Harris County approves new flood plain regulations

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 26) - Harris County will soon have the toughest flood plain development rules in the country.

As of January 1, all new buildings must be built at least two feet above the 500-year flood level. Nothing changes for existing buildings.

This does not include the city of Houston, but Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said the county and city need to work together to prevent future flood disasters.

During hurricane Harvey hundreds of homes in that 500-year flood plain were inundated with water.