Floodplain Map / Insurance Rate Map Index

Floodplain Development Requirements
Highland Village's Code of Ordinance requires that areas designated as Flood Management Areas (FMAs) remain in their natural state unless improvements are permitted by the City.

A City permit is required to do any of the following in Highland Village's floodplains:
  • Add accessory buildings and temporary structures
  • Construct or renovate buildings
  • Grade, move, excavate or remove dirt
  • Install an underground or above ground tank
  • Subdivide land
Always contact the City's Building Permits and Inspections Department at (972) 899-5093 before doing any work in a floodplain. If you see construction or filling in a floodplain but no permit sign is posted, please contact us at the above number. Legal action may be taken against those who do not get a permit before building or disturbing land in a flood-prone area.

Substantial Improvement Rules
A substantial improvement is when the value of an addition, alteration, repair or reconstruction project exceeds 50% of the existing building's market value.

The National Flood Insurance Program requires that buildings undergoing substantial improvements be brought up to Highland Village's current floodplain ordinance standards. This would mean that if a house is flooded, has a fire, is hit by a tornado, or is otherwise damaged so that the cost of repairs is more than 50% of the value of the building before the damage, then that house must be elevated two feet above the base flood level.

Several other regulations pertaining to new construction and substantial improvements to buildings in special flood hazard areas are outlined in City Ordinance No. 97-749. Any person found in violation of these rules shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, subject to a fine in a sum not to exceed $2,000 for each offense.