The Woodlands Township board of directors approved a new set of permitting fees Nov. 20, a move officials estimated will raise around $1 million in additional revenue for the township in 2025.

Two-minute impact

Historically, the township has used a refundable deposit for homeowners to ensure all property improvements were inspected and constructed according to design standards, township President and CEO Monique Sharp said. However, a growing number of requests have put a strain on township staff and finances, she said.

Some of the approved changes include applying new fees to file permits for certain improvements on residential and commercial properties, such as:

• Commercial improvements: $0.50 per square foot
• New home construction: $0.50 per square foot
• Home demolitions: $450 per request
• Variance requests/hearings: $300 per request
• Filings with Harris/Montgomery County: $15 per page

The fees will not apply to "routine repair and maintenance" changes, such as:

• Nonsecurity barrier fences
• Siding repair
• Driveway repair and replacements
• Color and material changes
• Air conditioning units
• Roofing

According to prior Community Impact reporting, preliminary projections showed the move would produce an estimated $1 million in revenue for the township in 2025.

Quote of note

"It is only when there are enhanced levels of services—things like pool installations—that require extensive permit review, technical review and secondary inspections that are multiplying the cost," Chief Operating Officer Chris Nunes said during the meeting. "These will apply to not only residents, but also to homebuilders, professional homebuilders and developers."