Build Responsibly

Protect Your Property

To protect your property from future floods, other forms of protection can come in the form of permanent retrofitting of your structure such as elevating your home’s foundation or wet or dry flood proofing your basement. Information about these and other property protection measures is available at the Rockport public library. You can also call (361) 790-1125 to request assistance from a City staff member who can visit you on-site, provide additional guidance on methods of solving your flooding problems, and funding options available for mitigating the flood risk to your property.

Build Responsibly

Permits are required for any and all development in the City of Rockport. The City’s building codes and ordinances guide and regulate construction in floodplains. Without these provisions, federally-backed flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) would not be available. Any development in the floodplain without a permit is illegal and should be reported to the City’s Building and Development Department at 361-790-1125.

 As a condition of participation in the NFIP, the City has adopted Floodplain Management practices through several ordinances that severely limit the development allowed in the 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain.  The City of Rockport standards require all new structures be constructed at least 18” feet above the 1% annual chance flood elevation. Mobile homes are required to be 3’ above the 1% annual chance flood elevation. For property with any portion located within the 1% annual chance floodplain, regardless of structure location, a flood insurance policy may be required by the mortgage lender.

The City’s Building and Development Office is available to make site visits to residents’ property to review flooding issues, drainage and stormwater problems, and provide one-on-one suggestions to property owners pertaining to development, renovation, and flood protection measures.