Master Houston's Chapter 19 Flood Regulations for 2026 Developments

Chapter 19 Flood Control

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services stands as the premier provider of civil engineering and structural engineering design solutions in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. As development pressures intensify and climate resilience becomes paramount, understanding Houston's Chapter 19 floodplain management ordinance is essential for anyone planning construction in the Houston metropolitan area or similar flood-prone regions. This comprehensive guide explores the critical factors developers, contractors, government agencies, property owners, and business leaders must consider to ensure compliance, minimize flood risk, and protect long-term project viability.

In response to the catastrophic flooding experienced during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the City of Houston and Harris County implemented some of the most stringent floodplain development regulations in the nation. Unlike the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards, Chapter 19 requires structures in the 100-year floodplain to have their lowest floor elevated 24 inches above the 500-year flood elevation, not the 100-year benchmark.

This represents a fundamental shift in how developments must be engineered and designed. When you choose JRH Engineering for your flood compliance project, you partner with professionals who understand these nuances inside and out—Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value.

Understanding Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) and Its Critical Role

What Is Finished Floor Elevation and Why Does It Matter?

Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) represents the final elevation (height above a reference point such as mean sea level or base flood elevation) of the lowest floor of a structure after construction, including all finishes such as flooring materials. In the context of civil engineering, structural design, land development, and construction, FFE compliance is not optional—it is a legal and safety requirement.

Under Houston's Chapter 19 ordinance, FFE determines whether your project receives approval or faces costly redesigns. The consequences of non-compliance include:

• Project denial or substantial delays

• Increased flood insurance premiums for building occupants

• FEMA-mandated remediation after substantial damage

• Liability exposure for property owners and contractors

• Potential loss of financing from lenders requiring compliance

How JRH Engineering Calculates Precise FFE Requirements

JRH Engineering's structural and civil engineering teams follow a methodical approach to determine accurate FFE requirements:

1. FEMA Flood Map Analysis – Obtain current Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and identify the 100-year and 500-year floodplain designations

2. Base Flood Elevation (BFE) Determination – Extract the BFE from FEMA data or conduct site-specific hydraulic analysis if data is incomplete

3. Freeboard Addition – Add the mandatory 24-inch (2-foot) freeboard above the 500-year BFE per Chapter 19

4. Foundation Design Integration – Coordinate FFE with geotechnical conditions, soil bearing capacity, and settlement projections

5. Site Grading Verification – Ensure finished grades and utility connections maintain compliance throughout the site

6. Elevation Certificate Preparation – Submit certified elevation documentation to the City of Houston for permit approval

JRH's expertise in civil engineering services ensures that every FFE calculation integrates seamlessly with your site's topography, drainage patterns, and long-term stability requirements.

Houston Chapter 19 vs. Federal NFIP Standards: A Critical Comparison

The Evolution From NFIP Minimums to Chapter 19 Stringency

The federal National Flood Insurance Program sets minimum standards requiring structures in the 100-year floodplain to be elevated 12 inches above the 100-year flood elevation.

Houston's Chapter 19, however, elevated the bar significantly:

• NFIP Standard: 12 inches above 100-year BFE

• Houston Chapter 19: 24 inches above 500-year BFE

• Practical Difference: Projects in Houston typically require 3–5 feet higher floor elevations than FEMA minimums

• Foundation Requirement: Chapter 19 mandates pier-and-beam or elevated foundations (no slab-on-grade allowed without FEMA approval)

Why Houston Adopted Stricter Standards

Hurricane Harvey (2017) exposed the inadequacy of NFIP minimums in protecting Houston developments from catastrophic flooding. Post-Harvey analysis revealed that:

• Flood depths exceeded 100-year predictions in numerous neighborhoods

• Properties built to NFIP minimums experienced substantial damage

• Insurance costs skyrocketed for non-compliant structures

• Community resilience declined when repeated flooding displaced residents

By requiring finished floors at the 500-year flood elevation plus freeboard, Chapter 19 ensures that structures can withstand more severe storm events with greater confidence, aligning with contemporary climate resilience best practices.

Comparable Regulations in Other JRH Service States

Texas jurisdictions outside Houston typically adhere closer to NFIP standards. Austin requires 2 feet above 100-year BFE in some zones; Fort Worth and Dallas require 1–2 feet freeboard with compensatory storage. North Carolina relies more on Community Rating System (CRS) incentives for voluntary elevation beyond NFIP minimums, with Charlotte and Raleigh offering higher freeboard options.

Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) in Miami-Dade and Broward mandate extreme wind-and-flood resistance with 1–3 feet freeboard, while 2025 HUD-funded projects require 2-foot freeboard nationwide. JRH Engineering's expertise spans all three states, allowing clients to benefit from comparative knowledge and best practices across jurisdictions.

Foundation Design Requirements: Structural Solutions That Meet Chapter 19 Flood Regulations

Mandatory Pier-and-Beam Construction

One of the most significant Chapter 19 requirements prohibits slab-on-grade construction in the 100-year floodplain. This mandate reflects decades of flood engineering research demonstrating that pier-and-beam (elevated) foundations:

• Allow floodwaters to flow beneath structures, reducing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces

• Minimize damage to utilities, HVAC systems, and electrical components

• Reduce mold and long-term structural deterioration

• Facilitate faster post-flood recovery and occupancy restoration

Geotechnical Considerations for Elevated Foundations

Houston's challenging soil conditions—characterized by expansive clays, subsidence risks, and variable bearing capacity—complicate elevated foundation design. JRH's foundation engineering design services address these challenges through:

1. Soil Testing & Analysis – Comprehensive borings identify expansive soils requiring special caisson or helical pile design

2. Settlement Projections – Long-term consolidation analysis ensures structures maintain elevation compliance over decades

3. Pier Depth Determination – Foundation design extends through unstable layers to competent bearing strata

4. Load Path Integration – Structural loads transfer safely from elevated floors through piers to stable foundations

Design Integration With Drainage and Utilities

Elevated foundations create opportunities for stormwater management below the lowest floor. By incorporating:

• Permeable surfaces and bioswales beneath elevated structures

• Detention ponds within the building footprint envelope

• Infiltration trenches and green infrastructure corridors

• Mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing) routed above FFE or floodproofed

Projects can reduce required site fill volumes, lower FFE requirements, and create multi-functional site designs that enhance both flood resilience and environmental sustainability.

Site-Specific Hydrology and Drainage Analysis

Stormwater Modeling and Detention Requirements

Chapter 19 compliance requires understanding site-specific hydrology through detailed stormwater analysis. JRH's storm water compliance design specialists conduct:

• Hydrologic Modeling – Compute 2-year, 10-year, 25-year, and 100-year storm runoff volumes using current rainfall data

• Hydraulic Analysis – Model flow paths, flooding depths, and velocities across the development

• Detention Pond Design – Size retention and detention facilities to accommodate rainfall events while maintaining downstream flooding impacts

• Floodway Impacts – Verify that structures and fill do not increase flood elevations on adjacent properties

Mitigation Facility Specifications Under Chapter 19

Chapter 19 imposes specific requirements for floodplain fill mitigation:

• Mitigation facilities must be located within ¼ mile of the fill site and in the same watershed (unless approved otherwise)

• Facilities must fill and drain naturally with floodwaters; mechanical pumps require special approval from the City

• Compensatory storage volume calculations must account for floodway conveyance offsets

• Green infrastructure options including bioswales, infiltration trenches, and constructed wetlands can reduce or eliminate traditional detention pond requirements

JRH's retention and detention pond design and infiltration trench design services maximize site potential while satisfying Chapter 19's strict mitigation standards.

Environmental and Mitigation Measures: Green Infrastructure Solutions

How Green Infrastructure Lowers FFE Requirements

Developers seeking to minimize construction costs often look to green infrastructure to reduce required floor elevations. By implementing:

• Permeable pavements that allow stormwater infiltration

• Bioswales and rain gardens that filter and retain rainfall

• Native vegetation that increases soil infiltration and reduces runoff

• Constructed wetlands that provide flood storage and environmental benefits

Projects can demonstrate lower runoff volumes, potentially lowering required FFE by reducing the scale of detention facilities needed on-site.

Jurisdictional Wetland and Environmental Compliance

Chapter 19 developments must navigate environmental regulations paralleling floodplain requirements. JRH's environmental engineering services include:

1. Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation – Identify protected wetlands under Clean Water Act Section 404 jurisdiction

2. Site Environmental Assessment – Evaluate soil conditions, groundwater, environmental constraints

3. Environmental Compliance Design – Ensure stormwater facilities avoid or minimize impacts to jurisdictional wetlands

4. Permit Coordination – Manage Army Corps of Engineers and state environmental agency approvals

By integrating jurisdictional wetland & compliance services early in design, developers avoid costly redesigns and permitting delays.

Cost and Economic Impact: Balancing Upfront Investment With Long-Term Savings

Elevation Cost Ranges for Typical Projects

The financial implications of Chapter 19 compliance vary significantly based on site conditions:

• Minor Fill/Elevation (0–2 feet): $5,000–$10,000 per structure

• Substantial Elevation (3–5 feet): $15,000–$40,000 per structure (including pier design and adjusted utilities)

• Significant Reconfiguration (5+ feet): $40,000–$100,000+ per structure (including parking redesign, access ramps, site reconfiguration)

Financial Benefits and Long-Term Savings

Despite upfront cost increases, Chapter 19 compliance yields substantial long-term economic advantages:

• Reduced Insurance Premiums – Structures elevated above BFE qualify for substantially lower National Flood Insurance Program rates; savings of 20–50% annually are common

• Asset Protection – Avoiding flood damage preserves property value, business continuity, and tenant occupancy

• Financing Accessibility – Lenders increasingly require Chapter 19 compliance, making compliant projects more fundable

• Resale Value – Flood-resilient properties command higher resale premiums in Houston's competitive market

• Avoided Repetitive Loss Costs – Each flood event triggers costly repairs; compliance eliminates this cycle

Comparative Cost Analysis

Non-Compliant Project Scenario:

• Initial savings: $20,000

• First flood damage (5-year event): $150,000–$300,000

• Insurance premium increases: $2,000–$5,000 annually

• Tenant displacement and lost revenue: Highly variable

• Repeat flooding (10-year event): $150,000–$300,000+ additional damage

Chapter 19–Compliant Project Scenario:

• Initial elevation cost: $30,000–$50,000

• Insurance savings over 10 years: $20,000–$50,000

• Avoided flood damage: $300,000+ protected

• Business continuity and full tenant occupancy maintained

The economics clearly favor proactive compliance.

Permitting and Compliance Documentation

Elevation Certificates and FEMA Requirements

A cornerstone of Chapter 19 compliance is the Elevation Certificate—a formal document prepared by a licensed professional engineer or surveyor certifying the lowest floor elevation of a structure. This certificate:

• Serves as proof of compliance with Chapter 19 requirements

• Is submitted with floodplain development permits before construction

• Must be updated upon project completion and certified post-construction

• Forms the basis for flood insurance premium calculations

• Protects property owners and developers from regulatory violations

JRH's structural and civil engineers prepare comprehensive elevation certificates integrating:

• Precise survey data establishing site grades and reference datums

• Structural plans showing finished floor heights

• Foundation and utility routing above FFE

• Post-construction verification of as-built compliance

Floodplain Development Permits and City Coordination

Chapter 19 development in Houston requires a Floodplain Development Permit, distinct from standard building permits. The application process includes:

1. Submission Package – Detailed elevation certificates, structural plans showing FFE compliance, drainage analysis, and mitigation design

2. Plan Review – City of Houston Development Services Division evaluates compliance with Chapter 19 standards

3. Mitigation Verification – City verifies that proposed fill mitigation and detention facilities meet locational and functional requirements

4. Permit Issuance – Once approved, permit allows construction to proceed

5. Post-Construction Certification – Upon completion, elevation certificate must be re-certified and submitted to City for final approval

Variance Applications and Exceptions

In exceptional cases where Chapter 19 strict compliance is physically or economically infeasible, developers may apply for variances. Successful variance applications require:

• Engineering justification demonstrating why strict compliance is impossible

• Proof that proposed alternative elevation provides equivalent flood protection

• Evidence that the variance creates no adverse impact on adjacent properties

• Demonstration of compensatory measures ensuring floodplain storage is not reduced

JRH's expertise in civil engineering design and regulatory coordination positions clients to successfully navigate variance requests when justified.

Climate Change and Future Flood Risk Projections

Houston's Evolving Climate and Flood Risk

Houston's Chapter 19 ordinance emphasizes long-term resilience by requiring elevation to the 500-year (0.2%) flood level, not the 100-year (1%) standard. This decision reflects scientific consensus that:

• Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, increasing severe rainfall event frequency

• Sea level rise threatens coastal Houston neighborhoods

• Subsidence (ground settling) reduces effective freeboard over time in some areas

• Historical frequency analysis underestimates future flood risk

Adapting Designs for Rising Seas and Intensifying Storms

Forward-thinking developers partnering with JRH consider:

• Additional Freeboard Beyond Code Minimums – Elevating 3–4 feet above the 500-year BFE rather than the minimum 24 inches provides buffer against projection uncertainty

• Adaptive Design Flexibility – Designing infrastructure to accommodate future utility relocation or mechanical system upgrade

• Nature-Based Solutions – Employing green infrastructure that continues providing benefits even if flood frequencies increase

• Modular and Resilient Systems – Selecting structural systems and utilities that can be quickly replaced or elevated if needed

Community Resilience and Regional Benefits

When developers embrace Chapter 19 compliance and resilience planning, community-wide benefits emerge:

• Reduced post-disaster recovery costs across the region

• Maintained economic activity and employment continuity

• Lower aggregate flood insurance claims and premium costs

• Enhanced neighborhood attractiveness for residents and businesses

• Improved municipal fiscal health and emergency response capacity

Local Amendments and Variances: Navigating Chapter 19 Flexibilities

City-Specific Provisions Beyond Base Chapter 19 Requirements

Chapter 19 includes provisions addressing unique site circumstances:

• "No Adverse Impact" Standard – Variances for unique sites can adjust FFE requirements only if engineering justification proves no increased flood risk to adjacent properties

• Development Type Differentiation – Critical facilities (hospitals, emergency operations centers, water treatment plants) face elevated FFE requirements ensuring community resilience

• Substantial Improvement Triggers – Repairs or improvements exceeding 50% of property value trigger full Chapter 19 compliance, even for existing structures

When and How to Request Variances

Legitimate variance scenarios include:

• Existing Site Constraints – Historic structures or sites with physical constraints (underground utilities, rock outcrops) making standard elevation infeasible

• Economic Hardship – Projects where Chapter 19 compliance would render development economically unfeasible, provided alternative protection is demonstrated

• Environmental Conflicts – Sites where elevated structures would damage protected wetlands or sensitive habitat, requiring alternative mitigation

• Regional Benefit Projects – Public facilities, affordable housing, or critical infrastructure providing community benefits justifying variance consideration

JRH's Variance Application Support

When pursuing variance relief, JRH provides:

• Detailed Engineering Justification – Technical analysis demonstrating feasibility constraints

• Alternative Design Solutions – Proposed mitigation equivalent to or exceeding Chapter 19 protection

• Regulatory Coordination – Liaison with City staff throughout the variance review process

• Documentation Preparation – Comprehensive submissions maximizing approval probability

Why Choose JRH Engineering for Your Chapter 19 Compliance Project

Unmatched Local Expertise Across Texas, North Carolina, and Florida

JRH Engineering stands apart through deep, localized understanding of floodplain regulations across all three service states. Our firm's capabilities include:

• Established 2008 with headquarters in the Houston metropolitan area

• 25+ years of combined experience delivering high-quality, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions

• Licensed Professional Engineers across Texas, North Carolina, and Florida specializing in civil, structural, and environmental engineering

• Certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

Comprehensive Service Integration

Unlike engineering firms offering isolated services, JRH integrates multiple disciplines under one roof:

• Civil Engineering Services addressing site grading, drainage, and site planning

• Structural Engineering Services designing foundations and building systems

• Environmental Engineering Services ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability

• Land Development Services coordinating full-site transformation from concept through occupancy

This integration eliminates coordination gaps, accelerates design, and ensures compliance across all disciplines.

Proven Track Record in Chapter 19 Projects

JRH has successfully navigated Chapter 19 compliance for:

• Residential site development across Dallas, Houston, Beaumont, and Corpus Christi

• Commercial developments in Austin, San Antonio, and Galveston Bay

• Mixed-use and industrial projects throughout Texas

• Public and governmental facilities requiring expedited permitting

• North Carolina developments in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham

• Florida projects in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale

Our Commitment: Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value.

JRH's corporate philosophy guides every project:

• Done Quickly – Streamlined processes and efficient project management respect tight timelines without compromising quality

• Done Right – Rigorous engineering standards, thorough permit coordination, and post-construction verification ensure full compliance

• And for the Best Value – Competitive pricing and cost-effective solutions maximize your project's financial return

We are straight-shooters with integrity. When presented with options, we recommend the approach that is easier, less expensive, or safer—prioritizing our clients' success over unnecessary complexity.

Core Services Supporting Chapter 19 Compliance

Civil Engineering Services

JRH's full-service civil engineering solutions include:

• Grading Plan Design – Optimized site grading achieving Chapter 19 FFE requirements while managing drainage

• Site Utility Design – Routing utilities above FFE, ensuring flood protection and system reliability

• SWPPP Design Plans – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans protecting water quality during construction

• Storm Water Compliance Design – Detention pond design, infiltration trenches, and pollution control facilities

• Retention and Detention Pond Design – Full hydrologic analysis and design achieving Chapter 19 mitigation requirements

• Infiltration Trench Design – Green infrastructure solutions reducing runoff and detention requirements

Structural Engineering Services

JRH's structural engineers specialize in:

• Structural Engineering Design – Comprehensive foundation design, framing, and structural system optimization

• Foundation Engineering Design Services – Pier-and-beam, helical pile, and specialized foundation systems addressing Houston's challenging soil conditions

• Framing Engineering Design Services – Roof, floor, and lateral load-resisting system design

• Structural Analysis – Rigorous analysis ensuring safety factors and long-term reliability

Environmental Engineering Services

JRH's environmental specialists provide:

• Site Environmental Assessment – Comprehensive evaluation of environmental constraints and opportunities

• Jurisdictional Wetland & Compliance – Wetland delineation, regulatory coordination, and permit support

Permitting and Certification Services

• Elevation Certificate Preparation – FEMA-compliant documentation establishing compliance

• Floodplain Development Permit Coordination – City liaison and permitting support

• Comprehensive Support for Navigating Texas, North Carolina, and Florida Regulations

FAQ: Answering Common Chapter 19 Questions

What Is Chapter 19 and Why Was It Implemented?

Houston's Chapter 19 is a floodplain management ordinance amended in 2018 in response to Hurricane Harvey's devastation. It requires new structures in the 100-year floodplain to have finished floors elevated 24 inches above the 500-year flood elevation—significantly stricter than federal NFIP minimums. The ordinance aims to protect property, reduce flood damage, lower insurance costs, and enhance community resilience against increasingly severe storm events and sea level rise.

What Is Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) and Why Does It Matter?

Finished Floor Elevation is the height above a reference datum (typically mean sea level) of the lowest floor of a structure. Under Chapter 19, FFE directly determines project approval, flood insurance costs, and long-term flood risk. Structures with insufficient FFE face project denial, mandatory retrofitting, and skyrocketing insurance premiums.

How Does Chapter 19 FFE Requirement Compare to Federal NFIP Standards?

• NFIP Standard: 12 inches above 100-year BFE

• Chapter 19: 24 inches above 500-year BFE

• Practical Impact: Houston projects typically require floors 3–5 feet higher than FEMA minimums, resulting in higher initial costs but substantially lower long-term flood risk and insurance expenses

Why Can't Developers Use Slab-on-Grade Construction?

Chapter 19 prohibits slab-on-grade in the 100-year floodplain because:

• Concrete slabs rest on grade, directly exposing lowest floors to flood damage

• Elevated (pier-and-beam) foundations allow floodwaters to flow beneath structures, reducing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces

• Elevated structures experience faster post-flood recovery with less mold, structural deterioration, and system damage

• Open foundations beneath structures preserve utility accessibility and facilitate post-flood cleanup

How Much Will Chapter 19 Compliance Cost?

Costs depend on site conditions:

• Minor elevation (0–2 feet): $5,000–$10,000 per structure

• Moderate elevation (3–5 feet): $15,000–$40,000 per structure

• Substantial reconfiguration (5+ feet): $40,000–$100,000+ per structure

However, compliance yields long-term savings through reduced insurance premiums (20–50% lower), avoided flood damage, and enhanced asset value—making upfront investment highly cost-effective over project lifespans.

What Is Freeboard and How Does It Protect My Project?

Freeboard is the distance between the required finished floor elevation and the design flood level. Chapter 19's 24-inch freeboard requirement above the 500-year BFE adds a safety margin accounting for:

• Uncertainty in flood elevation calculations

• Climate change impacts on precipitation and sea levels

• Model limitations in predicting future flood behavior

• Margin for error in construction and surveying

This freeboard substantially reduces risk of basement flooding even if actual flood elevations exceed projections.

How Can Green Infrastructure Lower FFE Requirements?

Green infrastructure including permeable pavements, bioswales, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands reduces on-site stormwater runoff by infiltrating rainfall. By demonstrating reduced detention pond requirements through green infrastructure design, some projects can qualify for lower FFE requirements, reducing costs while providing environmental benefits.

What Documentation Is Required for Chapter 19 Compliance?

Key documents include:

• Elevation Certificate – FEMA form prepared by licensed engineer certifying FFE compliance

• Structural Plans – Architectural and engineering plans showing FFE, foundation design, and utility routing

• Drainage Analysis – Hydrologic modeling and stormwater facility design

• Floodplain Development Permit Application – Formal City submission with all supporting documents

• Post-Construction Certification – Updated elevation certificate upon project completion

How Can JRH Engineering Help Achieve and Maintain Compliance?

JRH provides comprehensive support throughout the project lifecycle:

• Early design consultation identifying FFE requirements and cost implications

• Integrated civil and structural engineering ensuring compliance across all disciplines

• Detailed permitting support and City coordination

• Elevation certificate preparation and post-construction verification

• Optional variance applications when justified by site conditions

How Does Climate Change Affect Chapter 19 Requirements?

Chapter 19's emphasis on 500-year (rather than 100-year) elevation reflects scientific consensus that climate change is increasing severe rainfall frequency and sea level rise. By adopting stricter standards, Houston is proactively building resilience rather than reactively responding to disaster. Additional freeboard beyond minimums and adaptive design flexibility provide buffer against future uncertainty.

Why Are Some Developments Seeking Variance Relief?

Legitimate variance scenarios include historic structures with physical constraints, economically infeasible sites requiring creative solutions, environmental conflicts requiring alternative mitigation, and public benefit projects warranting consideration. JRH provides engineering justification and regulatory coordination supporting meritorious variance applications.

Partner With JRH for Resilient, Compliant Development

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services remains the premier provider of Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering design Solutions in the states of Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.As development pressures intensify and climate-related flood risks grow more apparent, partnering with a firm deeply knowledgeable in Chapter 19 requirements and floodplain management is not optional—it is essential for project success.

Mastering Houston's Chapter 19 flood regulations requires integrated civil, structural, and environmental expertise, combined with intimate understanding of local permitting processes and regulatory nuances.

Whether you are a developer planning residential or commercial communities, a contractor executing specialized foundation work, a government agency managing public facilities, or a property owner protecting long-term asset value, JRH's multidisciplinary team brings the knowledge and experience to transform Chapter 19 compliance from complex challenge into competitive advantage.

Our commitment to delivering engineering solutions Done Quickly. Done Right. And for the Best Value ensures that every project—regardless of size or complexity—receives the attention, expertise, and coordination necessary for success. We do not just help developers build; we help developers build right. From initial consultation through post-construction certification, JRH manages the full compliance journey, transforming regulatory requirements into resilient design solutions that protect people, preserve property, and create lasting community value.

Contact JRH Engineering today for a free consultation on your Chapter 19 compliance project.Our licensed professional engineers across Texas, North Carolina, and Florida are ready to discuss your specific requirements, timeline, and budget constraints.

Call (800) 227-9635 to speak with an experienced member of our team, or visit our website for additional information on civil engineering, structural engineering, environmental engineering, and land development services.

Build with confidence. Build with JRH Engineering.

Citation References

• City of Houston Chapter 19 Floodplain Ordinance (2018 Amendment), Houston Permitting Center and City Council Records

• FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and National Flood Insurance Program Standards

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Base Flood Elevation Guidelines

• Hurricane Harvey Post-Disaster Analysis and Houston Flood Mitigation Studies

• Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Floodplain Management Standards

• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances

• Florida Building Code and High-Velocity Hurricane Zone Requirements