R-1999-23 - National Flood Insurance Program

Browse Search

. CITY OF LA PORTE, TX CRS ACTIVI1Y 510 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN e Assess the Problem Damage-Prone Buildings Based on water meter records for May, 1999, La Porte has 9,109 single- family homes, 102 non-profit buildings, 85 multi-family buildings, 574 commercial properties, and 53 city-owned buildings. Approximately 1400 buildings are in the floodplain. Approximately 420 floodplain development permits have been issued (residence or business) since 1987. Development Trends Redevelopment will remain within the constraints of the City's zoning ordinance and floodplain ordinance. See zoning map (Appendix B). Development Constraints There are two major constraints to development in the City: zoning and floodplain regulations. Zoning: The zoning ordinance follows the comprehensive plan, which allows the construction of compatible structures and uses. No new commercial development or multi-family housing will encroach into the single-family zones. Please see attached zoning map (Appendix B). Floodplain Regulations: The City has adopted an ordinance that meets the minimum NFIP rules. In A and V Zones, new buildings must be elevated above the base flood elevation. In A zones, commercial buildings can be floodproofed. In the V Zone, all new buildings must be elevated on open pilings or piers so that waves do not batter the building walls. Critical Facilities Several critical facilities have been identified. The most important facilities include the City of La Porte City Hall, Police Station, four Fire Stations, and Public Works. There are no medical facilities in La Porte, so preservation of the Fire Stations and its ambulances is vital for public health and safety. The main evacuation routes through the city are also considered critical facilities. Closing any of the major arteries greatly complicates the process of getting people to safety. State Highway 146 also serves as an evacuation route for communities adjacent to La Porte. Two nursing homes have also been designated as critical facilities: Happy Harbour Methodist Home at 1106 Bayshore Drive, and Fairmont House at 8727 Fairmont Parkway. These deserve special attention during evacuation to ensure that they have enough lead time to remove the residents. Natural Areas There are several areas worth preserving for their natural and beneficial function, but for sake of brevity, only one major area is mentioned in the plan. City of La Porte Planning Deparbnent, nnh Page 8 of 26 June 10, 1999