“Floodplain Easement” means the area of a residential lot shown on a final plat that is within the 100-year floodplain as determined by the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The Floodplain Easement will provide notice that the residential lot is subject to special development and permitting requirements by local governments implementing flood hazard area regulations as part of a flood management program developed in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program or Texas Water Code Section 16.315. The Floodplain Easement encumbers that portion of a “residential lot” that may be used for residential purposes, which may be flood prone or in a flood hazard area based on the current FIRM. Improvements constructed or placed in a Floodplain Easement, including single-family and multi-family dwelling units, may be subject to additional floodplain management regulations.

All requirements for Floodplain Easements are listed in Section 4 titled, “Administrative Procedures for the Review of Plats” in the regulations of Harris County for the approval and acceptance of infrastructure.

Once approved by Commissioners’ Court, the County Engineer will file the abandonment in the Real Property Records of Harris County.

Plan Review Requirements

• Complete the County Engineer form
• Submit the completed FEMA approval or LOMR package to verify that the property has been removed from the 100-year floodplain

After an administrative approval by the Platting Group and all fees have been paid, the document will be submitted to be added to the next available Harris County Commissioners’ Court agenda for approval by Court Order.

A copy of the approved Court Order will be obtained by the County Engineer and filed with the County Clerk’s Office shortly afterwards.

Once filed with the Real Property Records, the abandonment will be visible in any title searches that are conducted in the future.

First time users will need to register for an account.

Make sure you are selecting the correct application type in order to avoid any unexpected delays!

Here are the steps for applying through E-Permits:

1. Access the E-Permits platform and log in
2. Navigate to the "Projects" section
3. Click on "Apply"
4. Locate your address on the map by either entering it or zooming in and double-clicking on the location
5. A "Red Pin" will appear on the map, and all associated data will be retrieved by E-Permits. If the address is incorrect, you can correct it on the next page
6. Click on the green "Apply" button
7. In the selection labeled "Application," choose "Floodplain Easement Abandonment"
8. Provide the required detailed information and click on "Next"
9. Complete the application page and click on "Next"
10. Upload all the necessary documents, and once finished, click on "Next"
11.  Finally, review the disclaimer, select "Agree," and then click on "Submit Application"

Platting Group
(713) 274-3932
Email Platting Department Group

Permits Main Phone
(713) 274-3900