Some structures that were damaged by Hurricane Harvey may require special permitting before repairs can be made. If you live in unincorporated Fort Bend County, then Fort Bend County Department of Engineering is responsible for determining your permit requirements. If you live within the city limits, you need to contact your city’s Floodplain Administrator for information on permit requirements.
No Permit Required
For areas in unincorporated Fort Bend County that are outside the flood plain or floodway, permits are not required to make repairs to existing structures, however if you would like an inspection, you may request one.
Permit Required
For areas in unincorporated Fort Bend County that are inside the flood plain or floodway, a Damage Assessment inspection is required before repairs can begin (This is different from the FEMA inspection for financial assistance or insurance purposes). If your building is determined to be substantially damaged then you will be required to bring the structure into compliance with the floodplain regulations.
- This may require elevating your home even as much as 5 to 6 feet.
- Due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Harvey, damage assessments make take up to 3 weeks to be completed.
- If the buildings are in the floodway, a structure cannot be repaired until a study is completed (A study will consist of an evaluation of the structures impact on the floodway).
- The restriction on rebuilding in the floodplain and floodway is a requirement for Fort Bend County to be in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If Fort Bend County does not enforce these regulations, it could result in all Fort Bend County citizens losing the ability to purchase flood insurance.
To find out if your property is in the floodplain or floodway check out the Floodplain Jurisdictional Map from the Fort Bend County Office of Engineering.
For more information on permit requirements visit the Fort Bend County Department of Engineering website here.