This is the lot where a derelict house sat for years.  The hose has been removed. The new owner proposes a 2-story home, approximately 5,400 square feet.

Part of Valleydale Drive is in a federally-regulated floodplain.  Existing homes are grandfathered, but any new home must have a first floor elevation that is 3 feet above the 100 year flood level.  These are the approximate elevations of the vacant lot (feet above sea level):

506 - Average elevation of that property today.
509 - 100 year flood level.
512 - Required elevation of the finished floor (slab) of the new home.

Beginning with the typical 506 feet elevation of the property, reaching 512 feet will require about 5 feet of fill plus 1 foot of foundation to reach the floor level.

The fill will form a "pad" under the footprint of the house.  The pad and house will be somewhat elevated above the rest of the lot.

There will also be a detached garage on the east side of the house which will be built at the existing ground level (one foot above it), and a swimming pool in the rear.  The trees in front will be preserved.  

Approval of a flood plain fill permit in Dallas requires mail notification of all property owners within 500 feet of the site, followed by an informational meeting.