County Floodplain Clearance Applies to Unincorporated Building

This county rule has a boundary. Hidalgo County Planning works in unincorporated parts of the county. Its Chapter 232 form says a permit must be approved before work starts on a covered structure. This note does not describe a city's permit process, so confirm who controls the address before drawing plans.

The county form names flood zones A, AE, AH, and AO. For a county project in one of those zones, Planning will not issue clearance until the Flood Plain Administrator approves a development permit. The owner or contractor must also file an elevation certificate. It shows the planned floor height and base flood elevation.

A second certificate is due at the end. It confirms that the finished floor follows the permit. The form also says to contact Planning 48 hours before the foundation is poured. That gives the county time to check setbacks and floor height. The main office is at 2818 S. Business Highway 281 in Edinburg. The sequence is permit, initial certificate, foundation check, then final certificate.