Compare Regulations
Compare city/county requirements side-by-side (up to 4 jurisdictions)
The Woodlands Township(3 more)
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selections.
| Field | Local The Woodlands Township The Woodlands Township Development Standards Committee (DSC), 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77381 |
|---|---|
| Permit | |
| Permit / Authorization | The Woodlands Township Development / Drainage Plan Review |
| Submit To | The Woodlands Township Development Standards Committee (DSC), 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77381 |
| Lead Time | 4–8 weeks for DSC review; projects must also obtain Montgomery County drainage permit (allow additional 4–8 weeks). DSC review runs concurrently with county review but both approvals required before construction. |
| Application Method | Submit development plan application to The Woodlands Township Development Standards Committee. Application must include site plan, drainage plan, tree survey, landscape plan, and impervious cover calculations. Both DSC approval and Montgomery County Engineering Department drainage permit are required before construction commences. |
| Fee | Contact agency for current fee schedule |
| Water Quality | |
| Impervious Cover Limit | The Woodlands Development Standards impose impervious cover limits by land use category more restrictive than Montgomery County baseline. Residential lots: typically 45–65% depending on lot size and village. Commercial/retail: maximum per approved site plan with natural open space and tree canopy preservation requirements. |
| On-Site Treatment Required | No |
| Detention Required | Yes — Post-development peak discharge must not exceed pre-development conditions per Montgomery County Drainage Criteria Manual (2019 post-Harvey edition). The Woodlands Township additionally requires that natural drainage patterns be preserved to the greatest extent practicable. Storm drainage systems must utilize natural swales, bioswales, and existing low-lying areas before resorting to constructed detention basins. |
| Turbidity / Discharge Standard | No separate township turbidity numeric standard. TPDES Construction General Permit (TXR150000) applies. High-performance turbidity barriers required near Lake Woodlands and Spring Creek. |
| SWPPP | |
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | No local plan |
| PE Stamp Required | Yes |
| Inspections | |
| Inspection Requirements | The Woodlands Township Development Standards Committee may conduct site inspections during construction to verify compliance with approved plans, tree protection measures, and impervious cover limits. Montgomery County Engineering Department also inspects drainage facilities. Final DSC sign-off on landscaping and tree preservation compliance required. Tree protection fencing must remain in place and be inspected by a certified arborist throughout the construction phase. |
| Inspector Qualification | Tree protection inspections must be performed by a certified arborist (ISA Certified Arborist credential or equivalent). Drainage as-built certifications must be sealed by a licensed Texas PE or RPLS. Montgomery County inspection requirements also apply. |
| Design & Zones | |
| Local Design Manual | The Woodlands Development Standards and Montgomery County Drainage Criteria Manual (2019 Post-Harvey Edition) |
| Special Overlay Zones | Lake Woodlands Watershed Protection Area, Spring Creek Riparian Corridor, Natural Drainage Corridor / George Mitchell Greenway Preservation Areas, Tree Preservation Area (Significant and Heritage Trees) |