Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Floodplain Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Walker County grants floodplain variance for existing Houston Forest Estates home
Summary
The commissioners approved a variance allowing an existing stilt-built house in Houston Forest Estates to be permitted as constructed, citing that the structure predates current FEMA floodplain maps.
Walker County Commissioners Court approved a variance request Dec. 1 for an existing residence in Houston Forest Estates to be permitted as built despite the home's location relative to current FEMA floodplain designations.
County planning staff explained the parcel sits at the boundary between prior and current FEMA floodplain maps and that the structure appears to have been built before a map change. Staff said the county's requirement would normally have the owner meet current standards when applying for a permit, but the applicant asked that the structure be permitted as if it had been completed prior to the map change. The staff recommendation and court discussion noted the unit is a stilt-built house with the main living area on the upper level and enclosed storage below.
A motion to approve the requested variance as presented carried. Staff said that, if the court approved, a waiver permit would be issued and staff would document the file accordingly.
