Montgomery County cannot require permits for retaining walls in unincorporated areas (no zoning authority). Conroe requires permits under IBC for walls over 4 feet. Lake Conroe waterfront walls need SJRA and USACE approval.
Texas counties lack zoning authority (Local Govt Code Ch. 231) and cannot require building permits for retaining walls in unincorporated Montgomery County. However, the Montgomery County Engineer enforces drainage rules under §232 subdivision regulations — walls cannot redirect stormwater onto neighbors (common law + Water Code §11.086). Inside Conroe city limits, the IBC/IRC adopted via Conroe Code Ch. 18 requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), with engineered plans sealed by a Texas-licensed PE. Walls supporting surcharge (driveways, slopes, structures) need engineering regardless of height. Lake Conroe shoreline walls require a San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) shoreline permit plus USACE Section 404 permit if fill is placed below the 201-foot conservation pool elevation. The Woodlands Development Standards require DSC review for walls visible from the street.
Conroe unpermitted walls: stop-work order, $500-$2,000 fine, required PE retrofit. SJRA violations on Lake Conroe: removal order and restoration. County drainage violations actionable as §11.086 civil claim plus §232 enforcement.
Shenandoah, TX
Shenandoah has a dedicated noise ordinance under Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances. Unreasonable noise that disturbs neighbors is prohibited. Contact Shen...
Shenandoah, TX
Amplified music in Shenandoah is subject to Chapter 47 noise provisions. The city's commercial environment includes event venues along the I-45 corridor. Res...
Shenandoah, TX
Shenandoah has no specific leaf blower ordinance. Leaf blower use is subject to general noise provisions under Chapter 47. No ban on gas-powered equipment.
Shenandoah, TX
Barking dogs in Shenandoah are addressed through Chapter 47 (Noise) and animal ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors may result in citations...
Shenandoah, TX
Construction noise in Shenandoah is subject to Chapter 47 noise provisions and city building permit requirements. No specific construction hours appear in pu...
Shenandoah, TX
Commercial vehicle parking in Shenandoah residential zones is regulated by Chapter 102 (Zoning). Commercial activity in residential areas is restricted. Texa...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how Shenandoah's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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