Natural & Beneficial Functions / Flood Maps

Update on Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Galveston County

Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) is in the process of updating the floodplain maps for Galveston County. You can view these preliminary maps here. Type in your address in the search box and a red star will appear for that property. Click on the blue circle with the "i" in it and then click on the red star to reveal flood-related information about the property. Click on the "View Detailed Flood Report" box to reveal more detailed information such as a possible difference in base flood elevation and a comparison of the flood zones with regard to your property address.

Natural & Beneficial Functions

Floodplains provide a wide range of benefits to human and natural systems. They serve as flood storage and conveyance, and reduce flood velocities and flood peaks. Water quality is improved through the soil and vegetation's ability to filter out nutrients and impurities from runoff and process organic wastes. Floodplains and wetlands provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and wildlife, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, and protect habitats for rare and endangered species. They provide open space, aesthetic pleasure, and areas for active uses such as parks and playgrounds. The floodplains are an important and critical asset to the City of Dickinson.

Flood zones within Dickinson primarily follow along the boundaries of Dickinson Bayou, and its various tributaries (Borden's Gully, Benson Bayou, Gum Bayou, and several other small tributaries). The city also has numerous secondary watersheds and other drainage features that carry water across the City.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are issued by FEMA to identify different levels of flood risks. The FIRMs are primarily used for flood insurance purposes, but they also provide a basis for Dickinson to regulate development within flood-prone areas. The location of a property relative to certain flood zones indicates what restrictions may be placed on new and substantially improved construction.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for viewing through the links listed below, at the Community Development Department located at 4403 Highway 3, or directly through FEMA's Map Service Center. The links listed below are the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Studies issued for the City of Dickinson. The maps used by the City for compliance purposes (and those used by insurance agents) are the most recent (Date). However, it is helpful for citizens to have access to all the maps to know what flood zone was in effect at the time of construction.

  • Flood Insurance Rate Map - March 4, 1991
  • Flood Insurance Rate Map - February 16, 1983
  • Flood Insurance Study - March 4, 1991