I've submitted another request for some more specific information from the Galveston Planning Department's Historic Preservation Officer regarding pursuit of the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) insurance coverage for those of us with historic homes. I will post any response I get as soon as it comes in...
Good news: the owner of Cherry House Moving has agreed to "work with us" on the cost of elevating our historic homes. Hopefully, if there is a group of us that can get through the permitting process and then get approval from the Landmark Commission by submitting appropriate and acceptable plans, we can help make the elevation cost a bit more easy on the pocketbook...
Stay tuned for updates...
(the following info was taken from Leigh Jones' November 16th coverage of the ever-developing City's assessment map)
APPEALS PROCESS
Ways to appeal substantially damaged property
1. All property owners appealing a substantial damage ruling must obtain a certified pre-storm appraisal, not more than a year old, which indicates the house value is higher than the Galveston Central Appraisal District value.
2. In conjunction with a certified pre-storm appraisal, submit a complete project bid from a registered contractor to repair the structure and the insurance adjustment determination, if the structure was insured. Property owners who plan to do the work themselves can submit a cost estimate for the materials needed to do the work, but city officials must add a cost estimate for labor to the total to make it consistent with other estimates.
3. Submit an elevation certificate, completed by a licensed Texas surveyor, verifying the structure is located at or above the base flood elevation and complies with current National Flood Insurance Program rate maps. The maps can be viewed online at www.fema.gov.
4. Elevate the structure to the minimum elevation requirement for your area.
5. Move the structure to a property that conforms to the flood plain regulations.
6. Demolish the structure and rebuild according to the current regulations.
Ways to have property ruled substantially damaged
1. Submit a complete project bid from a registered contractor to repair the structure.
2. Submit the insurance adjustment determination, if the structure was insured.
3. Request the damage report from the city and make sure basic information, like square footage, is accurate.
Good news: the owner of Cherry House Moving has agreed to "work with us" on the cost of elevating our historic homes. Hopefully, if there is a group of us that can get through the permitting process and then get approval from the Landmark Commission by submitting appropriate and acceptable plans, we can help make the elevation cost a bit more easy on the pocketbook...
Stay tuned for updates...
(the following info was taken from Leigh Jones' November 16th coverage of the ever-developing City's assessment map)
APPEALS PROCESS
Ways to appeal substantially damaged property
1. All property owners appealing a substantial damage ruling must obtain a certified pre-storm appraisal, not more than a year old, which indicates the house value is higher than the Galveston Central Appraisal District value.
2. In conjunction with a certified pre-storm appraisal, submit a complete project bid from a registered contractor to repair the structure and the insurance adjustment determination, if the structure was insured. Property owners who plan to do the work themselves can submit a cost estimate for the materials needed to do the work, but city officials must add a cost estimate for labor to the total to make it consistent with other estimates.
3. Submit an elevation certificate, completed by a licensed Texas surveyor, verifying the structure is located at or above the base flood elevation and complies with current National Flood Insurance Program rate maps. The maps can be viewed online at www.fema.gov.
4. Elevate the structure to the minimum elevation requirement for your area.
5. Move the structure to a property that conforms to the flood plain regulations.
6. Demolish the structure and rebuild according to the current regulations.
Ways to have property ruled substantially damaged
1. Submit a complete project bid from a registered contractor to repair the structure.
2. Submit the insurance adjustment determination, if the structure was insured.
3. Request the damage report from the city and make sure basic information, like square footage, is accurate.
just lift it. i really do not think the "historical society" has any jurisdition over whether you can raise your house or not. this is a much bigger legal issue of property and safety rights. you do not have to ask permission to insure the safety and security of your personal property and home. the situation is much to large, and important, for a local(psuedo-govt) body to have the authority over. that and YOU own it. personal property rights are one of the cornerstones of our democratic society.