The state leaves building zoning and permits up to the individual counties. And in most non-city counties, such as Kerr, which had 96 deaths as of Thursday due to floods, some officials tend to be lenient towards building owners with restrictions, some state leaders and environmental experts told ABC News.

TEXAS, USA — As emergency crews respond to catastrophic, deadly flooding in Kerrville and the Hill Country region, two interactive maps can help residents and families track real-time flood levels and road closures across affected parts of Texas.

Map shows 82% of Texas land in drought or 'abnormally dry' 2011 was the driest year ever recorded in Texas. The state suffered through an extreme drought that dried up its lakes and creeks.