Development in floodplain, Splendora Tx

[Alvaro Rodriguez]

I found a big lot in Splendora Texas. but the owner tells me I can't develop it because it is in the floodplain. How can I find out what I need to know/do to submit and get permits to build on that lot? What are some of the requirements to develop a lot in the floodplain?

Thank you 

[Jamie Hora]

Hi @Alvaro Rodriguez. I'm a civil engineer & have dealt with this on many sites.  I concur with advice given on this thread by others. 

It is common that sometime floodplain maps are not always up-to-date based on current conditions, and thus you site may actually be above the floodplain elevation.  This is definitely a good place to start verify. 

The procedure to build in the floodplain varies based on the jurisdiction.  It is common that you would have to do floodplain modeling but then be able to build your site as long as your finished floor is above the 100-yr floodplain elevation.  The practicality of doing this on your site varies depending on how encapsulated the site is by the floodplain and if there is enough space to build it up with dirt, etc. 

If you have a larger site and are doing development, the advice by @Ronald Rohde is great, to get creative with the utilization of this part of the land that is within the floodplain.

I'm happy to answer more specific questions on this site if you wish to reach out.