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Floodplain Permit Practical

Building in a Flood Zone Requires a Free Permit in Tarrant County

Tarrant County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). That means new homes in a floodplain must have finished floors at least two feet above the base flood elevation. The permit itself is free, but you may need an elevation certificate or survey.

To check if a property is in a flood zone, start with FEMA's flood maps or contact Tarrant County Engineering Services at 817-884-1250 or [email protected]. Skipping the permit can lead to fines of up to $100 per day.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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