Floodplain Development

Floodplain Development Largely Concentrated in Gulf Coast States
Many U.S. cities use ‘routine’ practices like zoning changes and permitting to discourage development in high-risk flood zones.

NPR: HUD Sells Flood-Prone Homes Without Disclosing Risks
The troubling trend is particularly pronounced in lower-income communities, where experts worry households are being inadvertently set up for big financial losses.

Most Americans Unaware of Flood Risks, Study Finds
The lack of disclosure laws in most states has led to an overvaluation of homes located in floodplains across the country.

Restricting Floodplain Development in the Nation's Capital
The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment has read the writing on the wall.

Connecting the Issues of Flooding and Affordable Housing in Texas
A study released this week by the Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium ( the University of Houston, the Kinder Institute, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and more) raises concerns that new floodplain regulations could harm renters.

North Carolina Reconsidering its Stance on Climate Change
Two hurricanes later, residents of North Carolina aren't so willing to deny the need to do something about the effects of climate change. A Democratic governor and a changing State Legislature have already produced action.

Floodplain Development Grows as Regulations Shrink
More Americans are moving to high-risk flood zones as environmental deregulation wins the day.

800 New Homes Approved for Houston's Floodplain
The city of Houston approved a new development that doesn't meet new elevations standards approved by the city of Houston earlier this month.

Houston Seriously Tightens Rules on Floodplain Construction
It was the city's "first major regulatory response" to Hurricane Harvey.

Houston-Area Floodplain Regulations to Expand from 100-Year to 500-Year Levels
Harris County, home to Houston and the scene of widespread devastation during Hurricane Harvey and other weather events, will make large-scale changes to development regulations on floodplains for the first time in almost 20 years.

Opinion: Forget Zoning, Houston Needs a Floodplain Ordinance
Zoning might not have saved Houston from Harvey, but a strong floodplain ordinance would have, according to an opinion piece published in the Houston Chronicle.
Rethinking Development As Queensland Recovers From Floods
Drastic flooding inundated Queensland, Australia, and damaged many of the city's buildings. As recovery begins, some are rethinking the city's development patterns.
Sin Keeps Development Away, Preserves Nature
The former site of the Mustang Ranch turns out to be an important piece of a floodplain restoration project in Nevada, and was inadvertently preserved because of the presence of the famous brothel.
Review for Floodplain Development is Required
Florence County Planning officials recently updated the county's land-use element of the comprehensive plan, which would require review of development taking place in floodplains.
Building Ban to Protect Northwest Salmon
In an effort to protect endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest, the National Marine Fisheries Service is calling for a building moratorium near rivers in the Puget Sound region.
No Slowing Floodplain Development in Britain
Floodplain development has proven time and time again to be big trouble when heavy rains come. But in Britain, that's not stopping it.
Flood Forecasting Goes 3D
New modeling software could soon be available that would allow monitoring across the internet of flood levels in specific areas- like your backyard.
How Development Makes Flooding Worse
This article from The Christian Science Monitor looks at how development, farm practices, and population growth have increased the risk of flooding.
Flood Control Project On Death Bed
An Army Corps of Engineers flood control project in south-central Mississippi is in danger of being vetoed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But supporters have not given up hope.
We'll Go Down To The River
Despite official calls following the 1993 floods along the Mississippi to remove development from flood plains, more housing and retail developments continue to be built along vulnerable areas.
Pagination
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research