How to check
- Harris County Flood Control District MAAPnext map viewer: search by address to see current and draft floodplains.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center: the official effective flood maps.
- Your elevation certificate, if you have one, shows your floor height compared to the base flood elevation.
What it means for a remodel
| If your home is… | What it affects |
|---|---|
| In a mapped floodplain (Zones A, AE, AO) | Floodplain review for outdoor improvements, additions and large remodels |
| Facing a project costing 50%+ of the building’s value | Substantial improvement: the whole house must meet current flood rules |
| Converting a garage | The new living space must be at or above the required elevation |
| Adding a patio or slab | New flatwork must match existing grade or include fill mitigation |
Common questions
Do the new draft flood maps change my insurance?
Draft maps don’t set insurance rates and have no regulatory effect until final. When final, they decide whether lenders require flood insurance for many homes.
Should I buy flood insurance if I’m not in a floodplain?
Many Houston homes that flooded in past storms were outside mapped floodplains. Talk to your insurance agent; policies usually have a waiting period before they take effect.
Sources
- KPRC: FEMA releases draft flood maps for Harris County (Feb. 2026)
- Harris County MAAPnext
- Houston Permitting Center: Outdoor improvement (floodplain)
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; confirm details with the agency named in the sources or a licensed professional.