Potential Severe Weather, High Wind Gusts Threaten Construction Works in Texas

As severe weather and strong wind gusts were predicted, Austin, Texas construction projects are at great risk.

Austin, Texas, is expected to experience the possibility of severe weather on Thursday evening, including gusts of extremely high wind.

Protecting and Preparing Construction Works for Severe Weather

The Developmental Services Department of the City of Austin is requesting that construction workers make sure their sites are weather-ready in advance of the incoming cold front.

The city is requesting that the proper erosion and sediment control measures are in place and functioning as intended to enable proper rainwater drainage and to aid in lowering the risks associated with potential flooding.

It further requests that all building supplies and machinery that might be harmed by strong winds be securely fastened.

The department emphasized the need for cooperation to safeguard the neighborhood and the infrastructure of the city.

These preventative measures can help safeguard public safety and guarantee that the drainage system of the city keeps operating as intended.

The officials urged anyone with inquiries to contact the Environmental Inspections team via email or the Developmental Services Department's Environmental Inspections page, KVUE - ABC News reported.

Development Services Department

The Development Services Department of Austin, Texas, has set up a program to assist homeowners or business owners in coping with severe weather while continuing to work on their construction projects in preparation for weather events like this.

The Development Services Department website stated that there are ways to recover quickly and safely for those who are still completing repairs to their residence or place of work after the recent winter storm and that the department is willing to assist.

Through March 31, the majority of permit fees as well as some electrical permitting as well as registration requirements are exempted from fees.

Any urgent repairs required for residences or commercial establishments can start right away in the City of Austin.

To ensure that all emergency repairs were carried out safely, the city will collaborate with property owners and business owners to retroactively permit and also inspect all such repairs.

To ensure that emergency repairs can be made safely and quickly, the City of Austin is waiving some fees and altering some permitting requirements through the month of March.

According to the Government of Austin, Texas, this will cover any damages that resulted from the winter weather starting January 31 until February 2.

Five days after the start of work are now the new deadline for applying for a retroactive permit for storm-related repairs.

The government requests that contractors include the phrase "2023 Winter Weather Event" on the permit for post-repair application and submit proof of the condition of any dead, sick, or dangerously close-to-falling trees before their removal.

Severe Weather vs. Austin Construction in 2021

Construction in Austin has previously been halted by severe weather, so concern in the industry over potential storms may be justified.

Due to the then-record-breaking winter storm in February 2021, construction in the Austin area was temporarily halted, with some companies stopping work for around three days for safety.

The residential and commercial construction season was otherwise booming in Central Texas at the time, according to Austin-American Statesman.