Montgomery County residents could see new rules on where and how development happens near their property if the Legislature acts on a resolution the Commissioners Court passed unanimously Thursday, Oct. 8.
The resolution asks state legislators to draft legislation giving the county limited authority to adopt ordinances for land use and development. Under current Texas law, counties can set certain safety and drainage standards for developers but cannot regulate where development occurs. The resolution now goes to Montgomery County’s state representatives and senators ahead of the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 12.
About 78 percent of Montgomery County is unincorporated, so most residents rely on the county, not a city, for public safety and infrastructure. The resolution states that growth is outpacing the county’s ability to expand infrastructure and public services and that current authority lacks the tools needed to address growth in unincorporated areas.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said the goal is to provide more guidance and regulation so existing residents are not negatively affected, not to alienate developers, and called the county pro-business friendly. County Judge Mark Keough said landowners and developers are all stakeholders and that the approach has to work for everybody.
Sources: Montgomery County Commissioners Court, Community Impact.