Floodplain Management

Floodplain Management is a decision-making process that aims to achieve the wise use of the county's floodplains. "Wise use" means both reduced flood losses and protection of the natural resources and function of floodplains.  Floodplain management utilizes corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works and floodplain management regulations.

The reason for implementing Floodplain Management Regulations is to provide land use controls necessary to qualify unincorporated areas of Harris County for flood insurance under requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. These regulations will help Harris County with:

• Protecting human life and health.
• Avoiding increasing flood levels or flood hazards or creating new flood hazard areas.
• Minimizing public and private losses due to flooding; reducing the need for expenditures of public money for flood control projects.
• Reducing the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding.
• Preventing or minimizing damage to public facilities and utilities and aiding the public in determining if a property is in a potential flood area.

The purpose of website is to familiarize residents with how the problem of flooding can be curbed through proper floodplain management of how our floodplains are developed. Following the Floodplain Management Regulations can result in new development receiving less damage and suffering from flooding.