Houston City Council postponed a vote on Wednesday to change the city’s floodplain ordinance in the wake of Harvey. Several members insisted on a delay to consider amendments and to let more members of the public to weigh in.
The proposed changes include requiring new or redeveloped structures be built at least two feet higher than the 500-year floodplain. That would raise the cost of construction. Currently, the rules only regulate building within the 100-year floodplain.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said he understands the need for debate on such changes, but he insisted the proposal has overwhelming public support. He’s already spoken on the proposal at community meetings in 10 city council districts.
“I asked the question, after going through it, ‘How many are in favor of the changes?’” said Turner. “Most of the people, and in most of the districts well over 90 percent of the people, raised their hands in support.”
Turner announced that he’d speak in the remaining districts ahead of next week’s vote.