Floodplain Regulation


Development within the Regulatory Floodplain is monitored by the Comal County Floodplain Administrator through the enforcement of the Comal County Flood Damage Prevention Order. The main component of this regulation is the issuance of Floodplain Development Permits. Permits can be obtained and processed at the Comal County Engineer’s Office in one visit, as long as the required information is submitted. Permit applications and directions are on this website in the applications and forms section.

Comal County has its share of flooding problems and it is definitely worth your while to contact the Comal County Engineer’s Office when buying property or building structures. Spend a few minutes up front instead of spending the rest of your days worrying every time it rains or cleaning up every time your home floods.

Rules and Regulations

Applications and Forms

Floodplain Application

In accordance with the Comal County Flood Damage Prevention Order, Article 5, Section A, all new construction for improvements to substantially damaged structures within a special flood hazard area must follow specific provisions. In order for the County to determine whether structures are located within a special flood hazard area, all new construction and improvements to substantially damaged structures must apply for a Flood Plain Development Permit with the Comal County Engineer's Office.

  1. Floodplain Development Permit Application, completed.
  2. Drawing, to scale, showing all property lines and existing and proposed structures tied into the property lines.
  3. Recorded proof of ownership of the property. Example: warranty deed, release of lien, etc.
  4. $40.00 application fee. (Checks made payable to Comal County Treasurer)

Once all information has been received, the County will make a determination as to whether the structures of substantial improvements are located within the special flood hazard area. When the County finds an applicant to be within the special hazard area, the property owner will need to comply with the Comal County Flood Damage Prevention Order in order to build their structures.

Floodplain Permit Application

Apply Online

FEMA Elevation Certificate

The FEMA Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F).

The Elevation Certificate is required in order to properly rate post-FIRM buildings, which are buildings constructed after publication of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), located in flood insurance Zones A1-A30, AE, AH, A (with BFE), VE, V1-V30, V (with BFE), AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO. The Elevation Certificate is not required for pre-FIRM buildings unless the building is being rated under the optional post-FIRM flood insurance rules.

FEMA Elevation Certificate Application

FEMA Flood Proofing Certificate

The flood proofing of non-residential buildings may be permitted as an alternative to elevating to or above the Base Flood Elevation; however, a flood proofing design certification is required. This form is to be used for that certification. Flood proofing of a residential building does not alter a community’s floodplain management elevation requirements or affect the insurance rating unless the community has been issued an exception by FEMA to allow flood proofed residential basements. The permitting of a flood proofed residential basement requires a separate certification specifying that the design complies with the local floodplain management ordinance.

FEMA Flood Proofing Certificate Application

Interlocal Agreements

Complaints

Any complaints regarding the floodplain regulations should be directed to:

Floodplain Coordinator

Other Flood Resources

Presentation

TFMA - Floodplain Enforcement October 14, 2010

Historical Flood Gallery

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