City of Round Rock releases damage estimates following assessments 

The tornado that occurred on Monday, March 21 caused more than an estimated $32 million in damage to 680 residential structures in Round Rock, according to preliminary assessments.  

The assessments were provided by City officials and members of the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT), which sent trained and certified personnel to perform damage assessment to homes in neighborhoods impacted by the tornado. Each structure assessed received a tag that advised the owners and first responders of the level of safety and damage sustained. These post-disaster building damage assessments are informational only and are intended to minimize the potential for additional bodily injury by advising residents and first responders of any potential hazards.  

Of the 680 residential structures that were reported as damaged, 13 were “destroyed” and 93 sustained “major damage.” The neighborhoods impacted included Kensington, Windy Terrace, Greenlawn Place, Windy Park, Turtle Creek, South Creek, Concord at Brushy Creek, Forest Grove and Forest Bluff. 

Officials placed green, yellow or red placards on damaged structures to inform residents about the condition of their homes. Green placards indicate that no apparent structural hazard was identified, yellow placards indicate that the safety of the building is questionable or hazardous conditions may exist and warrant restrictions on occupancy, and red placards indicate that the buildings are unsafe for occupancy due to an extreme hazard or unsafe situation. A red placard does not mean the property has been condemned or will require demolition. 

These assessments are considered preliminary, as officials continue to assess the damage. Residents who have experienced damage are encouraged to report it at damage.tdem.texas.gov and select “March Severe Weather.” 

The City of Round Rock has implemented an expedited permitting approval process for residents affected by the tornado. Permits will be issued no later than two business days after the City has received a completed submittal. The City’s Building Permits Office is also extending its office hours through 7 p.m. for the next two weeks. For more information about the permitting process, visit roundrocktexas.gov or call 512-218-5550. 

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