Fort Worth updates regulations to expand flooding protections, streamline permitting

FORT WORTH – The city council has updated regulations to help protect properties from flooding, streamline the grading permitting process and clarify city development requirements. All regulations and updates will take effect July 15.

Since 1980, the city has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program, which helps protect properties within Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Flood Hazard Areas. However, these areas don’t include developments that are under 1 acre, making them far more vulnerable to flood events.

The updated regulations will help mitigate public and private losses due to flood conditions in areas that aren’t protected by FEMA. This will allow the city to establish and regulate critical flood risk areas that experience regular flooding during rainstorms.