Houston City Council Member Dave Martin announced this week he is seeking public input from residents in District E, which includes Kingwood and Clear Lake, on changes to ordinances that aim to reduce flood-loss risk. The city in April adopted changes to Chapter 19 of the city’s code of ordinances, which includes Houston’s floodplain regulations. The changes, which go into effect Sept. 1, include new permit procedures, updated design procedures and enforcement tools, clarification on the city engineer’s duties, and incorporation of substantial damage procedures, according to the council member's office. The city is also considering proposed changes to its design standards, chapters 9 and 13, including the handling of detentions where floodwaters are temporarily stored, grading thresholds, and public and roadside drainage, according to the council member's office. The approved and proposed changes will affect future developments and redevelopments, according to the office. Residents can submit public input on the Chapter 19 changes by 5 p.m. June 29 by emailing [email protected] or submitting input to their local council members. Residents also can submit comments at an open house meeting from 6-8 p.m. June 28 at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. Residents can comment on the proposed chapters 9 and 13 changes by 5 p.m. July 30 through an online survey or emailing [email protected] or their council member. Residents can also comment at the folllowing open houses:

• June 28: 6-8 p.m. at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston
• July 2: 6-8 p.m. at Kingwood Community Center, 4102 Rustic Woods Drive, Humble
• July 11: 6-8 p.m. at VFW Post 8790, 1560 Foley St., Houston

For more information, contact the Houston City Council District E office at 832-393-3008 or email [email protected].