CHAPTER 232. COUNTY REGULATION OF SUBDIVISIONS - Texas Statutes

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODETITLE 7. REGULATION OF LAND USE, STRUCTURES, BUSINESSES, AND RELATED ACTIVITIESSUBTITLE B. COUNTY REGULATORY AUTHORITYCHAPTER 232. COUNTY REGULATION OF SUBDIVISIONSSUBCHAPTER A. SUBDIVISION PLATTING REQUIREMENTS IN GENERALSec. 232.001. PLAT REQUIRED. (a) The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out:(1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition;(2) lots; or(3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts.(a-1) A division of a tract under Subsection (a) includes a division regardless of whether it is made by using a metes and bounds description in a deed of conveyance or in a contract for a deed, by using a contract of sale or other executory contract to convey, or by using any other method.(b) To be recorded, the plat must:(1) describe the subdivision by metes and bounds;(2) locate the subdivision with respect to an original corner of the original survey of which it is a part; and(3) state the dimensions of the subdivision and of each lot, street, alley, square, park, or other part of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the street, alley, square, park, or other part.(c) The owner or proprietor of the tract or the owner's or proprietor's agent must acknowledge the plat in the manner required for the acknowledgment of deeds.(d) The plat must be filed and recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the tract is located.(e) The plat is subject to the filing and recording provisions of Section 12.002, Property Code.(f) Repealed by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 29, eff. June 16, 1995.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.05, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 422, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 29, eff. June 16, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.0013. CHAPTER-WIDE PROVISION RELATING TO REGULATION OF PLATS AND SUBDIVISIONS IN EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. The authority of a county under this chapter relating to the regulation of plats or subdivisions in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality is subject to any applicable limitation prescribed by an agreement under Section 242.001 or by Section 242.002.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 523, Sec. 7, eff. June 20, 2003.

Sec. 232.0015. EXCEPTIONS TO PLAT REQUIREMENT. (a) To determine whether specific divisions of land are required to be platted, a county may define and classify the divisions. A county need not require platting for every division of land otherwise within the scope of this subchapter.(b) Except as provided by Section 232.0013, this subchapter does not apply to a subdivision of land to which Subchapter B applies.(c) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if:(1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and(2) the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.(d) If a tract described by Subsection (c) ceases to be used primarily for agricultural use or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use, the platting requirements of this subchapter apply.(e) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into four or fewer parts and does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3) to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if each of the lots is to be sold, given, or otherwise transferred to an individual who is related to the owner within the third degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code. If any lot is sold, given, or otherwise transferred to an individual who is not related to the owner within the third degree by consanguinity or affinity, the platting requirements of this subchapter apply.(f) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if:(1) all of the lots of the subdivision are more than 10 acres in area; and(2) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3).(g) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts and does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3) to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if all the lots are sold to veterans through the Veterans' Land Board program.(h) The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to a subdivision of any tract of land belonging to the state or any state agency, board, or commission or owned by the permanent school fund or any other dedicated funds of the state unless the subdivision lays out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3).(i) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if:(1) the owner of the land is a political subdivision of the state;(2) the land is situated in a floodplain; and(3) the lots are sold to adjoining landowners.(j) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if:(1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and(2) one new part is to be retained by the owner, and the other new part is to be transferred to another person who will further subdivide the tract subject to the plat approval requirements of this chapter.(k) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if:(1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and(2) all parts are transferred to persons who owned an undivided interest in the original tract and a plat is filed before any further development of any part of the tract.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 3, eff. June 16, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 523, Sec. 8, eff. June 20, 2003.

Sec. 232.002. APPROVAL BY COUNTY REQUIRED. (a) The commissioners court of the county in which the land is located must approve, by an order entered in the minutes of the court, a plat required by Section 232.001. The commissioners court may refuse to approve a plat if it does not meet the requirements prescribed by or under this chapter or if any bond required under this chapter is not filed with the county.(b) The commissioners court may not approve a plat unless the plat and other documents have been prepared as required by Section 232.0035, if applicable.(c) If no portion of the land subdivided under a plat approved under this section is sold or transferred before January 1 of the 51st year after the year in which the plat was approved, the approval of the plat expires, and the owner must resubmit a plat of the subdivision for approval. A plat resubmitted for approval under this subsection is subject to the requirements prescribed by this chapter at the time the plat is resubmitted.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 884, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2001.

Sec. 232.0021. PLAT APPLICATION FEE. (a) The commissioners court may impose an application fee to cover the cost of the county's review of a subdivision plat and inspection of street, road, and drainage improvements described by the plat.(b) The fee may vary based on the number of proposed lots in the subdivision, the acreage described by the plat, the type or extent of proposed street and drainage improvements, or any other reasonable criteria as determined by the commissioners court.(c) The owner of the tract to be subdivided must pay the fee at the time directed by the county before the county conducts a review of the plat.(d) The fee is subject to refund under Section 232.0025(i).

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 301, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 232.0025. TIMELY APPROVAL OF PLATS. (a) The commissioners court of a county or a person designated by the commissioners court shall issue a written list of the documentation and other information that must be submitted with a plat application. The documentation or other information must relate to a requirement authorized under this section or other applicable law. An application submitted to the commissioners court or the person designated by the commissioners court that contains the documents and other information on the list is considered complete.(b) If a person submits a plat application to the commissioners court that does not include all of the documentation or other information required by Subsection (a), the commissioners court or the court's designee shall, not later than the 10th business day after the date the commissioners court receives the application, notify the applicant of the missing documents or other information. The commissioners court shall allow an applicant to timely submit the missing documents or other information.(c) An application is considered complete when all documentation or other information required by Subsection (a) is received. Acceptance by the commissioners court or the court's designee of a completed plat application with the documentation or other information required by Subsection (a) shall not be construed as approval of the documentation or other information.(d) Except as provided by Subsection (f), the commissioners court or the court's designee shall take final action on a plat application, including the resolution of all appeals, not later than the 60th day after the date a completed plat application is received by the commissioners court or the court's designee.(e) If the commissioners court or the court's designee disapproves a plat application, the applicant shall be given a complete list of the reasons for the disapproval.(f) The 60-day period under Subsection (d):(1) may be extended for a reasonable period, if agreed to in writing by the applicant and approved by the commissioners court or the court's designee;(2) may be extended 60 additional days if Chapter 2007, Government Code, requires the county to perform a takings impact assessment in connection with a plat application; and(3) applies only to a decision wholly within the control of the commissioners court or the court's designee.(g) The commissioners court or the court's designee shall make the determination under Subsection (f)(2) of whether the 60-day period will be extended not later than the 20th day after the date a completed plat application is received by the commissioners court or the court's designee.(h) The commissioners court or the court's designee may not compel an applicant to waive the time limits contained in this section.(i) If the commissioners court or the court's designee fails to take final action on the plat as required by Subsection (d):(1) the commissioners court shall refund the greater of the unexpended portion of any plat application fee or deposit or 50 percent of a plat application fee or deposit that has been paid;(2) the plat application is granted by operation of law; and(3) the applicant may apply to a district court in the county where the tract of land is located for a writ of mandamus to compel the commissioners court to issue documents recognizing the plat's approval.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.003. SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS. By an order adopted and entered in the minutes of the commissioners court, and after a notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, the commissioners court may:(1) require a right-of-way on a street or road that functions as a main artery in a subdivision, of a width of not less than 50 feet or more than 100 feet;(2) require a right-of-way on any other street or road in a subdivision of not less than 40 feet or more than 70 feet;(3) require that the shoulder-to-shoulder width on collectors or main arteries within the right-of-way be not less than 32 feet or more than 56 feet, and that the shoulder-to-shoulder width on any other street or road be not less than 25 feet or more than 35 feet;(4) adopt, based on the amount and kind of travel over each street or road in a subdivision, reasonable specifications relating to the construction of each street or road;(5) adopt reasonable specifications to provide adequate drainage for each street or road in a subdivision in accordance with standard engineering practices;(6) require that each purchase contract made between a subdivider and a purchaser of land in the subdivision contain a statement describing the extent to which water will be made available to the subdivision and, if it will be made available, how and when;(7) require that the owner of the tract to be subdivided execute a good and sufficient bond in the manner provided by Section 232.004;(8) adopt reasonable specifications that provide for drainage in the subdivision to:(A) efficiently manage the flow of stormwater runoff in the subdivision; and(B) coordinate subdivision drainage with the general storm drainage pattern for the area; and(9) require lot and block monumentation to be set by a registered professional surveyor before recordation of the plat.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 54(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.0031. STANDARD FOR ROADS IN SUBDIVISION. A county may not impose under Section 232.003 a higher standard for streets or roads in a subdivision than the county imposes on itself for the construction of streets or roads with a similar type and amount of traffic.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.0032. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: USE OF GROUNDWATER. (a) If a person submits a plat for the subdivision of a tract of land for which the source of the water supply intended for the subdivision is groundwater under that land, the commissioners court of a county by order may require the plat application to have attached to it a statement that:(1) is prepared by an engineer licensed to practice in this state or a geoscientist licensed to practice in this state; and(2) certifies that adequate groundwater is available for the subdivision. (b) The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality by rule shall establish the appropriate form and content of a certification to be attached to a plat application under this section.(c) The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Texas Water Development Board, by rule shall require a person who submits a plat under Subsection (a) to transmit to the Texas Water Development Board and any groundwater conservation district that includes in the district's boundaries any part of the subdivision information that would be useful in:(1) performing groundwater conservation district activities;(2) conducting regional water planning;(3) maintaining the state's groundwater database; or(4) conducting studies for the state related to groundwater.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 460, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 99, Sec. 2(b), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from Sec. 232.0031 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(85), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 515, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1430, Sec. 2.30, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 232.0033. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: FUTURE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS. (a) This section applies to each county in the state. The requirements provided by this section are in addition to the other requirements of this chapter.(b) If all or part of a subdivision for which a plat is required under this chapter is located within a future transportation corridor identified in an agreement under Section 201.619, Transportation Code:(1) the commissioners court of a county in which the land is located:(A) may refuse to approve the plat for recordation unless the plat states that the subdivision is located within the area of the alignment of a transportation project as shown in the final environmental decision document that is applicable to the future transportation corridor; and(B) may refuse to approve the plat for recordation if all or part of the subdivision is located within the area of the alignment of a transportation project as shown in the final environmental decision document that is applicable to the future transportation corridor; and(2) each purchase contract or lease between the subdivider and a purchaser or lessee of land in the subdivision must contain a conspicuous statement that the land is located within the area of the alignment of a transportation project as shown in the final environmental decision document that is applicable to the future transportation corridor.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1040, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 232.004. BOND REQUIREMENTS. If the commissioners court requires the owner of the tract to execute a bond, the owner must do so before subdividing the tract unless an alternative financial guarantee is provided under Section 232.0045. The bond must:(1) be payable to the county judge of the county in which the subdivision will be located or to the judge's successors in office;(2) be in an amount determined by the commissioners court to be adequate to ensure proper construction of the roads and streets in and drainage requirements for the subdivision, but not to exceed the estimated cost of construction of the roads, streets, and drainage requirements;(3) be executed with sureties as may be approved by the court;(4) be executed by a company authorized to do business as a surety in this state if the court requires a surety bond executed by a corporate surety; and(5) be conditioned that the roads and streets and the drainage requirements for the subdivision will be constructed:(A) in accordance with the specifications adopted by the court; and(B) within a reasonable time set by the court.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 54(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.0045. FINANCIAL GUARANTEE IN LIEU OF BOND. (a) In lieu of the bond an owner may deposit cash, a letter of credit issued by a federally insured financial institution, or other acceptable financial guarantee.(b) If a letter of credit is used, it must:(1) list as the sole beneficiary the county judge of the county in which the subdivision is located; and(2) be conditioned that the owner of the tract of land to be subdivided will construct any roads or streets in the subdivision:(A) in accordance with the specifications adopted by the commissioners court; and(B) within a reasonable time set by the court.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 54(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 232.0048. CONFLICT OF INTEREST; PENALTY. (a) In this section, "subdivided tract" means a tract of land, as a whole, that is subdivided. The term does not mean an individual lot in a subdivided tract of land.(b) A person has a substantial interest in a subdivided tract if the person:(1) has an equitable or legal ownership interest in the tract with a fair market value of $2,500 or more;(2) acts as a developer of the tract;(3) owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock or shares of or owns either 10 percent or more or $5,000 or more of the fair market value of a business entity that:(A) has an equitable or legal ownership interest in the tract with a fair market value of $2,500 or more; or(B) acts as a developer of the tract; or(4) receives in a calendar year funds from a business entity described by Subdivision (3) that exceed 10 percent of the person's gross income for the previous year.(c) A person also is considered to have a substantial interest in a subdivided tract if the person is related in the first degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code, to another person who, under Subsection (b), has a substantial interest in the tract.(d) If a member of the commissioners court of a county has a substantial interest in a subdivided tract, the member shall file, before a vote or decision regarding the approval of a plat for the tract, an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the interest and shall abstain from further participation in the matter. The affidavit must be filed with the county clerk.(e) A member of the commissioners court of a county commits an offense if the member violates Subsection (d). An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.(f) The finding by a court of a violation of this section does not render voidable an action of the commissioners court unless the measure would not have passed the commissioners court without the vote of the member who violated this section.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 561, Sec. 39, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(27), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 232.005. ENFORCEMENT IN GENERAL; PENALTY. (a) At the request of the commissioners court, the county attorney or other prosecuting attorney for the county may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to:(1) enjoin the violation or threatened violation of a requirement established by, or adopted by the commissioners court under a preceding section of this chapter; or(2) recover damages in an amount adequate for the county to undertake any construction or other activity necessary to bring about compliance with a requirement established by, or adopted by the commissioners court under a preceding section of this chapter.(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally violates a requirement established by, or adopted by the commissioners court under a preceding section of this chapter. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. This subsection does not apply to a violation for which a criminal penalty is prescribed by Section 232.0048.(c) A requirement that was established by or adopted under Chapter 436, Acts of the 55th Legislature, Regular Session, 1957 (Article 6626a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), or Chapter 151, Acts of the 52nd Legislature, Regular Session, 1951 (Article 2372k, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), before September 1, 1983, and that, after that date, continues to apply to a subdivision of land is enforceable under Subsection (a). A knowing or intentional violation of the requirement is an offense under Subsection (b).

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 54(c), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.

Sec. 232.006. EXCEPTIONS FOR POPULOUS COUNTIES OR CONTIGUOUS COUNTIES. (a) This section applies to a county:(1) that has a population of more than 3.3 million or is contiguous with a county that has a population of more than 3.3 million; and(2) in which the commissioners court by order elects to operate under this section.(b) If a county elects to operate under this section, Section 232.005 does not apply to the county. The sections of this chapter preceding Section 232.005 do apply to the county in the same manner that they apply to other counties except that:(1) they apply only to tracts of land located outside municipalities and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of municipalities, as determined under Chapter 42; (2) the commissioners court of the county, instead of having the powers granted by Sections 232.003(2) and (3), may:(A) require a right-of-way on a street or road that does not function as a main artery in the subdivision of not less than 40 feet or more than 50 feet; and(B) require that the street cut on a main artery within the right-of-way be not less than 30 feet or more than 45 feet, and that the street cut on any other street or road within the right-of-way be not less than 25 feet or more than 35 feet; and(3) Section 232.004(5)(B) does not apply to the county.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, Sec. 3.06, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 669, Sec. 76, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 232.007. MANUFACTURED HOME RENTAL COMMUNITIES. (a) In this section:(1) "Manufactured home rental community" means a plot or tract of land that is separated into two or more spaces or lots that are rented, leased, or offered for rent or lease, for a term of less than 60 months without a purchase option, for the installation of manufactured homes for use and occupancy as residences.(2) "Business day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday recognized by this state.(b) A manufactured home rental community is not a subdivision, and Sections 232.001-232.006 do not apply to the community.(c) After a public hearing and after notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, the commissioners court of a county, by order adopted and entered in the minutes of the commissioners court, may establish minimum infrastructure standards for manufactured home rental communities located in the county outside the limits of a municipality. The minimum standards may include only:(1) reasonable specifications to provide adequate drainage in accordance with standard engineering practices, including specifying necessary drainage culverts and identifying areas included in the 100-year flood plain;(2) reasonable specifications for providing an adequate public or community water supply, including specifying the location of supply lines, in accordance with Subchapter C, Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code;(3) reasonable requirements for providing access to sanitary sewer lines, including specifying the location of sanitary sewer lines, or providing adequate on-site sewage facilities in accordance with Chapter 366, Health and Safety Code;(4) a requirement for the preparation of a survey identifying the proposed manufactured home rental community boundaries and any significant features of the community, including the proposed location of manufactured home rental community spaces, utility easements, and dedications of rights-of-way; and(5) reasonable specifications for streets or roads in the manufactured rental home community to provide ingress and egress access for fire and emergency vehicles.(d) The commissioners court may not adopt minimum infrastructure standards that are more stringent than requirements adopted by the commissioners court for subdivisions. The commissioners court may only adopt minimum infrastructure standards for ingress and egress access by fire and emergency vehicles that are reasonably necessary.(e) If the commissioners court adopts minimum infrastructure standards for manufactured home rental communities, the owner of land located outside the limits of a municipality who intends to use the land for a manufactured home rental community must have an infrastructure development plan prepared that complies with the minimum infrastructure standards adopted by the commissioners court under Subsection (c).(f) Not later than the 60th day after the date the owner of a proposed manufactured home rental community submits an infrastructure development plan for approval, the county engineer or another person designated by the commissioners court shall approve or reject the plan in writing. If the plan is rejected, the written rejection must specify the reasons for the rejection and the actions required for approval of the plan. The failure to reject a plan within the period prescribed by this subsection constitutes approval of the plan.(g) Construction of a proposed manufactured home rental community may not begin before the date the county engineer or another person designated by the commissioners court approves the infrastructure development plan. The commissioners court may require inspection of the infrastructure during or on completion of its construction. If a final inspection is required, the final inspection must be completed not later than the second business day after the date the commissioners court or the person designated by the commissioners court receives a written confirmation from the owner that the construction of the infrastructure is complete. If the inspector determines that the infrastructure complies with the infrastructure development plan, the commissioners court shall issue a certificate of compliance not later than the fifth business day after the date the final inspection is completed. If a final inspection is not required, the commissioners court shall issue a certificate of compliance not later than the fifth business day after the date the commissioners court or the person designated by the commissioners court receives written certification from the owner that construction of the infrastructure has been completed in compliance with the infrastructure development plan.(h) A utility may not provide utility services, including water, sewer, gas, and electric services, to a manufactured home rental community subject to an infrastructure development plan or to a manufactured home in the community unless the owner provides the utility with a copy of the certificate of compliance issued under Subsection (g). This subsection applies only to:(1) a municipality that provides utility services;(2) a municipally owned or municipally operated utility that provides utility services;(3) a public utility that provides utility services;(4) a nonprofit water supply or sewer service corporation organized and operating under Chapter 67, Water Code, that provides utility services;(5) a county that provides utility services; and(6) a special district or authority created by state law that provides utility services.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 153, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.

Sec. 232.008. CANCELLATION OF SUBDIVISION. (a) This section applies only to real property located outside municipalities and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of municipalities, as determined under Chapter 42.(b) A person owning real property in this state that has been subdivided into lots and blocks or into small subdivisions may apply to the commissioners court of the county in which the property is located for permission to cancel all or part of the subdivision, including a dedicated easement or roadway, to reestablish the property as acreage tracts as it existed before the subdivision. If, on the application, it is shown that the cancellation of all or part of the subdivision does not interfere with the established rights of any purchaser who owns any part of the subdivision, or it is shown that the purchaser agrees to the cancellation, the commissioners court by order shall authorize the owner of the subdivision to file an instrument canceling the subdivision in whole or in part. The instrument must describe the subdivision or the part of it that is canceled. The court shall enter the order in its minutes. After the cancellation instrument is filed and recorded in the deed records of the county, the county tax assessor-collector shall assess the property as if it had never been subdivided.(c) The commissioners court shall publish notice of an application for cancellation. The notice must be published in a newspaper, published in the English language, in the county for at least three weeks before the date on which action is taken on the application. The court shall take action on an application at a regular term. The published notice must direct any person who is interested in the property and who wishes to protest the proposed cancellation to appear at the time specified in the notice.(d) If delinquent taxes are owed on the subdivided tract for any preceding year, and if the application to cancel the subdivision is granted as provided by this section, the owner of the tract may pay the delinquent taxes on an acreage basis as if the tract had not been subdivided. For the purpose of assessing the tract for a preceding year, the county tax assessor-collector shall back assess the tract on an acreage basis.(e) On application for cancellation of a subdivision or any phase or identifiable part of a subdivision, including a dedicated easement or roadway, by the owners of 75 percent of the property included in the subdivision, phase, or identifiable part, the commissioners court by order shall authorize the cancellation in the manner and after notice and a hearing as provided by Subsections (b) and (c). However, if the owners of at least 10 percent of the property affected by the proposed cancellation file written objections to the cancellation with the court, the grant of an order of cancellation is at the discretion of the court.(f) To maintain an action to enjoin the cancellation or closing of a roadway or easement in a subdivision, a person must own a lot or part of the subdivision that:(1) abuts directly on the part of the roadway or easement to be canceled or closed; or(2) is connected by the part of the roadway or easement to be canceled or closed, by the most direct feasible route, to:(A) the nearest remaining public highway, county road, or access road to the public highway or county road; or(B) any uncanceled common amenity of the subdivision.(g) A person who appears before the commissioners court to protest the cancellation of all or part of a subdivision may maintain an action for damages against the person applying for the cancellation and may recover as damages an amount not to exceed the amount of the person's original purchase price for property in the canceled subdivision or part of the subdivision. The person must bring the action within one year after the date of the entry of the commissioners court's order granting the cancellation.(h) The commissioners court may deny a cancellation under this section if the commissioners court determines the cancellation will prevent the proposed interconnection of infrastructure to pending or existing development.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.0083. CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN SUBDIVISION PLATS IF EXISTING PLAT OBSOLETE. (a) This section applies only to a subdivision for which:(1) a plat has been filed for 75 years or more;(2) the most recent plat describes at least a portion of the property as acreage tracts;(3) a previous plat described at least a portion of the property as lots and blocks; and(4) the county tax assessor-collector lists the property in the subdivision on the tax rolls based on the description in the previous plat and assesses taxes on the basis of that description.(b) A person owning real property in the subdivision may apply to the commissioners court of the county in which the property is located for permission to cancel an existing subdivision plat in whole or part and to reestablish the property using lots and blocks descriptions that, to the extent practicable, are consistent with the previous subdivision plat.(c) After notice and hearing, the commissioners court may order the cancellation of the existing subdivision plat and the reestablishment of the property in accordance with the application submitted under Subsection (b) if the court finds that:(1) the cancellation and reestablishment does not interfere with the established rights of:(A) any owner of a part of the subdivision; or(B) a utility company with a right to use a public easement in the subdivision; or(2) each owner or utility whose rights may be interfered with has agreed to the cancellation and reestablishment.(d) The commissioners court shall publish notice of an application for the cancellation and reestablishment. The notice must be published at least three weeks before the date on which action is taken on the application and must direct any person who is interested in the property and who wishes to protest the proposed cancellation and reestablishment to appear at the time specified in the notice. The notice must be published in a newspaper that has general circulation in the county.(e) If the commissioners court authorizes the cancellation and reestablishment, the court by order shall authorize the person making the application under this section to record an instrument showing the cancellation and reestablishment. The court shall enter the order in its minutes.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 460, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 232.0085. CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN SUBDIVISIONS IF LAND REMAINS UNDEVELOPED. (a) This section applies only to real property located:(1) outside municipalities and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of municipalities, as determined under Chapter 42; and(2) in an affected county, as defined by Section 16.341, Water Code, that has adopted the model rules developed under Section 16.343, Water Code, and is located along an international border.(b) The commissioners court of a county may cancel, after notice and a hearing as required by this section, a subdivision for which the plat was filed and approved before September 1, 1989, if:(1) the development of or the making of improvements in the subdivision was not begun before the effective date of this section; and(2) the commissioners court by resolution has made a finding that the land in question is likely to be developed as a colonia.(c) The commissioners court must publish notice of a proposal to cancel a subdivision under this section and the time and place of the required hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county for at least 21 days immediately before the date a cancellation order is adopted under this section. The county tax assessor-collector shall, not later than the 14th day before the date of the hearing, deposit with the United States Postal Service a similar notice addressed to each owner of land in the subdivision, as determined by the most recent county tax roll.(d) At the hearing, the commissioners court shall permit any interested person to be heard. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court shall adopt an order on whether to cancel the subdivision. The commissioners court may adopt an order canceling a subdivision if the court determines the cancellation is in the best interest of the public. The court may not adopt an order canceling a subdivision if:(1) the cancellation interferes with the established rights of a person who is a nondeveloper owner and owns any part of the subdivision, unless the person agrees to the cancellation; or(2) the owner of the entire subdivision is able to show that:(A) the owner of the subdivision is able to comply with the minimum state standards and model political subdivision rules developed under Section 16.343, Water Code, including any bonding requirements; or(B) the land was developed or improved within the period described by Subsection (b).(e) The commissioners court shall file the cancellation order for recording in the deed records of the county. After the cancellation order is filed and recorded, the property shall be treated as if it had never been subdivided, and the county chief appraiser shall assess the property accordingly. Any liens against the property shall remain against the property as it was previously subdivided.(f) In this section:(1) "Development" means the making, installing, or constructing of buildings and improvements.(2) "Improvements" means water supply, treatment, and distribution facilities; wastewater collection and treatment facilities; and other utility facilities. The term does not include roadway facilities.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 277, Sec. 2, eff. June 5, 1995.

Sec. 232.009. REVISION OF PLAT. (a) This section applies only to real property located outside municipalities and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of municipalities with a population of 1.5 million or more, as determined under Chapter 42.(b) A person who owns real property in a tract that has been subdivided and that is subject to the subdivision controls of the county in which the property is located may apply in writing to the commissioners court of the county for permission to revise the subdivision plat that applies to the property and that is filed for record with the county clerk.(c) After the application is filed with the commissioners court, the court shall publish a notice of the application in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. The notice must include a statement of the time and place at which the court will meet to consider the application and to hear protests to the revision of the plat. The notice must be published at least three times during the period that begins on the 30th day and ends on the seventh day before the date of the meeting. Except as provided by Subsection (f), if all or part of the subdivided tract has been sold to nondeveloper owners, the court shall also give notice to each of those owners by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, at the owner's address in the subdivided tract.(d) During a regular term of the commissioners court, the court shall adopt an order to permit the revision of the subdivision plat if it is shown to the court that:(1) the revision will not interfere with the established rights of any owner of a part of the subdivided land; or(2) each owner whose rights may be interfered with has agreed to the revision.(e) If the commissioners court permits a person to revise a subdivision plat, the person may make the revision by filing for record with the county clerk a revised plat or part of a plat that indicates the changes made to the original plat.(f) The commissioners court is not required to give notice by mail under Subsection (c) if the plat revision only combines existing tracts.

Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 345, Sec. 6, eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 523, Sec. 9, eff. June 20, 2003.

Sec. 232.0095. ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES FOR PLAT REVISION. (a) This section applies only to real property located outside municipalities and outside the extraterritorial jurisdiction, as determined under Chapter 42, of municipalities with a population of 1.5 million or more.(b) As an alternative to the provisions in Section 232.009 governing the revision of plats, a county by order may adopt the provisions in Sections 212.013, 212.014, 212.015, and 212.016 governing plat vacations, replatting, and plat amendment. A county that adopts the provisions in those sections may approve a plat vacation, a replat, and an amending plat in the same manner and under the same conditions, including the notice and hearing requirements, as a municipal authority responsible for approving plats under those sections.(c) Instead of the purpose described by Section 212.016(a)(10), an amended plat may be approved and issued by the county to make necessary changes to the preceding plat to create six or fewer lots in the subdivision or a part of the subdivision covered by the preceding plat if:(1) the changes do not affect applicable county regulations, including zoning regulations if the county has authority to adopt zoning regulations; and(2) the changes do not attempt to amend or remove any covenants or restrictions.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 523, Sec. 10, eff. June 20, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 762, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 232.010. EXCEPTION TO PLAT REQUIREMENT: COUNTY DETERMINATION. A commissioners court of the county may allow conveyance of portions of one or more previously platted lots by metes and bounds description without revising the plat.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 345, Sec. 7, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 232.011. AMENDING PLAT. (a) The commissioners court may approve and issue an amending plat, if the amending plat is signed by the applicants and filed for one or more of the following purposes:(1) to correct an error in a course or distance shown on the preceding plat;(2) to add a course or distance that was omitted on the preceding plat;(3) to correct an error in a real property description shown on the preceding plat;(4) to show the location or character of a monument that has been changed in location or character or that is shown incorrectly as to location or character on the preceding plat;(5) to correct any other type of scrivener or clerical error or omission of the previously approved plat, including lot numbers, acreage, street names, and identification of adjacent recorded plats; or(6) to correct an error in courses and distances of lot lines between two adjacent lots if:(A) both lot owners join in the application for amending the plat;(B) neither lot is abolished;(C) the amendment does not attempt to remove recorded covenants or restrictions; and(D) the amendment does not have a material adverse effect on the property rights of the other owners of the property that is the subject of the plat.(b) The amending plat controls over the preceding plat without the vacation, revision, or cancellation of the preceding plat.(c) Notice, a hearing, and the approval of other lot owners are not required for the filing, recording, or approval of an amending plat.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1390, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER B. SUBDIVISION PLATTING REQUIREMENTS IN COUNTY NEAR INTERNATIONAL BORDERSec. 232.021. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Board" means the Texas Water Development Board.(2) "Common promotional plan" means any plan or scheme of operation undertaken by a single subdivider or a group of subdividers acting in concert, either personally or through an agent, to offer for sale or lease lots when the land is:(A) contiguous or part of the same area of land; or(B) known, designated, or advertised as a common unit or by a common name.(3) "Executive administrator" means the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board.(4) "Floodplain" means any area in the 100-year floodplain that is susceptible to being inundated by water from any source or that is identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Sections 4001 through 4127).(5) "Lease" includes an offer to lease.(6) "Lot" means a parcel into which land that is intended for residential use is divided.(6-a) "Lot of record" means:(A) a lot, the boundaries of which were established by a plat recorded in the office of the county clerk before September 1, 1989, that has not been subdivided after September 1, 1989; or(B) a lot, the boundaries of which were established by a metes and bounds description in a deed of conveyance, a contract of sale, or other executory contract to convey real property that has been legally executed and recorded in the office of the county clerk before September 1, 1989, that has not been subdivided after September 1, 1989.(7) "Minimum state standards" means the minimum standards set out for:(A) adequate drinking water by or under Section 16.343(b)(1), Water Code;(B) adequate sewer facilities by or under Section 16.343(c)(1), Water Code; or(C) the treatment, disposal, and management of solid waste by or under Chapters 361 and 364, Health and Safety Code.(8) "Plat" means a map, chart, survey, plan, or replat containing a description of the subdivided land with ties to permanent landmarks or monuments.(9) "Sell" includes an offer to sell.(10) "Sewer," "sewer services," or "sewer facilities" means treatment works as defined by Section 17.001, Water Code, or individual, on-site, or cluster treatment systems such as septic tanks and includes drainage facilities and other improvements for proper functioning of septic tank systems.(11) "Subdivide" means to divide the surface area of land into lots intended primarily for residential use.(12) "Subdivider" means an individual, firm, corporation, or other legal entity that directly or indirectly subdivides land into lots for sale or lease as part of a common promotional plan in the ordinary course of business.(13) "Subdivision" means an area of land that has been subdivided into lots for sale or lease.(14) "Utility" means a person, including a legal entity or political subdivision, that provides the services of:(A) an electric utility, as defined by Section 31.002, Utilities Code;(B) a gas utility, as defined by Section 101.003, Utilities Code; and(C) a water and sewer utility, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 18.35, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1239, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 232.022. APPLICABILITY. (a) This subchapter applies only to:(1) a county any part of which is located within 50 miles of an international border; or(2) a county:(A) any part of which is located within 100 miles of an international border;(B) that contains the majority of the area of a municipality with a population of more than 250,000; and(C) to which Subdivision (1) does not apply.(b) This subchapter applies only to land that is subdivided into two or more lots that are intended primarily for residential use in the jurisdiction of the county. A lot is presumed to be intended for residential use if the lot is five acres or less. This subchapter does not apply if the subdivision is incident to the conveyance of the land as a gift between persons related to each other within the third degree by affinity or consanguinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code.(c) Except as provided by Subsection (c-1), for purposes of this section, land is considered to be in the jurisdiction of a county if the land is located in the county and outside the corporate limits of municipalities.(c-1) Land in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction is not considered to be in the jurisdiction of a county for purposes of this section if the municipality and the county have entered into a written agreement under Section 242.001 that authorizes the municipality to regulate subdivision plats and approve related permits in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction.(d) This subchapter does not apply if each of the lots of the subdivision is 10 or more acres.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 376, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 737, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 708, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 232.023. PLAT REQUIRED. (a) A subdivider of land must have a plat of the subdivision prepared. A subdivision of a tract under this subsection includes a subdivision of real property by any method of conveyance, including a contract for deed, oral contract, contract of sale, or other type of executory contract, regardless of whether the subdivision is made by using a metes and bounds description.(b) A plat required under this section must:(1) be certified by a surveyor or engineer registered to practice in this state;(2) define the subdivision by metes and bounds;(3) locate the subdivision with respect to an original corner of the original survey of which it is a part;(4) describe each lot, number each lot in progression, and give the dimensions of each lot;(5) state the dimensions of and accurately describe each lot, street, alley, square, park, or other part of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the street, alley, square, park, or other part;(6) include or have attached a document containing a description in English and Spanish of the water and sewer facilities and roadways and easements dedicated for the provision of water and sewer facilities that will be constructed or installed to service the subdivision and a statement specifying the date by which the facilities will be fully operable;(7) have attached a document prepared by an engineer registered to practice in this state certifying that the water and sewer service facilities proposed under Subdivision (6) are in compliance with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code, and a certified estimate of the cost to install water and sewer service facilities;(8) provide for drainage in the subdivision to:(A) avoid concentration of storm drainage water from each lot to adjacent lots;(B) provide positive drainage away from all buildings; and(C) coordinate individual lot drainage with the general storm drainage pattern for the area;(9) include a description of the drainage requirements as provided in Subdivision (8);(10) identify the topography of the area;(11) include a certification by a surveyor or engineer registered to practice in this state describing any area of the subdivision that is in a floodplain or stating that no area is in a floodplain; and(12) include certification that the subdivider has complied with the requirements of Section 232.032 and that:(A) the water quality and connections to the lots meet, or will meet, the minimum state standards;(B) sewer connections to the lots or septic tanks meet, or will meet, the minimum requirements of state standards;(C) electrical connections provided to the lot meet, or will meet, the minimum state standards; and(D) gas connections, if available, provided to the lot meet, or will meet, the minimum state standards.(c) A subdivider may meet the requirements of Subsection (b)(12)(B) through the use of a certificate issued by the appropriate county or state official having jurisdiction over the approval of septic systems stating that lots in the subdivision can be adequately and legally served by septic systems.(d) The subdivider of the tract must acknowledge the plat by signing the plat and attached documents and attest to the veracity and completeness of the matters asserted in the attached documents and in the plat.(e) The plat must be filed and recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the tract is located. The plat is subject to the filing and recording provisions of Section 12.002, Property Code.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.024. APPROVAL BY COUNTY REQUIRED. (a) A plat filed under Section 232.023 is not valid unless the commissioners court of the county in which the land is located approves the plat by an order entered in the minutes of the court. The commissioners court shall refuse to approve a plat if it does not meet the requirements prescribed by or under this subchapter or if any bond required under this subchapter is not filed with the county clerk.(b) If any part of a plat applies to land intended for residential housing and any part of that land lies in a floodplain, the commissioners court shall not approve the plat unless:(1) the subdivision is developed in compliance with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and local regulations or orders adopted under Section 16.315, Water Code; and(2) the plat evidences a restrictive covenant prohibiting the construction of residential housing in any area of the subdivision that is in a floodplain unless the housing is developed in compliance with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and local regulations or orders adopted under Section 16.315, Water Code.(c) On request, the county clerk shall provide the attorney general or the Texas Water Development Board:(1) a copy of each plat that is approved under this subchapter; or(2) the reasons in writing and any documentation that support a variance granted under Section 232.042.(d) The commissioners court of the county in which the land is located may establish a planning commission as provided by Subchapter D. The planning commission, including its findings and decisions, is subject to the same provisions applicable to the commissioners court under this subchapter, including Section 232.034 relating to conflicts of interest.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1239, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 232.025. SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS. By an order adopted and entered in the minutes of the commissioners court, and after a notice is published in English and Spanish in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, the commissioners court shall for each subdivision:(1) require a right-of-way on a street or road that functions as a main artery in a subdivision, of a width of not less than 50 feet or more than 100 feet;(2) require a right-of-way on any other street or road in a subdivision of not less than 40 feet or more than 70 feet;(3) require that the shoulder-to-shoulder width on collectors or main arteries within the right-of-way be not less than 32 feet or more than 56 feet, and that the shoulder-to-shoulder width on any other street or road be not less than 25 feet or more than 35 feet;(4) adopt, based on the amount and kind of travel over each street or road in a subdivision, reasonable specifications relating to the construction of each street or road;(5) adopt reasonable specifications to provide adequate drainage for each street or road in a subdivision in accordance with standard engineering practices;(6) require that each purchase contract made between a subdivider and a purchaser of land in the subdivision contain a statement describing how and when water, sewer, electricity, and gas services will be made available to the subdivision; and(7) require that the subdivider of the tract execute a bond in the manner provided by Section 232.027.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16 1995.

Sec. 232.026. WATER AND SEWER SERVICE EXTENSION. (a) The commissioners court may extend, beyond the date specified on the plat or on the document attached to the plat, the date by which the water and sewer service facilities must be fully operable if the commissioners court finds the extension is reasonable and not contrary to the public interest.(b) The commissioners court may not grant an extension under Subsection (a) if it would allow an occupied residence to be without water or sewer services.(c) If the commissioners court provides an extension, the commissioners court shall notify the attorney general of the extension and the reason for the extension. The attorney general shall notify all other state agencies having enforcement power over subdivisions of the extension.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Sec. 232.027. BOND REQUIREMENTS. (a) Unless a person has completed the installation of all water and sewer service facilities required by this subchapter on the date that person applies for final approval of a plat under Section 232.024, the commissioners court shall require the subdivider of the tract to execute and maintain in effect a bond or, in the alternative, a person may make a cash deposit in an amount the commissioners court determines will ensure compliance with this subchapter. A person may not meet the requirements of this subsection through the use of a letter of credit unless that letter of credit is irrevocable and issued by an institution guaranteed by the FDIC. The subdivider must comply with the requirement before subdividing the tract.(b) The bond must be conditioned on the construction or installation of water and sewer service facilities that will be in compliance with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995.

Sec. 232.028. CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH PLAT REQUIREMENTS. (a) On the approval of a plat by the commissioners court, the commissioners court shall issue to the person applying for the approval a certificate stating that the plat has been reviewed and approved by the commissioners court.(b) On the commissioners court's own motion or on the written request of a subdivider, an owner or resident of a lot in a subdivision, or an entity that provides a utility service, the commissioners court shall make the following determinations regarding the land in which the entity or commissioners court is interested that is located within the jurisdiction of the county:(1) whether a plat has been prepared and whether it has been reviewed and approved by the commissioners court;(2) whether water service facilities have been constructed or installed to service the lot or subdivision under Section 232.023 and are fully operable;(3) whether sewer service facilities have been constructed or installed to service the lot or subdivision under Section 232.023 and are fully operable, or if septic systems are used, whether the lot is served by a permitted on-site sewage facility or lots in the subdivision can be adequately and legally served by septic systems under Section 232.023; and(4) whether electrical and gas facilities, if available, have been constructed or installed to service the lot or subdivision under Section 232.023.(c) The request made under Subsection (b) must identify the land that is the subject of the request.(d) Whenever a request is made under Subsection (b), the commissioners court shall issue the requesting party a written certification of its determinations under that subsection.(e) The commissioners court shall make its determinations within 20 days after the date it receives the request under Subsection (b) and shall issue the certificate, if appropriate, within 10 days after the date the determinations are made.(f) The commissioners court may adopt rules it considers necessary to administer its duties under this section.(g) The commissioners court may impose a fee for a certificate issued under this section for a subdivision which is located in the county and not within the limits of a municipality. The amount of the fee may be the greater of $30 or the amount of the fee imposed by the municipality for a subdivision that is located entirely in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality for a certificate issued under Section 212.0115. A person who obtains a certificate under this section is not required to obtain a certificate under Section 212.0115.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 129, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 779, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 546, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1239, Sec. 4, eff. June 19, 2009.

Sec. 232.029. CONNECTION OF UTILITIES IN COUNTIES WITHIN 50 MILES OF INTERNATIONAL BORDER. (a) This section applies only to a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(1).(a-1) Except as provided by Subsection (c) or Section 232.037(c), a utility may not serve or connect any subdivided land with water or sewer services unless the utility receives a certificate issued by the commi