Tag: Flood plain

Flood plain is the rise and fall of land

Flood plain is determined by how often a region, or specific location floods. Determining factors may be how low the land lies, or how close the land is to a natural body of water. For example, river bottom land floods almost every one to five years, which makes it a five year mark

You may also hear it referred to as flood zone

Before you purchase land, ask about the properties flood zone. Fifty to a hundred means you’re in a very safe location, and will more than likely never experience flooding, but anything lower could be risky

Talk to your insurance agent, and ask about getting flood insurance. It’s not covered by most standard policies

Are you in a flood zone?

Posted on October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 by BG Rand

Silver Dollar City

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417.370.2782

Greetings

Back in 1968, my granny took me on a little road trip. We visited Eureka Springs, Dog Patch, and Silver Dollar City. We had a ball. Decades later, I found myself back at Silver Dollar City; not as a tourist, but as a free lance, architectural designer. I’d been doing quite a bit of work in the Branson area, and was referred by a client. My assignment; sketch ideas for boothes. What great fun it was. That was over thirty years ago.

Recently, I was thrilled to learn about Silver Dollar City’s plans to expand. I saw a picture of the proposed hotel, and was unpleasantly surprised; just another Hyatt. Forgive me, but is that what Branson really needs? People come here for an experience, which is why your theme park is so popular. It’s one of a kind.

If I may be so bold. I propose you scrap the idea of the giant hotel, and give the people what they yearn for; an escapade. Out of the hundreds of acres you’re obtaining, I’m sure there’s plenty of space to include ole timey hotels. We can cluster them on the side of a hill, or maybe scatter them about. We could build two or three clusters at a time, as you grow into them. Rustic on the outside, but modern on the inside. Why stay anywhere else? Maybe we should consider space to rent for meetings, or even a wedding venue.

Guests will access the hotels from the main highway, however, on the far side of the hill, a quaint, ole timey depot awaits Silver Dollar City’s train, as your hotel guests line up for a ride into the park. Perhaps they’ll prefer taking the stage coach instead. This is what the people hunger for; adventure.

At the top of a hill, reaching up to the stars, let’s create the best restaurant in Branson, or Missouri for that matter. Come one. Come all. Let’s call it, ‘Top of the World’

The restaurant could be three levels, with the first level being the most casual. It walks out to an enclosed playground; a place where the kiddies can play no matter the weather. Level two will walk out onto a roof top patio for an additional outdoor dining experience. Maybe we’ll have a telescope on the rooftop, because the view will be fantastic. The third level will be for fine dining; reservation only. Seen from miles around, the restaurant will advertise itself.

For variety, we could scatter some tree houses around the hillside, and maybe some single dwelling, vacation homes as well. I’ve included designs for both structures if you’re curious.

Last, but not least, I’ve also included short term, condominium plans, that could double as long term,
apartment plans for your marvelous employees. The structures are very affordable to build, yet the floor plans are luxerious. During my years in Branson, I became acquainted with these people. I learned that most of them drive great distances. The housing in Branson is out of their price range. They deserve a convenient, wonderful place to call home.

My daughter and I have a great deal of experience to bring to the table, and even greater imagination. If you would like to hear more, let’s meet.

Respectfully, Brenda Rand and Jacquelynn Thompson

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Posted on October 2, 2026October 4, 2026 by BG Rand

Are you in a Flood Zone

Are you in a flood zone? If so, here’s what you can do

Few people know if their property is at risk for flooding, however, every section of land is rated for flooding by years; 0 to 100. For example, if your lot floods every fifty years, it’s a safe bet it won’t flood in your lifetime. The higher the number of years, the greater the grade elevation

Before you purchase land, request the flood plain

If you’re land has a substantial number of acres, obtain a topographical map. This is a plat, showing the grade elevations. Grade elevations indicate how low the grade falls, or high it rises. The grade elevations are shown on the plat as lines. If you study the topo, you’ll be able to determine the lowest portions of the property. It’s best to build on higher ground, however, some lots, such as lake front, or ocean front properties, are in a flood zone naturally. Typically, homes on these kinds of lots are built up on poles, or stilts as shown in the image top of page. It’s not uncommon

High water houses are not uncommon in regions that have low sea levels. The grade elevations in the plot plan shown below has a very low grade elevation, because it’s located in a sea coast city. Grade elevations start at zero, which is referred to as sea level. Natural bodies of water always sit at the lowest levels, so this is our starting point. In mountainous regions, grade elevations can reach thousands of feet. The highest grade elevation in the world is on the border of Nepal and China, reaching an amazing altitude of 29,031.7 feet

The image below shows a plot plan, a plan required by the city that shows how the new home will sit on the lot. This assures the city the home will not encroach the property (dotted) lines. Property, or building lines are put in place to keep homes from being built too close to each other in case of fire, however, these same codes assure everyone a little privacy. The grade elevations are noted, and typically boxed. They refer to the free form horizontal lines that represent the fall or rise of the grade. The home also has an elevation. It’s referred to as finish floor level, whereas the natural grade is referred to as existing grade. Grade that’s manipulated or disturbed is referred to as finish grade

Depending on your location, you may want to get flood insurance. Regular home owner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so check with your agent. If you’re in a 50 year flood zone or lower, you should get the insurance. In fact, most of us should have it, because Mother Nature is full of surprises

Need a plot plan to complete your set of drawings to submit for permit? Plot Plan

Consider a Custom home design