If you live in the City of Houston or within its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), the City provides an easy way for you to track the progress of new developments near you.
Step One: Go To the Plat-Tracker Map
The City provides an interactive map based on geographic information system (GIS) technology. In your browser, go to a website called Houston Plat Tracker Plats. GIS maps translate database information into a familiar map format.
Houston Plat Tracker Map as of 3/17/2021. Look at the size of those two proposed subdivisions northeast of Lake Houston!
After navigating to the site, scroll and zoom to your area of interest.
Select a base map to suit your taste. Choose from satellite views, street maps, topographic maps and more. Do this by clicking on the four squares in the upper left hand corner.
Turn on the layers that interest you. Choose from City Limits, Council Districts, Management Districts, TIRZs (tax increment reinvestment zones), ETJ, historical districts, and more. Do this by clicking on the layers icon next to the base map icon.
With the tools in the upper right corner, you can draw on the map, measure distance and direction, print, bookmark and share.
By now, the map should be populated with a mass of color-coded outlines.
Click on any colored area to find background information about it, such as the developer and the application number. At the bottom of the informational pop-up box, there’s an interactive link to the City’s Planning Department website where you can learn more about the project.
Step Two: Look Up More on the City Planning Department Website
The City Planning Department website offers much more information about projects that may concern you, especially if they are coming up for a vote in the Planning Commission. Here you’ll find interactive and PDF spreadsheets that list which projects will be considered in the next meeting of the Planning Commission. The site also lists the:
Subdivision plat name
Application Number
When the developer submitted files
Subdivision Plat type
Whether a variance request exists
The location of the issue on the agenda
County, City, Council District, Precinct
Key Map code
Census Tract
Zip Code
School District
Address of the development.
TIRZ, Management District, Historic Districts if applicable
Super Neighborhood Council
Park Sector
Proposed Land Use
Property Size
Number of Lots
Appraisal District ID
Developer
Applicant Company
Applicant’s Name
Applicants Phone
Subdivision Plat with flood zones, if any, superimposed
The Houston Plat Tracker Plats website contains future and past agendas, the planning commission calendar, and development regulations. It also contains a design manual and a host of other tools in case you feel something is amiss.
Finally, it lets you set up an account so you can get notifications of what future meetings will consider.
Possible Step 3
If you find something disturbing, sign up to express your concerns at the Planning Commission, or call your city council person’s office.
You can also request copies of the drainage analysis and construction plans at a certain point in the project.
Informed citizens keep everyone conscientious. No one cares about your home like you! So keep your eyes open for new projects in your neighborhood or upstream.
To learn more about 15 other GIS maps that the City makes available online, visit this start page. You can find fascinating information about land use, demographics, flood hazards and more. Good luck.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/17/2021
1296 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2021-03-17-at-1.29.44-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C669&ssl=16691200adminadmin2021-03-17 19:55:452021-03-17 20:05:53Easy Way to Track New Developments Near You
Assistance is still available for those who live in Harris County if you have not yet repaired or rebuilt your home damaged in Hurricane Harvey. Applications are NOT for reimbursement.
They are for repairs and rehab handled through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contractors, that meet HUD specs. So forget about marble floors and countertops, adding garages or extra bedrooms, or upgrading to top-of-the-line appliances.
As long as you live in Harris County and you meet the requirements, you can still submit an application. However, understand that Harris County (compared to the City) has far more funding available than applications in its pipeline. Also understand that you can apply through the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which now handles applications for HUD; you don’t need to go through the City or County directly.
Download and complete a paper application below. Applications can be submitted by email at harriscounty.glo@recovery.texas.gov or mail to Homeowner Assistance Program 2100 Space Park Drive, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77058.
Call 346-222-4686 or 1-866-317-1998 (toll free) and a regional office team member will assist with the application process.
If you live in Harris and are INSIDE the City of Houston:
Download and complete a paper application below. Applications can be submitted by email at houston.glo@recovery.texas.gov or mail to Homeowner Assistance Program 2100 Space Park Drive, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77058.
Call 346-222-4686 or 1-866-317-1998 (toll free) and a regional office team member will assist with the application process.
All Documents Necessary Before Apps Will Be Processed
Applications, including all necessary documentation, must be completed and submitted BEFORE the GLO and its partners will begin processing it for eligibility. Each application submitted must be individually evaluated to determine eligibility. Please use this checklist for reference whether you live inside or outside of the City.
Without enough qualified applicants, GLO will be forced to send the money back to Washington. So hurry, before the money goes away or runs out.
What to Expect
Potential applicants can watch this video about What to Expect.
The GLO created this video about homeowners who received assistance through this program. Here’s another showing a homeowner who just received keys to a rebuilt home.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/15/2021
1295 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screen-Shot-2021-03-15-at-3.58.22-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C769&ssl=17691200adminadmin2021-03-15 16:10:272021-03-15 18:48:50Harvey Repair, Rebuild Assistance Still Available for Harris County Residents
According to Jose Pedraza who works for Stuart Consulting, the contractor began work at the upstream/Rocky Woods Drive end of the site and is moving downstream. So far, they have completed about 1500 linear feet of work on both sides of the stream.
At the start of the project, surveyors found that accumulated sediment had severely constricted the conveyance of the channel.
Ben’s Branch at start of project in January. The area between the red lines filled with sediment since Friendswood first constructed the ditch in the 1970s.Looking south from between Rocky Woods and Valley Way Drive.This is how the section above looks today from a drone.Photo taken 3/13/2021.Note Kingwood High School in upper right.Farther downstream, looking east toward Kingwood Town Center in background. Contractors have just started working on this reach of the stream.Looking back upstream toward the west and Kingwood High School, you can see same reach from the opposite direction.
Work to Date Has Included…
So far, the contractor has:
Conducted excavation and off-site disposal
Installed import fill, 3×5 granular fill, and grade 1 riprap
Graded channel side slopes on both sides of the channel for 1500 linear feet.
Expected Completion by July 4 or Earlier
Due to weather and other small delays, projected duration of the job increased from 150 to 168 days. Expected completion was extended to July 4, 2021. However, based on recent on-site inspection reports, work is now moving faster. So, with luck, the finish date may be pushed forward into June once more.
Preserving Property, Tax Dollars
Homes on both sides of this stream flooded during Harvey. So did Kingwood High School. The building flooded to the second floor. It suffered $67 million dollars in damages and lost another $10 million in contents.
Hopefully, this project will reduce flood risk. Conveyance of the channel had been reduced from a 100-year level of service to a 2-year level in some places. A 2-year level of service means that the creek will flood in a 2-year rain. The goal of this project is to restore the channel to its original conveyance capacity. That includes straightening, widening and deepening clogged parts of the channel.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/15/2021
1294 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210313-DJI_0295.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2021-03-15 12:34:582021-03-15 12:43:32Bens Branch Clean-out North of Kingwood Drive Already 40% Complete
Easy Way to Track New Developments Near You
If you live in the City of Houston or within its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), the City provides an easy way for you to track the progress of new developments near you.
Step One: Go To the Plat-Tracker Map
The City provides an interactive map based on geographic information system (GIS) technology. In your browser, go to a website called Houston Plat Tracker Plats. GIS maps translate database information into a familiar map format.
Step Two: Look Up More on the City Planning Department Website
The City Planning Department website offers much more information about projects that may concern you, especially if they are coming up for a vote in the Planning Commission. Here you’ll find interactive and PDF spreadsheets that list which projects will be considered in the next meeting of the Planning Commission. The site also lists the:
The Houston Plat Tracker Plats website contains future and past agendas, the planning commission calendar, and development regulations. It also contains a design manual and a host of other tools in case you feel something is amiss.
Finally, it lets you set up an account so you can get notifications of what future meetings will consider.
Possible Step 3
If you find something disturbing, sign up to express your concerns at the Planning Commission, or call your city council person’s office.
You can also request copies of the drainage analysis and construction plans at a certain point in the project.
Informed citizens keep everyone conscientious. No one cares about your home like you! So keep your eyes open for new projects in your neighborhood or upstream.
To learn more about 15 other GIS maps that the City makes available online, visit this start page. You can find fascinating information about land use, demographics, flood hazards and more. Good luck.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/17/2021
1296 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Harvey Repair, Rebuild Assistance Still Available for Harris County Residents
Assistance is still available for those who live in Harris County if you have not yet repaired or rebuilt your home damaged in Hurricane Harvey. Applications are NOT for reimbursement.
They are for repairs and rehab handled through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contractors, that meet HUD specs. So forget about marble floors and countertops, adding garages or extra bedrooms, or upgrading to top-of-the-line appliances.
As long as you live in Harris County and you meet the requirements, you can still submit an application. However, understand that Harris County (compared to the City) has far more funding available than applications in its pipeline. Also understand that you can apply through the Texas General Land Office (GLO), which now handles applications for HUD; you don’t need to go through the City or County directly.
Types of Help Available
The GLO can provide homeowner assistance through:
How to Apply
How and where to apply depends on whether you live inside the City of Houston or out.
If you live in Harris County but OUTSIDE the City of Houston:
If you live in Harris and are INSIDE the City of Houston:
This page explains all the necessary steps and documents: https://recovery.texas.gov/hap/houston. You also have three easy options.
All Documents Necessary Before Apps Will Be Processed
Applications, including all necessary documentation, must be completed and submitted BEFORE the GLO and its partners will begin processing it for eligibility. Each application submitted must be individually evaluated to determine eligibility. Please use this checklist for reference whether you live inside or outside of the City.
What to Expect
Potential applicants can watch this video about What to Expect.
The GLO created this video about homeowners who received assistance through this program. Here’s another showing a homeowner who just received keys to a rebuilt home.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/15/2021
1295 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Bens Branch Clean-out North of Kingwood Drive Already 40% Complete
As of this morning, Stuart Consulting Group (a project manager for Harris County Flood Control) estimates that clean-out of Bens Branch between Kingwood Drive and Rocky Woods Drive is 40% complete.
1500 Feet Complete from Upstream Starting Point
According to Jose Pedraza who works for Stuart Consulting, the contractor began work at the upstream/Rocky Woods Drive end of the site and is moving downstream. So far, they have completed about 1500 linear feet of work on both sides of the stream.
At the start of the project, surveyors found that accumulated sediment had severely constricted the conveyance of the channel.
Work to Date Has Included…
So far, the contractor has:
Expected Completion by July 4 or Earlier
Due to weather and other small delays, projected duration of the job increased from 150 to 168 days. Expected completion was extended to July 4, 2021. However, based on recent on-site inspection reports, work is now moving faster. So, with luck, the finish date may be pushed forward into June once more.
Preserving Property, Tax Dollars
Homes on both sides of this stream flooded during Harvey. So did Kingwood High School. The building flooded to the second floor. It suffered $67 million dollars in damages and lost another $10 million in contents.
Hopefully, this project will reduce flood risk. Conveyance of the channel had been reduced from a 100-year level of service to a 2-year level in some places. A 2-year level of service means that the creek will flood in a 2-year rain. The goal of this project is to restore the channel to its original conveyance capacity. That includes straightening, widening and deepening clogged parts of the channel.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/15/2021
1294 Days after Hurricane Harvey