PORT NECHES — Leaders in Port Neches are looking to help the city’s residents affected by Tropical Storm Harvey’s flooding by waiving permit fees and allowing property owners to temporarily live in travel trailers/recreational vehicles.

Earlier this week, the council approved waiving permit fees through Dec. 31,  although property owners will still be required to obtain a permit so that staff can monitor and inspect, if applicable, the repair work, city manager Andre Wimer said.

The catastrophic flooding damaged approximately 300 structures in Port Neches.

“We want to make sure contractors have permits from the city,” Mayor Glenn Johnson said, adding that there are numerous contractors in the area and some fail to get the required permit.

Council also approved a one-time variance to its code of ordinance allowing for travel trailers/recreational vehicles through Dec. 31.

There is an option to revisit the deadline and, if appropriate, extend the date, Wimer said.

“On a similar note, there may be people who need to use a POD, those are permitted for a period of 60 days,” he said. “In the ordinance the building official can extend the time.”