Relaxed rules in flood plain help homeowners, but could have consequences later

A post-Hurricane Harvey flood map change in Friendswood, aimed at helping residents avoid expensive home elevations, could have aided up to 57 homes in the city of about 40,000 people, a Houston Chronicle analysis found. At the same time, the change allowed preparations for a shopping center to be built in a floodway. The situation shows that when local authorities relax flood plain requirements after flood disasters, often in a well-meaning attempt to help people recover, it can open the door t