Montgomery County regulates grading and drainage under the Drainage Criteria Manual and Subdivision Rules. Permits required for significant earthwork. No redirecting runoff onto neighbors. Lake Conroe watershed has stricter controls.
Montgomery County Engineer's office enforces the county Drainage Criteria Manual and Subdivision Rules under Local Government Code Chapter 232. Unincorporated land cannot be zoned, but drainage authority survives via plat review and floodplain administration. Grading tied to new construction or subdivision requires a development permit, with detention typically mandated when impervious cover exceeds thresholds. Conroe Code Chapter 102 requires grading plans with building permits and compliance with the Atlas 14 rainfall standards adopted post-Harvey. The Woodlands (via MUDs and The Woodlands Township Covenant Administration) enforces deed restrictions requiring natural drainage preservation and limits tree clearing. San Jacinto River Authority regulates Lake Conroe shoreline grading. Texas common-law 'diffused surface water' rule still bars unreasonable drainage redirection onto adjoining tracts.
Unpermitted grading or fill in platted drainage easements: stop-work order and fines up to $500/day per Ch. 232. Redirecting runoff onto neighbors: civil liability and mandatory restoration. Floodplain violations: FEMA sanctions and loss of NFIP discount.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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 grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.