Montgomery County cannot enforce zoning setbacks in unincorporated areas — TX counties lack zoning authority under Local Govt Code Ch. 232. Conroe zoning sets setbacks via Code Ch. 90. The Woodlands DSC enforces village-specific setbacks through covenants.
Texas Local Government Code Ch. 232 limits county powers to subdivision platting — Montgomery County cannot impose zoning setbacks on unincorporated land in Willis, Magnolia, New Caney, Porter, or Splendora. Only recorded subdivision plat setbacks and deed covenants bind unincorporated parcels. The county reviews new plats for minimum lot size, frontage, and public-facility setbacks under Ch. 232 subdivision rules. Conroe zoning ordinance (Code Ch. 90) establishes district-specific setbacks — typical SF-1 and SF-2 residential: 25 ft front, 5-7.5 ft side, 15-20 ft rear; variances require Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing. The Woodlands Development Standards Committee (DSC) enforces village-specific setbacks matching original Howard Hughes master plan — Alden Bridge, Grogan's Mill, Indian Springs each have covenant setbacks that can exceed typical city standards. Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District rules apply along southern county boundary.
Unincorporated with plat: civil action by subdivision HOA. Conroe zoning setback: stop-work order, $100-$2,000 daily fine, removal order. Woodlands DSC: covenant enforcement, fines, injunctive relief possible.
The Woodlands, TX
Construction hour restrictions in The Woodlands fall under Montgomery County jurisdiction, not Township covenants. No specific construction hours are mandate...
The Woodlands, TX
Amplified music in The Woodlands is governed by Texas state disorderly conduct law, not Township covenants. Noise that disturbs the community may be reported...
The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands Township cannot enact noise ordinances — noise complaints are handled under Montgomery County jurisdiction (TX Penal Code §42.01) and by county...
The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands Township acknowledges barking dogs cannot be regulated through its Restrictive Covenants. Animal control and noise enforcement fall under Montg...
The Woodlands, TX
Parking on lawns, ditches, open space areas, or unpaved surfaces is expressly prohibited by The Woodlands Restrictive Covenants. Vehicles must be parked on a...
The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands Restrictive Covenants prohibit storage of semi-trucks, farm tractors, and similar commercial vehicles on lots or streets where visible. No time...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how The Woodlands's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.