Floodplain Administration

Floodplain Overview

The City of Benbrook participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a participating community, Benbrook has adopted Floodplain Management practices through several ordinances that severely limit the development allowed in 100-yr floodplains (the area inundated by a storm that has a 1% chance of happening in any year). For property with any portion located within the 100-year floodplain, regardless of structure location, a flood insurance policy may be required.

The City of Benbrook standards require all new structures be constructed two feet above the existing water surface elevation of the 100-year floodplain. When developing in the floodplain, the developer must submit a Flood Study to the city showing the 100-year floodplain and water surface elevation based on current land use and future land use assumptions. (See Building Responsibly for more information)

Community Rating System (CRS)

The City of Benbrook participates in the Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a subset of the NFIP. It is a voluntary incentive program, which recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities which exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

1. Reduce flood losses
2. Facilitate accurate insurance rating
3. Promote the awareness of flood insurance.

Community participation in the CRS is in addition to participation in the NFIP. Participation in the NFIP does not automatically include participation in the CRS. As of October 2006, the City of Benbrook has a CRS ranking of 6, which qualifies residents for a 20 percent discount on flood insurance premiums for properties in the floodplain.

Public Information and Flood Information Assistance

The City's Community Development Department provides a comprehensive flood information program that is available to the public. Residents may obtain flood risk information including: basic map information, copies of elevation certificates, floodway information, depth of flooding information, lowest floor elevations, historical flood data, information on areas that flood outside the designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the natural functions of the SFHA, and other flood related information by visiting the Community Development Department and meeting with a department representative in person, by phone, or by accessing the City's website online.

Want to know the flood zone of your property to determine your flood risk? The City provides a map information service enabling all residents to determine the flood zone of a specific property. Paper copies of the City's Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for viewing at the Community Development Department.

The Community Development Department can also assist residents in non-technical review of individual properties when requested, as well as provide guidance on flood proofing, and other mitigation techniques used to help reduce flooding. This can be done either by visiting the Community Development Department or by City staff visiting the actual property to assess the situation in person.

Please feel free to contact the Community Development Department. To visit in person, we are located at 911 Winscott Road; by phone at 817-249-3000.

​Floodplain Permit Application

Benbrook FPD Permit Application 2020

​Floodplain Annual Report

CRS Floodplain Management Plan Annual Report 2021

​Floodplain Newsletter

2020 Floodplain Brochure English

Letters of Map Revisions (LOMR)

The delineation of the floodplain limits can change. If a developer wishes to alter and/or fill a portion of the floodplain, they must prepare a Flood Study showing no adverse effects or substantial changes in the water surface elevation. This flood study, along with a detailed application, may be submitted to FEMA to be considered for a Letter of Map Revisions (LOMR). If approved, the LOMR serves as an official revision to the FIRM. Individual property owners may also contest the floodplain designation for their property by submitting information to FEMA for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).

The city has received many LOMRs and LOMAs within our city limits. Lenders and Insurance Companies are not always aware of these changes, so it may be necessary to call the Community Development Department to determine if the floodplain map for your area has changed and to receive a copy of the change. Many Letters of Map Change can also be obtained online from the FEMA Flood Map Store.