Resolution Highlights Potential Liability to Developer
The resolution, proposed by District E Council Member Fred Flickinger, also warns the developer about “potential liability associated with placing future residents in an area of heightened risk for property damage, personal injury, and loss of life.”
While the proposed development lies wholly within Montgomery County, it also lies wholly within Houston’s city limits and extra-territorial jurisdiction.
The resolution largely parallels a similar motion adopted unanimously on 12/11/2025 by Harris County Commissioners Court.
Other Key Provisions of Resolution
Among other things, the resolution urges Montgomery County to:
Apply Harris County drainage standards when evaluating the developer’s plans
Evaluate the property for flood-mitigation, flood-preservation, and public park purposes
Implement flood-mitigation protections while restoring wetlands, replenishing groundwater, and safeguarding the future of surrounding communities.
A RESOLUTION OF HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING THE PROPOSED SCARBOROUGH LANE DEVELOPMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, LOCATED IN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS AND A PORTION IN AN AREA ANNEXED BY THE CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS FOR LIMITED PURPOSES; CONTAINING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FOREGOING SUBJECT.
* * * * *
WHEREAS, The City of Houston and Harris County lead the nation in flood-prevention investments, with more than $3.5 billion committed to flood-mitigation projects over the coming years, and urges Montgomery County leadership to adopt, at minimum, the drainage criteria previously approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court; and
WHEREAS, the land proposed for the Scarborough Lane Project in Montgomery County rests at the vulnerable confluence of Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, an area repeatedly marked by catastrophic flooding, rendering the tract unmistakably unfit for residential development; and
WHEREAS, any further construction within this well-documented flood zone would inevitably heighten flood dangers, placing the residents of Montgomery and Harris Counties at greater risk and compounding the devastation they have already endured; and
WHEREAS, this resolution serves as notice to the developer regarding potential liability associated with placing future residents in an area of heightened risk for property damage, personal injury, and loss of life; and
WHEREAS, the highest and best use of this property should be evaluated for flood-mitigation, flood-preservation, and public park purposes; and
WHEREAS, any development of this parcel must rigorously meet or exceed Harris County standards, including the elevation of finished floors, and any proposed mitigation ponds must be located entirely outside the current 100-year floodplain and completely beyond the floodway, ensuring no increased risk to surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, all mitigation efforts should prioritize detaining stormwater as early as possible during rainfall events; and
WHEREAS, this tract stands as a rare and extraordinary opportunity to transform a hazardous flood zone into a steadfast shield against disaster, delivering vital flood-mitigation protections while restoring wetlands, replenishing groundwater, and safeguarding the future of surrounding communities;
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the findings contained in the preamble of this Resolution are determined to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this Resolution.
Section 2. That the City Council respectfully calls upon the leadership of Montgomery County to reconsider the currently proposed Scarborough Lane development and any future development on this property, as it poses unacceptable hazards to future residents of Montgomery County and will substantially increase flood risks for existing residents of both Montgomery and Harris Counties.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor; however, in the event that the Mayor fails to sign this Resolution within five days after its passage and adoption, it shall take effect in accordance with Article VI, Section 6, Houston City Charter.
[Signatures]
HCFCD/MoCo Both Tried to Buy Property for Flood Mitigation
Harris County Flood Control District tried to buy the property after passage of the 2018 flood bond. But reportedly, the property owner at the time wanted much more than the appraised value of the property.
A person familiar with the negotiations at the time told me that, “If that property ever gets developed, it would be like aiming a fire hose at Kingwood and Humble.
A press release by Wheeler, dated 12/11/25, states that he believes “preserving this land for public use and for future generations remains a shared goal across our community.”
“If successful,” Wheeler said, “the effort would allow the land to be protected for regional detention, parks, trails, and natural green spaces, ensuring it remains an environmental and recreational asset for Montgomery County residents.”
Base map from seller’s preliminary drainage analysis. Scarborough/San Jacinto Preserve property outlined in red.
For More Background Information
See these previous posts about Ryko, Scarborough and the San Jacinto Preserve.
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250417-Ryko-property-copy-1.jpg?fit=1100%2C659&ssl=16591100adminadmin2025-12-14 19:10:082025-12-17 11:24:11City Council to Vote on Development in Area with Catastrophic Flooding
12/13/25 – On 12/11/25, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, PE, introduced a resolution in Harris County Commissioners Court that urges Montgomery County (MoCo) to impose certain conditions on the proposed 5,300-acre Scarborough Development west of Kingwood. Harris County Flood Control tried to buy the property after Hurricane Harvey because they feared that if it got developed, “it would be like aiming a fire hose at Kingwood and Humble.” Ryko, the property owner at the time, quoted a price far over market value. So, the deal fell through. But those fears still exist.
While Harris County can’t force MoCo to do anything, the proposed conditions include:
Recognizing the extreme flood risk of development for current residents in both counties
Using portions of the property for flood mitigation and parks
Ensuring development meets or exceeds Harris County standards including:
Finished floor elevations
Placing mitigation ponds outside the 100-year floodplain and floodway
Fostering growth of wetlands and water filtration.
Scarborough bought most of the land you see in this picture between Spring Creek (l) and San Jacinto West Fork (r). Base flood elevation at the confluence is 25.1 feet above ground levelusing old, pre-Harvey flood maps.
Ramsey’s resolution is high-level; most resolutions are. But it makes good points. For instance, while MoCo’s new Drainage Criteria Manual is a vast improvement over their previous one, it still falls short of Harris County’s on several key criteria including finished floor elevations and placing fill in the 500-year floodplain. Those concerns are expressed in the text below.
Exact Text of Harris County Resolution
WHEREAS, Harris County leads the country in flood prevention investments with $3.5 billion being spent on flood mitigation projects in the next few years, and calls upon Montgomery County leadership to adopt the minimum drainage criteria as per the previously approved Harris County Commissioner’s Court document; and
WHEREAS, the land under development in Montgomery County for the Scarborough Lane Project, is situated in close proximity to Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and the San Jacinto River, and the historical flood data of this tract of land causes concerns for residential development, and any further development on this property in the flood zone may result in a negative impact to current residents of Montgomery and Harris counties; and
WHEREAS, portions of this property should be reviewed and considered for flood mitigation, flood preservation and park development; and
WHEREAS, any development of this parcel should meet or exceed the Harris County standards, including the finish floor elevations of the structure, and any mitigation ponds be considered only outside the current 100-year floodplain and all the floodway; and
WHEREAS, any mitigation completed should consider trying to hold back water early in a storm, detaining the first of the water that falls; and
WHEREAS, this tract of land renders a significant and affordable flood mitigation opportunity that would not only prevent flood damage, but foster wetland growth and ground water filtration; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Harris County Commissioners Court calls upon the Montgomery County leadership to take into consideration the concerns described above.
Considerations Related to the Scarborough Lane Project
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of The Harris County Commissioners Court this 11th day of December 2025.
Ramsey’s Motion Passed Unanimously; Next Up CoH
County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Ramsey and all three other commissioners voted for Ramsey’s resolution. It passed 5-0.
Houston City Council will reportedly consider a similar resolution on Wednesday. District E Council Member Fred Flickinger says he is optimistic that he has the votes to get it approved.
Note that the City actually has a bigger stick in this fight because most of the land lies within the City limits or the City’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). ETJ helps cities plan and regulate development in unincorporated areas near their borders, influencing growth before annexation.
On October 30, Scarborough and its engineers met with the City and Harris County to discuss their plans. At the time, they presented some high-level documents claiming that half the land would be preserved as green space. That’s certainly a step in the right direction. But is it enough? We will be in a better position to tell when we’ve reviewed their complete plans. And when Harris County Flood Control and FEMA release updated flood maps.
In the meantime, I’ll be watching to see what City Council does next Wednesday.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/13/25
3028 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/20251211-DJI_20251211085941_0651_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2025-12-13 17:29:072025-12-13 20:14:54Harris County Passes Ramsey Resolution on Scarborough Development In MoCo
12/11/2025 – This morning, the City of Houston Public Works Department shut down a developer bringing fill dirt into the floodway and floodplain of the San Jacinto West Fork. City regulations prohibit such fill because it raises flood levels for other people and creates a public danger.
Ongoing Issue
I first reported on this problem on 12/9/25, based on a tip from a reader who noticed an unusual amount of dirt on the roads outside the site. Aerial photos showed that the fill operation, which was behind high fences, had been ongoing for quite some time. The fill violates multiple city regulations.
The flood-prone property sits at the corner of Sorters-McClellan and Savell Roads near the US59 Bridge over the San Jacinto West Fork. More aerial photos taken today show multiple large trucks dumping more fill just moments before City inspectors arrived.
Three trucks were simultaneously offloading dirt in what appeared to be the floodway of the San Jacinto West Fork.
While the trucks were still dumping, Public Works vehicles sped onto the site. City inspectors and District E City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Chief of Staff Dustin Hodges jumped out of their vehicles and started taking pictures.
Three Public Works vehicles entered the site while Houston Police stood guard outside.Hodges and Public Works inspector (left) observe truck leaving site after dumping its load. Note how bed of truck was not even down yet.
Hodges described the volume of fill dirt as “unbelievable,” “egregious,” “above and beyond.”
Height of fill was twice as tall as inspector taking pictures on pond’s bank.Another view of fill heightFill extends all the way to San Jacinto West Fork and is higher than several small trees.
Citations for Multiple Issues
The inspectors found multiple violations affecting multiple City departments. They include floodplains, engineering, permitting, plumbing, HVAC and more.
Hodges said that the owners of the property would be fined each day for each violation until the property is returned to its original condition. That means the owners must remove all the dirt that they brought in.
They will incur a new fine for each day for each violation as long as the violations remain.
Dustin Hodges, Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Chief of Staff
The total could be substantial, although it is not clear yet exactly what that will be.
City Will Use LIDAR to Monitor Restoration
The City will use LIDAR studies to make sure the property is properly restored to previous conditions, according to Hodges.
Developer’s Employee Couldn’t Find ID
The owners were not on site, but a representative was. That individual refused to produce a drivers license until the inspectors called in the Houston Police Department, which was standing by across the street. Then, said Hodges, the representative suddenly found his driver’s license.
I deduce from that last bit of information that the employee knew his employer should not have been doing what it was doing.
What City Regulations Say
I hope this story signals to others that it’s not safe to constrict the conveyance of floodwaters and that the City is serious about enforcing its regulations.
The site is at the confluence of Spring Creek and the West Fork (R) across from Costco and Main Event at top of frame. Both businesses flooded badly during Harvey.
Harris County Flood Warning System records show that this location had the highest flooding in the county during Hurricane Harvey – a whopping 27 feet above the normal water level.
City of Houston regulations prohibit bringing fill dirt into floodways and floodplains. Chapter 19 Div. 2 Sec. 19.34 states:
No fill may be added to a 100-year floodplain.
Any loss of floodplain-storage volume must be mitigated onsite.
“No floodplain development permit shall be issued for a development to be located in any floodway…”
“The development will not impede the flow of floodwaters.”
“The development will not result in an adverse effect on the conveyance capacity during the occurrence of the base flood.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/11/2025
3026 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/20251211-DJI_20251211090749_0686_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2025-12-11 15:14:172025-12-11 15:21:54Busted: City Shuts Down Developer Filling Floodplain, Floodway
City Council to Vote on Development in Area with Catastrophic Flooding
12/14/25 – The Houston City Council will vote Wednesday, December 17 on a resolution opposing the proposed 5,300 acre Scarborough Lane/San Jacinto Preserve Development in Montgomery County. Virtually the entire area lies in floodplains and floodways west of Kingwood near the confluence of the San Jacinto West Fork, Spring Creek, and Cypress Creek.
The resolution says that the area is “repeatedly marked by catastrophic flooding, rendering the tract unmistakably unfit for residential development.”
The City resolution comes less than a week after Harris County unanimously adopted a similar resolution
Resolution Highlights Potential Liability to Developer
The resolution, proposed by District E Council Member Fred Flickinger, also warns the developer about “potential liability associated with placing future residents in an area of heightened risk for property damage, personal injury, and loss of life.”
While the proposed development lies wholly within Montgomery County, it also lies wholly within Houston’s city limits and extra-territorial jurisdiction.
The resolution largely parallels a similar motion adopted unanimously on 12/11/2025 by Harris County Commissioners Court.
Other Key Provisions of Resolution
Among other things, the resolution urges Montgomery County to:
See the complete text below or download the PDF here.
Text of Resolution
City of Houston, Texas, Resolution No. 2025-
A RESOLUTION OF HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING THE PROPOSED SCARBOROUGH LANE DEVELOPMENT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, LOCATED IN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS AND A PORTION IN AN AREA ANNEXED BY THE CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS FOR LIMITED PURPOSES; CONTAINING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE FOREGOING SUBJECT.
* * * * *
WHEREAS, The City of Houston and Harris County lead the nation in flood-prevention investments, with more than $3.5 billion committed to flood-mitigation projects over the coming years, and urges Montgomery County leadership to adopt, at minimum, the drainage criteria previously approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court; and
WHEREAS, the land proposed for the Scarborough Lane Project in Montgomery County rests at the vulnerable confluence of Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, an area repeatedly marked by catastrophic flooding, rendering the tract unmistakably unfit for residential development; and
WHEREAS, any further construction within this well-documented flood zone would inevitably heighten flood dangers, placing the residents of Montgomery and Harris Counties at greater risk and compounding the devastation they have already endured; and
WHEREAS, this resolution serves as notice to the developer regarding potential liability associated with placing future residents in an area of heightened risk for property damage, personal injury, and loss of life; and
WHEREAS, the highest and best use of this property should be evaluated for flood-mitigation, flood-preservation, and public park purposes; and
WHEREAS, any development of this parcel must rigorously meet or exceed Harris County standards, including the elevation of finished floors, and any proposed mitigation ponds must be located entirely outside the current 100-year floodplain and completely beyond the floodway, ensuring no increased risk to surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, all mitigation efforts should prioritize detaining stormwater as early as possible during rainfall events; and
WHEREAS, this tract stands as a rare and extraordinary opportunity to transform a hazardous flood zone into a steadfast shield against disaster, delivering vital flood-mitigation protections while restoring wetlands, replenishing groundwater, and safeguarding the future of surrounding communities;
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the findings contained in the preamble of this Resolution are determined to be true and correct and are hereby adopted as part of this Resolution.
Section 2. That the City Council respectfully calls upon the leadership of Montgomery County to reconsider the currently proposed Scarborough Lane development and any future development on this property, as it poses unacceptable hazards to future residents of Montgomery County and will substantially increase flood risks for existing residents of both Montgomery and Harris Counties.
Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor; however, in the event that the Mayor fails to sign this Resolution within five days after its passage and adoption, it shall take effect in accordance with Article VI, Section 6, Houston City Charter.
[Signatures]
HCFCD/MoCo Both Tried to Buy Property for Flood Mitigation
Harris County Flood Control District tried to buy the property after passage of the 2018 flood bond. But reportedly, the property owner at the time wanted much more than the appraised value of the property.
A person familiar with the negotiations at the time told me that, “If that property ever gets developed, it would be like aiming a fire hose at Kingwood and Humble.
Ryko, the owner at the time, planned to build 7000 new homes on the property according to Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler. Wheeler also tried to buy the property. But the developer reportedly wanted north of $100 million for it.
A press release by Wheeler, dated 12/11/25, states that he believes “preserving this land for public use and for future generations remains a shared goal across our community.”
“If successful,” Wheeler said, “the effort would allow the land to be protected for regional detention, parks, trails, and natural green spaces, ensuring it remains an environmental and recreational asset for Montgomery County residents.”
For More Background Information
See these previous posts about Ryko, Scarborough and the San Jacinto Preserve.
12/13/25 Harris County Passes Ramsey Resolution on Scarborough Development In MoCo
10/31/25 Supposed “Letter of No Objection” to Floodplain Development Lists 3 Pages of Objections
10/30/25 New Plans to Develop 5,316 Acres West of Kingwood Mostly in Floodplains, Floodways
10/16/25 Developer Buys 5300 Acres of Floodplains, Floodways, Wetlands from Ryko
5/7/25 Is It Safe to Build 7,000 Homes on Ryko Land?
5/6/25 Montgomery County Engineering Letter Blasts Ryko’s Drainage Study
4/25/25 Lengthy Catalog of Concerns about Proposed Ryko Development
4/23/25 Harris County Did NOT Approve Ryko Development
4/18/25 Bald Eagles Live Where Developer Wants to Build 7,000 Homes
4/17/25 MoCo Commissioner Taking Townsen Blvd. Extension Off 2025 Road Bond
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/14/25
3029 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Harris County Passes Ramsey Resolution on Scarborough Development In MoCo
12/13/25 – On 12/11/25, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, PE, introduced a resolution in Harris County Commissioners Court that urges Montgomery County (MoCo) to impose certain conditions on the proposed 5,300-acre Scarborough Development west of Kingwood. Harris County Flood Control tried to buy the property after Hurricane Harvey because they feared that if it got developed, “it would be like aiming a fire hose at Kingwood and Humble.” Ryko, the property owner at the time, quoted a price far over market value. So, the deal fell through. But those fears still exist.
While Harris County can’t force MoCo to do anything, the proposed conditions include:
Ramsey’s resolution is high-level; most resolutions are. But it makes good points. For instance, while MoCo’s new Drainage Criteria Manual is a vast improvement over their previous one, it still falls short of Harris County’s on several key criteria including finished floor elevations and placing fill in the 500-year floodplain. Those concerns are expressed in the text below.
Exact Text of Harris County Resolution
WHEREAS, Harris County leads the country in flood prevention investments with $3.5 billion being spent on flood mitigation projects in the next few years, and calls upon Montgomery County leadership to adopt the minimum drainage criteria as per the previously approved Harris County Commissioner’s Court document; and
WHEREAS, the land under development in Montgomery County for the Scarborough Lane Project, is situated in close proximity to Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and the San Jacinto River, and the historical flood data of this tract of land causes concerns for residential development, and any further development on this property in the flood zone may result in a negative impact to current residents of Montgomery and Harris counties; and
WHEREAS, portions of this property should be reviewed and considered for flood mitigation, flood preservation and park development; and
WHEREAS, any development of this parcel should meet or exceed the Harris County standards, including the finish floor elevations of the structure, and any mitigation ponds be considered only outside the current 100-year floodplain and all the floodway; and
WHEREAS, any mitigation completed should consider trying to hold back water early in a storm, detaining the first of the water that falls; and
WHEREAS, this tract of land renders a significant and affordable flood mitigation opportunity that would not only prevent flood damage, but foster wetland growth and ground water filtration; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Harris County Commissioners Court calls upon the Montgomery County leadership to take into consideration the concerns described above.
Considerations Related to the Scarborough Lane Project
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of The Harris County Commissioners Court this 11th day of December 2025.
Ramsey’s Motion Passed Unanimously; Next Up CoH
County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Ramsey and all three other commissioners voted for Ramsey’s resolution. It passed 5-0.
Houston City Council will reportedly consider a similar resolution on Wednesday. District E Council Member Fred Flickinger says he is optimistic that he has the votes to get it approved.
Note that the City actually has a bigger stick in this fight because most of the land lies within the City limits or the City’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). ETJ helps cities plan and regulate development in unincorporated areas near their borders, influencing growth before annexation.
On October 30, Scarborough and its engineers met with the City and Harris County to discuss their plans. At the time, they presented some high-level documents claiming that half the land would be preserved as green space. That’s certainly a step in the right direction. But is it enough? We will be in a better position to tell when we’ve reviewed their complete plans. And when Harris County Flood Control and FEMA release updated flood maps.
In the meantime, I’ll be watching to see what City Council does next Wednesday.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/13/25
3028 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Busted: City Shuts Down Developer Filling Floodplain, Floodway
12/11/2025 – This morning, the City of Houston Public Works Department shut down a developer bringing fill dirt into the floodway and floodplain of the San Jacinto West Fork. City regulations prohibit such fill because it raises flood levels for other people and creates a public danger.
Ongoing Issue
I first reported on this problem on 12/9/25, based on a tip from a reader who noticed an unusual amount of dirt on the roads outside the site. Aerial photos showed that the fill operation, which was behind high fences, had been ongoing for quite some time. The fill violates multiple city regulations.
The flood-prone property sits at the corner of Sorters-McClellan and Savell Roads near the US59 Bridge over the San Jacinto West Fork. More aerial photos taken today show multiple large trucks dumping more fill just moments before City inspectors arrived.
While the trucks were still dumping, Public Works vehicles sped onto the site. City inspectors and District E City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Chief of Staff Dustin Hodges jumped out of their vehicles and started taking pictures.
Hodges described the volume of fill dirt as “unbelievable,” “egregious,” “above and beyond.”
Citations for Multiple Issues
The inspectors found multiple violations affecting multiple City departments. They include floodplains, engineering, permitting, plumbing, HVAC and more.
Hodges said that the owners of the property would be fined each day for each violation until the property is returned to its original condition. That means the owners must remove all the dirt that they brought in.
The total could be substantial, although it is not clear yet exactly what that will be.
City Will Use LIDAR to Monitor Restoration
The City will use LIDAR studies to make sure the property is properly restored to previous conditions, according to Hodges.
Developer’s Employee Couldn’t Find ID
The owners were not on site, but a representative was. That individual refused to produce a drivers license until the inspectors called in the Houston Police Department, which was standing by across the street. Then, said Hodges, the representative suddenly found his driver’s license.
I deduce from that last bit of information that the employee knew his employer should not have been doing what it was doing.
What City Regulations Say
I hope this story signals to others that it’s not safe to constrict the conveyance of floodwaters and that the City is serious about enforcing its regulations.
Harris County Flood Warning System records show that this location had the highest flooding in the county during Hurricane Harvey – a whopping 27 feet above the normal water level.
City of Houston regulations prohibit bringing fill dirt into floodways and floodplains. Chapter 19 Div. 2 Sec. 19.34 states:
Floodways enjoy even more protection. Chapter 19 Div. 3 Sec. 19.43(a-b3) states:
Posted by Bob Rehak on 12/11/2025
3026 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.