Trinity Watershed Management Department
Flood Plain and Drainage Management

Elizabeth “Liz” Fernandez, P.E., LEED AP, Director

Program Manager, Steve Parker, P.E., CFM

Oak Cliff Municipal Center (OCMC)
320 East Jefferson, Room 307
Dallas, Texas  75203
(214) 948-4690

The City of Dallas has a comprehensive approach to floodplain and drainage management that dates back to the early 1970s. Through various initiatives, the City has worked with the private, public and non-profit sectors to determine the most feasible approach to managing development in and around floodplains. This approach is outlined in the City of Dallas, Floodplain Regulations (Article V of the Dallas Development Code).

The City of Dallas Flood Warning System and Real Time Gauging Data can be found at City of Dallas Flood Control. Visit the site at any time of day or night.

Residential and commercial development, including earthwork, existing or new structures within the 1% Annual Chance (100-year) floodplain are reviewed and evaluated by the City of Dallas to ensure that the floodplain criteria are met before permitting construction. Property owners may need to obtain fill permits and/or floodplain alteration permits prior to construction activities in a floodplain.

For residential interior improvements, up to 50% of the appraised value of the home structure can be made every 10 years without floodplain management approval. Demolition of a structure (such as a home) within the 100-year floodplain is permitted without a separate floodplain permit but may still require additional building permits. The development and construction of new structures will require a fill permit and final approval by the Dallas City Council. Improvements such as a tennis court, a playground, a swimming pool, a fence, a deck, an erosion control wall, or the installation of significant landscaping can be made through a floodplain alteration permit. To review the requirements of the fill permit application and associated documents, view it here, or please contact Floodplain and Drainage Management at 214-948-4690.

If your property is located in Dallas County, you can determine if your property is located within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain by searching the Dallas County Central Appraisal District (DCAD) website, by viewing your property in the aerial photo and Flood Plain GIS layer. This website uses the 2007 FEMA Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM). If your property is not within Dallas County but is within the City of Dallas limits, please call us at 214-948-4690.

If you have questions concerning the floodplain and proposed improvements, you may either contact us or the engineering division of Sustainable Development and Construction in Room 200 of OCMC (214-948-4205).