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Harris County Floodplain Regulations and CRE

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey launched the need for new floodplain regulations throughout the Houston area. On December 5, 2017, the Harris County Engineering Department approved an amendment for Floodplain Management. The amendment went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

What does this mean for Houston commercial real estate? According to NAI Partners, the new Harris County building code, one of the nation’s strictest, requires all-new construction in the 100-year floodplain to be built at least 24 inches above the 500-year floodplain elevation. Before, Harris County required structures in the 100-year floodplain be built 18 inches above the 100-year floodplain.

Amended regulations divide the permitting process into Class I and Class II. Among other things, Class II permits will now require beam and pier foundations and additional wind speed design requirements. As a result, there will no longer be slab-on-grade foundations, the previous industry standard.

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter

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