Commissioners add definitions, accessory‑structure rules to Kerr County flood‑damage prevention order

Kerr County Commissioners on Oct. 14 amended the county’s flood‑damage prevention order to add four definitions and a specific standard for detached accessory structures used for parking and storage in flood‑prone zones.

Bobby Gore, the county engineer, told the court the changes reflect FEMA and Texas Water Development Board guidance and would clarify what types of small detached structures may be permitted near the river. The definitions added to Article 5 include “accessory structure,” “agricultural structure,” “non‑residential building” and “residential building.”

The new standard allows detached accessory structures used only for parking and storage to be permitted at‑grade if they meet several conditions: they must be no larger than one story; walls below the base flood elevation must have flood openings; they must be anchored against flotation, collapse and lateral movement; they must use flood‑damage‑resistant materials below base flood elevation; mechanical and electrical equipment must meet prescribed elevations or be flood‑proofed; and total floor area of accessory structures on a parcel is limited to 600 square feet.

Gore said FEMA representatives reviewed portions of the contract documents for related bridge and infrastructure repairs and recommended the wording. The Texas Water Development Board also reviewed the proposed changes and indicated they were appropriate, Gore said.

Why it matters: The changes formalize how the county treats small outbuildings and agricultural structures in the floodplain, a clarification that county staff said will assist residents and contractors as they rebuild while meeting state and federal requirements.

Vote: The court approved the changes unanimously.

Ending: The amended language will be incorporated into County Order 37967 to guide permitting and floodplain management going forward.