Permits Required For Rebuilding Storm Damaged Structures
Release Date: June 19, 2007
Release Number: 1697-040
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms and Tornadoes
EAGLE PASS, Texas -- Homeowners, landlords and business owners are urged to check with local and county governments regarding permits before repairing or rebuilding a structure damaged by winds or flooding.
There can be strict local requirements on how and where structures may be renovated.
"Specific requirements are in place to assure there is a lessening or even a removal of potential for damage in future disastrous storms," said Federal Coordinating Officer Tony Russell of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Government can help people affected by winds or floods get back on their feet, but there is not an unlimited amount of money on hand to cover recurring losses in future similar events."
Local and county governments use permits to ensure that rebuilding meets the necessary requirements of the most recent flood maps. Information on requirements is available from local, county and city permitting offices.
"There are many approaches to mitigating a storm-damaged structure," said Joan Haun, the Governor's Division of Emergency Management state coordinating officer. "They include relocation of properties, among other things."
"We urge all rebuilding contractors and property owners to visit their local permitting offices and obtain the necessary permits before beginning the rebuilding process," Haun added. "Prior planning and good information will produce a structure that would stay safe, sanitary and secure in the next major disaster."
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Jun-2007 12:38:50