Councilman Dave Martin Seeks Input on Floodplain Ordinance

From the City of Houston: City Council Member Dave Martin is requesting residents participate in providing public input on proposed changes to Chapter 19 of the City's Code of Ordinances. The City of Houston is considering revisions to Chapter 19 to ensure new dwellings are built high enough to save lives and property in the event of future flooding. As District E will be heavily impacted by new regulations, participation from residents is highly encouraged.

APPROACH
The City of Houston will reduce the risk of flood loss for future development and redevelopment by ordinance revisions, new regulations, building codes and design guidelines. Existing development will be improved through Capital Improvement Projects, buyouts, home elevations and demo-rebuilds.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Houston's current code only applies to property in the 100-year floodplain and protects 1 foot above 100-year flood elevation. The proposed revisions would include property in the 500-year floodplain and protect "X feet" of 500-year flood elevation. It would also include no net fill in the 500-year floodplain.

"X feet" in the proposed revisions is still to be determined following the public input period.

The 100-year floodplain is land that is predicted to flood during a 100-year storm, which has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. The 500-year floodplain has a .2% chance of occurring.

PUBLIC INPUT AND NEXT STEPS
Public input on proposed changes to Chapter 19 can be made:

• through this survey (closes Monday, March 5 @ 5 p.m.)
• by emailing the Houston Public Works Department at pwe.director@houstontx.gov, or
• by contacting your local Council Member

The ordinance will be presented to Council on March 12, 2018.

RESOURCES

• Revised Ch. 19 Ordinance - DRAFT
• One Page Summary
• Mayor Sylvester Turner's Statement on Flood Ordinance

For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

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