Floodplain Construction FAQs
Q: What is a 100-year floodplain?
A:
The term "100-year flood" is misleading. It is not the flood that will occur once every 100 year.
There are many levels of floods: 500-year, 100-year, 20-year, and 10-year, for example. These numbers indicate the
likelihood that a particular area will flood in a year's time. For example, a home in a 100-year floodplain has a one
in 100 (or 1 percent) chance each year of being flooded. That percentage holds true every year, regardless of how many floods
have occurred in previous years, or their severity.
Q: Who sets the boundaries of floodplain?
A:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, working with local governments, sets the 100-year floodplain boundaries
through flood insurance rate studies. Separate studies are done for communities because floodplain levels vary depending
on an area's characteristics.
Q: What are my odds of flooding within a 100-year floodplain?
A:
If your home is in the 100-year floodplain, it has a 26% chance of getting flooded over a 30-year mortgage period, which
is about five times higher than the risk for a severe fire! If your home is in a lower-lying area of the 100-year floodplain, your risk of flooding
will increase.
People outside of the 100-year floodplain are free of regulatory requirements, but not of risk. Federally-backed flood insurance
is available to people outside of the 100-year flood zone as well.
Q: Can I build on property in a floodplain?
A:
It depends. Floodplain development restrictions apply to grading, new construction and some renovations. Contact the Public Works
Department at (817)427-6440 for more information on these requirements.
Q: Do I need a special permit to grade, build or renovate in a floodplain?
A:
Yes. A Floodplain Development Permit is needed to make sure the changes comply with floodplain regulations.
Q: Does standard homeowner's insurance cover losses and damages due to flooding?
A:
No.
Q: Am I required to purchase flood insurance?
A:
Yes, if your property is located in a high risk area or Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a federally backed
mortgage such as FHA or VA loan. Remember, everyone has some risk of flooding. Although flood insurance is not required
for low and moderate risk properties, the City of North Richland Hills recommends everyone know their risk and options
for purchasing flood insurance.
Q: How much does flood insurance cost?
A:
The average premium for a yearly flood insurance policy is approximately $500. People in low-to-moderate-risk areas
may be eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy with flood insurance premiums as low as $112 a year. Contact your insurance agent for more details.
Q: How can I find out if my property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area?
A:
Visit the City's Interactive Map or contact the
Public Works Department at (817)427-6400.
