Chambers County outlines floodplain regulation changes to pursue CRS community rating

Chambers County staff presented proposed changes to the county's floodplain management regulations during a May 13 public hearing as part of an effort to enter the Community Rating System (CRS).

Staff described the primary proposed change as requiring nonresidential and commercial development to meet the county's residential elevation standard: two feet above the 100‑year floodplain and one foot above the 500‑year floodplain. The proposed revisions also add "critical facilities"—for example, schools and hospitals—to the ordinance's definitions and would apply higher elevation standards to those facilities.

The presenter said most edits are grammatical or clarifying but emphasized the elevation standard alignment and the inclusion of critical facilities as the substantive changes needed for CRS participation. The presenter noted that only a small number of Texas counties participate in CRS, and that meeting the higher standards could lower flood insurance premiums for property owners.

The item was presented as a public hearing and informational briefing; staff said no action was requested at this meeting and that the draft ordinance will return to court for adoption after additional review and any required public notice.