On December 9, the Fort Worth City Council approved an update to the city’s floodplain ordinance. The update expands valley storage regulations to cover the entire city. The new rules will take effect on February 1, 2026. They are intended to protect temporary floodwater storage areas in floodplains and reduce downstream flooding and erosion. Previously, only the Trinity River Corridor was regulated. The updated ordinance will now require compensatory storage for any fill in FEMA-designated floodplains across about 50 square miles of the city.
The change follows increased complaints about flooding and erosion in areas that were not previously regulated. Studies indicate that filling valley storage areas can increase flood risk, especially during frequent storms. The ordinance allows exemptions for infrastructure maintenance and utility crossings. Projects with already submitted studies or permits will follow the current rules.
Input from residents and the Development Advisory Committee supported a citywide approach. The ordinance includes a no net loss (0.0%) of valley storage. The new regulations will be added to existing permitting processes. The city states that review times will not increase. A guidance document is being prepared to help with implementation…