Montgomery County commissioners unanimously sent a resolution to local legislators on Oct. 8 seeking additional regulatory ability to manage local growth and development.
Montgomery County is 78% unincorporated, meaning the majority of residents do not live within a city or township and rely on the county for public safety and infrastructure.
The big picture
The resolution, which is being sent to all Montgomery County state representatives and senators, encourages them to draft legislation which would grant the county limited authority to create ordinances for land use and development.
The resolution cited concerns over the ability of the county to keep up with public safety and infrastructure as more developments occur in the unincorporated areas.
“The current pace and scale of growth are outstripping the county’s ability to provide and expand infrastructure and public services,” the resolution reads. “Current county authority does not provide Montgomery County with the full range of tools necessary to address the unique and increasing challenges created by growth across its unincorporated areas.”
Why it matters
Under Texas Local Government Code, counties have limited ordinance abilities. While a county can make regulations for developers regarding certain safety and drainage standards, it cannot regulate or zone where development can occur.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said the goal was not to alienate any developers, but to provide more guidance and regulation to ensure existing residents are not negatively impacted.
“This is a pro-business friendly county. We're not changing our position on that,” Gray said. “Our position is not only to look after our residents and look after the county, but it's to protect your property investments, your property rights and the life you built here.”
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough echoed the sentiment.
“Our land owners and those who are purchasing land as developers are all stakeholders in what we do here in Montgomery County,” Keough said. “It has to work for everybody.”
Stay tuned
The next Texas legislative session is scheduled to begin on Jan. 12.
