CORPUS CHRISTI FLOODZONES AND THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Corpus Christi is a beautiful coastal community, but with our abundant natural resources comes the added responsibility of preparing ourselves and our property to sustain the naturally occurring flood cycle. The continued growth of our community, combined with the allure of being located near the Corpus Christi Bay, Cayo del Oso, Laguna Madre,  Oso Creek, and Gulf of Mexico result in the necessity of taking precautions before the City of Corpus Christi can permit development near these bodies of water.

The City of Corpus Christi participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to encourage flood loss reduction, to provide flood insurance to property owners, and to save tax payers’ money. Participation in the program requires the City of Corpus Christi take precautionary measures to prevent our residents from incurring devastating losses when a flood occurs. The benefits include not only a safer, more resilient community, but also a Flood Insurance Premium discount, determined by our community rating. Our FEMA NFIP rating is based on our community’s public information activities, mapping and regulation activities, flood damage reduction activities and flood preparedness activities. 

By visiting this page, you have taken the first step in making our community safer and more resilient to uncontrollable weather patterns that so often devastate unprepared communities. Please use this as a resource in protecting your property and family from unnecessary damages, and preventing significant monetary losses.

HOW YOU CAN PREVENT FLOOD DAMAGE

Before beginning a construction project, you must be aware if you are building in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as the building code and permitting process is enhanced for these areas. That information can usually be found on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which are currently being updated by FEMA. You can enter your address at FEMA Map Service. However, since recent city developments are not identified, you may have a bit of trouble determining where your residence is located on the map. You can contact the Development Services Office to inquire, or visit www.FloodSmart.gov and enter your address in the bright red, One-Step Flood Risk Profile box.  

High Risk - Residential and Commercial buildings within the SFHA are required to abide by the guidelines set forth in the City of Corpus Christi’s Municipal Code.Your project will require a licensed architect or engineer to certify that your site plan meets all the flood zone criteria. You must also complete a Flood Elevation Certificate. Additionally, these properties MUST be covered by a separate flood insurance plan. Your standard homeowners insurance does not include flood coverage.  Please view Building in a Flood Zone for more detailed information of the responsibilities that come along with development in these areas.  

Low to Moderate Risk - Even if you are currently rated as Low-Moderate Risk, keep in mind that the current FIRMs for Corpus Christi are based on data from the 1980’s. With the new FIRMs, the SFHA will be expanded to reflect changes in elevation and water patterns. We know that in tough economic times, it may seem easier to ignore the risks of flood damage and forgo the purchase of Flood Insurance. However, in the case of a devastating flood, homes without flood insurance have no way to recover the losses incurred.  To fully understand the risks associated with not obtaining Flood Insurance, please check out this handy Cost of Flooding interactive tool.