a property may be outside the mapped floodplain yet still at risk of flooding. Houston has experienced flooding since its founding. Though Houston has had its share of devastating flood events, your property may never have flooded or may be shown on the FEMA flood maps to be outside the mapped limits of flooding. However, this is no guarantee your property will never flood. Most areas of the City have yet to see the record 1% annual chance flood.

The following video from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (www.floodsmart.gov) shares two views of the same flood—one with flood insurance and one without it:

Public Information and Flood Information Assistance

The Floodplain Management Office provides flood information, including flood zone determinations for specific addresses, floodplain permits for proposed or existing structures, lowest floor elevations, and elevation certificates, as available. City staff can assist residents in determining localized areas with known flooding and drainage problems not shown on FEMA flood maps, and approximate depth of potential flooding and past flooding at or near their property. The City also guides residents in floodproofing and other mitigation techniques, along with funding options for mitigation projects to reduce flood risk to their property.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The City provides a map information service which enables all residents to determine the flood zone of a specific property. Paper copies are available for viewing at the City’s Floodplain Management Office, or electronic maps may be viewed and printed online for free at the FEMA Flood Map Store at https://msc.fema.gov/portal. The information can also be accessed via the Houston Public Work's GeoLink HUB: https://geohub.houstontx.gov/. 

Insure Your Property for Flood

Homeowner’s insurance excludes floods. Consider flood insurance—visit FloodSmart.gov for info.

The City of Houston participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance rates are based on the flood zone of your property and the risk of being flooded. Purchasing federal flood insurance through the NFIP is one of the best ways to protect your home and belongings. If it can rain, it can flood. Standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage.    

• There is normally a 30-day waiting period when purchasing a new policy. Flood insurance is sold through private insurance companies and agents and is backed by the federal government. Don’t wait for an approaching storm before deciding to buy coverage.
• Flood insurance is sold through private insurance companies and agents and is backed by the federal government.
• Homeowners in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), or high-risk area, must buy flood insurance if they have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender. 
• Homes located outside the high-risk flood zone areas need flood insurance, too. On average, 40% of the NFIP flood insurance claims occur outside the high-risk flood areas.
• Flood insurance is available for all properties located in the City of Houston. 
• If you’re renting a home or apartment, contents coverage is available from the NFIP to protect your valuables and belongings.
• A flood insurance policy will cover your home up to $250,000. You’ll need a separate flood policy for your personal belongings, which covers up to $100,000.
• You can determine your property’s flood zone at https://msc.fema.gov/portal or call the City’s FMO office at 832-394-8854.  
• Houston participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) program, and flood insurance premiums may be offered at a discount to residents.  

For more information about obtaining flood insurance for both your structure and contents, contact your insurance agent or visit:  

• www.fema.gov/nfip 
• www.floodsmart.gov 

The following video from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (www.floodsmart.gov) shares a Survivor Story: Rupi Prasad rebuilds her retirement property after Hurricane Harvey: 

Community Rating System

The City of Houston participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), which is a subset of the NFIP. It is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

1. Reduce flood losses,
2. Facilitate accurate insurance rating, and
3. Promote the awareness of flood insurance.

Community participation in the CRS is in addition to participation in the NFIP. Participation in the NFIP does not automatically include participation in the CRS. As of September 2012, the City of Houston has a CRS ranking of 5, which qualifies residents for a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for properties in the SFHA.

To learn more about obtaining a policy, staying current with your flood insurance requirements, and staying eligible for federal disaster assistance please click on the links below: 

• How do I know if I need flood insurance 
• Meeting the flood insurance requirements 
• Flood insurance for renters  
• Summary of coverage condominium buildings 

Flooded roads are deadly—don’t drive or walk through water. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown ®”

Flooding can occur after heavy rainfall that lasts for hours or days. In Texas, flash floods are especially dangerous because they happen quickly, often with little warning. Roads can become covered with moving water and become unsafe or impassable.  Most flood-related deaths are due to motorists attempting to cross a flooded low-water crossing or road.

Flood Warnings and Disaster Preparedness

Safe evacuation during a disaster depends on preparation and cooperation from residents and City departments. During major flooding events, emergency shelters may be opened and City departments coordinate to maintain essential services.

The City of Houston maintains a network of warning systems in the event of a disaster. The City of Houston is able to send “Reverse 911” calls to localized areas which may be utilized if specific neighborhoods are threatened by an imminent or occurring flood. If flooding is imminent and evacuation of the City is advised, the City of Houston will notify you through local radio and cable TV. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio broadcasts current local weather information, watches, warnings, and forecasts 24 hours a day, and can be monitored on 162.400 MHz.

The City receives information from NOAA Weather Station Radio, which broadcasts weather information 24 hours a day, and from the National Weather Service offices in Texas. The local contact number is 281-337-5074. Please call in reference to evacuation notices, procedures, and shelters.

Important warning information may be obtained directly by calling the City’s Office of Emergency Management at 713-884-4500 or by visiting www.houstonoem.org.

Flood Safety Tips

Before the Flood

1. Check your flood risk by contacting the Floodplain Management Office at 832-394-8854. Staff can provide information about causes of repetitive flooding, past flooding, predicted flood areas, floodplain maps, and protection options. Staff can also visit your property to discuss flood protection alternatives.
2. Prepare for flooding by doing the following:
   • Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when flooding occurs. 
   • Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go.
   • Make a household inventory.
   • Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc., in a safe place.
   • Develop a disaster response plan (See the Red Cross’ website: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/ for a copy of the brochure ‘Your Family Disaster Plan’.) 
   • Get a copy of ‘Repairing Your Flooded Home’, which also can be found on the Red Cross’ website.
   • Get a flood insurance policy – it will help pay for repairs after a flood and, in some cases, it will help pay the costs of elevating a substantially damaged building.  
3. Consider some permanent flood protection measures.
   • Mark your fuse box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the power to these floodable areas can reduce property damage (fires) and save lives. 
   • Consider flood protection alternatives such as flood walls or berms. 
   • Note that some flood protection measures may require permits. Please check with the Floodplain Management Office and/or the Building Code Enforcement Branch for more information. 
   • A copy of ‘Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding’ is available at no charge to download from https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/480. 
   • If you are interested in elevating your building above the flood level, or if you are interested in selling your house to the City, the City may be able to apply for federal grants to cover a portion of the cost. 

During and After A Flood

• If emergency evacuation is needed, please visit the City’s Emergency Management Office website for shelter locations at www.houstonoem.org and follow the instructions to evacuate – it saves the lives of those around you and possibly of the emergency workers responding. 
• Do not attempt to restore utilities on your own. Have a licensed electrician, plumber, or gas professional inspect and safely turn on electricity, water, and gas. Flood damage can create serious hazards such as electrical shock, gas leaks, fire, or water contamination, and only qualified professionals can ensure it is safe to re‑enter your home.
• Do not wade through flood waters due to the danger of pollutants, debris (nails, glass, etc.), and animals (snakes, ants, etc.).
• Flood waters are often murky, and depth is hard to determine. Do not drive through flood waters! Turn Around, Don’t Drown®!

The following video from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (www.floodsmart.gov) shares a personal story from Houston-area homeowners affected by flooding from Hurrican Harvey in 2017:

Before floods hit, relocate furniture and valuables to a safe spot like an attic or upper floor.

The City of Houston has initiated numerous property protection measures to reduce flood risk in the community. The City has addressed property protection by requiring new construction in the high flood risk areas to be constructed at least 2 feet above the 500-year elevation (3 feet above the 500-year elevation if the building is considered a critical facility or located in the floodway). If the first floor level of your structure is lower than the 100-year elevation Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and/or the 500-year elevation Design Flood Elevation (DFE) on the FEMA flood map, consider ways to reduce the risk of flooding such as retrofitting or renovating to protect your structure.

The Floodplain Management Office can tell you what would be an appropriate flood protection elevation for your structure. Call 832-394-8854 to request assistance from a City staff member who can visit you on-site or provide additional guidance on solving your flooding problems.

Retrofitting measures may include:

• Elevating the building so that flood waters do not enter or reach the lowest floor above flood level,
• Constructing barriers out of compacted soil or concrete between the building and flood waters,
• “Dry floodproofing” to make the building walls and floor watertight,
• “Wet floodproofing” to protect a building by allowing floodwaters to enter uninhabited areas of the property, such as parking and storage areas,
• Preventing basement flooding from sewer backup or sump pump failure.

A copy of 'Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding’ is available at no charge through the Houston Public Library or online at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_homeowners-guide-to-retrofitting_guide.pdf

Reduce flood risk: call the Floodplain Management Office at 832-394-8854 for ways to update your home.

All development in the City of Houston requires a development permit. The City’s ordinances and building codes guide and regulate construction in floodplains. Without these provisions, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) would not be available. Any development in the floodplain without a permit is illegal and should be reported to the Floodplain Management Office at 832.394.8854.

The City of Houston participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). As a participating community, the City has adopted floodplain management practices through several ordinances that limit the development allowed:

• 1% annual chance floodplain (the area has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year, not every 100 years) and
• 0.2% annual chance floodplain (the area has a 0.2% chance of occurring in any given year, not every 500 years)

The City of Houston standards require all new structures to be at least 2 feet above the 500-year elevation (3 feet above the 500-year elevation if building is considered a critical facility or located in the floodway). When developing along a major creek within the City of Houston, the developer must submit a flood study to the City showing the 1% annual chance floodplain and water surface elevation based on both current land-use and future land-use assumptions. For property with any portion located within the 1% annual chance floodplain, regardless of structure location, a flood insurance policy may be required by the mortgage lender.

The Floodplain Management Office is available to make site visits to review flooding issues, drainage and sewer problems, and provide one-on-one advice to property owners pertaining to development, renovation, and flood protection measures for your structure.

Post-Flood Information for Homeowners

If your home has suffered flood damage and/or has been substantially damaged, a Floodplain Development Permit may be required, depending on your location and flood hazard zone.

• If your structure does need repairing, City staff can advise you on ways to reduce flood risk while repairing your structure.
• Flood mitigation grant opportunities may be available for projects to reduce flood risk to your structure. Check with the Floodplain Management Office for a list of available funding options.
• If you have flood insurance, and the City determines your structure is substantially damaged, you may be eligible for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, which provides funding up to $30,000 to elevate, demolish, or relocate your structure.

Chapter 19

City of Houston ordinances are provided below. These ordinances support the City’s floodplain management efforts and have been updated to enhance resilience during rebuilding after flood events.

• Ordinance 2018-258
• Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 19
• Letter of Map Change Process

Protect Natural Floodplain Areas

Lend a hand, take care of the land. Call 3-1-1 to report dumping in the floodplain.

The City of Houston has many beautiful floodplain areas. The undisturbed river bottoms and bayous provide a wide range of benefits to the human and natural systems. 

These areas also provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and wildlife, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, and protect habitats for rare and endangered species. The floodplains are an important asset. They provide open space, aesthetic pleasure and areas for active and passive uses. They also provide flood storage and conveyance, reduce flood velocities, and flood peaks.

Although the City has a storm sewer and drainage maintenance program, it is impossible to keep all drainage systems clear at all times. As a citizen, you can assist by keeping the banks of ditches, streams, and bayous clear of brush and debris, and not allowing grass clippings, oil, or other contaminants in storm sewer inlets. Dumping of debris into ditches, waterways, rivers, streams, and bayous is a major cause of local drainage problems and is a violation of the Houston Code of Ordinances Section 28-1. To report a violation or a maintenance problem, please call the City’s Service Helpline by dialing 3-1-1.

Keep bayous clean—don’t dump trash or chemicals.

Houston’s bayous and watersheds are vital to managing stormwater and reducing flood risk across the region. Rainfall that enters a bayou upstream can affect neighborhoods miles downstream, making flood risk a shared responsibility throughout the watershed. Understanding how bayous function helps residents recognize why preserving channels, floodplains, and natural areas matters. Increased awareness supports better land use decisions, protects water quality, and strengthens the city’s overall flood resilience.

Are you Prepared? Make a Plan - Visit  https://www.readyhoustontx.gov.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and Houstonians are encouraged to stay proactive and ready. The City of Houston emphasizes four key steps for preparedness: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Stay Informed, and Get Connected. Residents should know their evacuation zones, prepare emergency supplies for at least 5–7 days, and sign up for official alerts through AlertHouston, the City’s emergency notification system, at https://alert.houstontx.gov/. Staying aware of forecast updates, following guidance from trusted city sources, and securing homes and property before severe weather arrives are essential to keeping families and communities safe.

Find your evacuation route and zone:

Houston’s Evacuation Zip Zone Map is available in the City’s official hurricane preparedness presentation. You can view your zone and route here: https://houstonoem.org/prepare/

Call 3-1-1 to report clogged storm drains.

Stormwater management is essential in Houston due to frequent heavy rainfall, flat terrain, and a dense network of streets, channels, and bayous. The city’s stormwater system—made up of streets, ditches, storm sewers, detention areas, and bayous—helps move rainfall away from homes and businesses to reduce flooding. Proper maintenance and responsible use of this system help prevent localized street flooding and property damage. When residents understand how stormwater flows and avoid practices like dumping debris into drains, they play a direct role in keeping neighborhoods safer during storms.

For more information on the City’s Stormwater Master Plan, maintenance operations and drainage rehabilitation visit :https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/stormwater-operations

Learn flood risks in your area. Visit https://msc.fema.gov

Flood education helps Houston residents understand their flood risks and take action before, during, and after flood events. Because flooding can happen anywhere in the city, not just in mapped floodplains, education empowers residents to prepare for unexpected conditions. Learning about flood hazards, insurance options, warning signs, and safe response measures can reduce damage, protect lives, and speed recovery efforts. An informed community is one of the most effective tools Houston has for reducing flood impacts citywide.

The Floodplain Management Office recognizes the challenges associated with the recovery efforts from the recent flood event. For the safety of our citizens, we want to remind everyone of the basic repair rules and permit requirements. Homes located in the floodplain have additional requirements, and repairs cannot be made until first contacting us.

The following helpful documents are provided for your convenience. If you still have questions or need assistance, please visit our office.

• Flood Storm Damage Repairs Brochure
• FAQ - Repairing Flood Damage in the Floodplain 
• Fact Sheet - Repairing Flood Damage in the Floodplain
• Flood Damage Repair Checklist for Single Family Residential
• Flood Damage Repair Checklist for Commercial or Multi-Family Residential Properties
• Substantial Damage Determination Appeal Form
• Substantial Damage Determination Request Form
• Substantial Damage Estimate Request Form
• Variances to the NFIP
• Applying for Disaster Assistance - FEMA
• Harris County Flood Control District Voluntary Buyout Program 
• Houston Recovers website
• Federal Disaster Relief Information

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Elevation Certificate is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map change.

The NFIP Floodproofing Certificate is used to certify a floodproofing design for non-residential buildings that are permitted as an alternative to elevating to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

Notice Regarding Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates

Effective January 1, 2017, we no longer accept expired Elevation Certificates or Floodproofing Certificates. The expiration date can be found in the top right corner of each certificate.

However, if FEMA has issued an official extension of a certificate’s expiration date, we will accept the certificate as valid as long as the applicable FEMA extension is provided with the submission.

• Elevation certificate and instructions
• FEMA Floodproofing Technical Bulletin
• FEMA Dry Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures
• 100-500 year Elevation Certificate Checklist
• List of Final (3rd) Elevation Certificates (from June 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024)
  • To request a copy of the elevation certificate, please provide proof of ownership to [email protected]. Accepted documentation includes:
    • Property tax receipt/bill
    • Deed or title
    • Mortgage documentation
    • Homeowner's insurance documentation 

Helpful guides and frequently asked questions:

• Flood Information Services brochure
• Conveyance Zone FAQs
• Floodway FAQs
• Mitigation FAQs
• Substantial Improvements FAQs
• Owner self-certification worksheet
• Residential interior remodel tip sheet
• Residential addition tip sheet
• Pre-Fill Mitigation Certificate
• Chapter 19, Houston City Code

Links to training/webinars:

• Flood Resilience in Houston Power Point
• Elevation Certificate Training Webinar
• Elevation Certificate Training Presentation
• General Issues, Part 1
• General Issues, Part 2
• Overview of Changes to the Floodproofing Certificate 2023
• Overview of Changes to Elevation Certificate 2023

FAQs:

Elevation Certificate FAQs PDF

Links to other flood and disaster-related information and organizations:

• Bayou Preservation Association
• Code of Federal Regulations
• Ready Houston
• Disaster preparedness for people with special needs
• Evacuation routes for Houston
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Flood safety checklist
• FloodSmart
• GeoLink Hub
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Texas Floodplain Management Association
• Harris County
• Harris County Appraisal District
• Harris County Flood Control District
• USGS Streamflow
• Texas Water Development Board Resources
• MyCity Houston GIS Online