At the Aug. 12 commissioner’s court meeting, Kendall County considered amendments to the County Flood Prevention Order, designed to protect people, property and first responders.
The July 4th flooding along the Guadalupe River underscored the need to learn from past events and plan smarter for the future. Commissioners Andra Wisian and Chad carpenter sponsored the agenda item.
“This is about public safety, long-term resilience, and responsible growth,” Wisian said. “We cannot control the weather, but we can control how we build.”
The most significant proposed change would prohibit manufactured home parks and similar developments within and near the 100-year floodplain.
Kendall County regulations already prohibit manufacturing homes and RV parks in the floodplain, and the amendment to the county Flood Prevention Order would further strengthen protections for life and property. The update broadens the definition of manufacturing home park to include RV parks, campsites, tiny- home communities and shortterm rental clusters, where visitors may be unfamiliar with Kendall County’s “flash flood alley.”
County engineer Ellen Schulle emphasized that the proposal would not affect property owners who want to tent camp or use RVs on their own land. “This specifically targets commercial subdivisions, parks and developments,” Schulle said.
Another change under consideration would require property owners in the floodplain to maintain at least one acre of buildable land outside the floodplain.
“This item will return to the agenda at the Sept. 9 meeting,” Wisian said. “Commissioner Carpenter and I welcome public input on this proposal as we work together to ensure Kendall County is prepared for tomorrow.”
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