The Woodlands Township voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing May 21 in regards to establishing and expanding Covenant Administration Department (CAD) fees during an April 23 board meeting.
CAD fees will include expenses for permits in both residential and commercial building improvements.
The background
The original administrative expenses and fees philosophy was first introduced to the township in 2024 and implemented in 2025, Director of Covenant Administration Kim McKenna said. Community Impact previously reported the launch would generate an estimated $1 million in additional revenue for the township last year.
The new fees will be applicable to enhanced services to recover extra cost and time for:
- Additional resources and technical review
- Committee review and variances
- Third-party code inspections
What’s changing?
Most of the changes to fees will affect commercial properties with minor changes to residential property requirements. Modifications to commercial land will include fees for:
- Tree removal
- Signs
- Cell towers
- Lighting
There was originally a structure for full home demolitions, but there wasn’t one for pool or partial demolitions. McKenna said residential changes include a $200 fee for attached structure permits and a $500 fee for a permit to operate a business in the home.
The fee increase would also affect commercial and residential for a variance and rehearing request.
What they’re saying
The township also discussed resident questions about tree removal and its consequences. In the new fee proposal, there will now be a cost for tree removal without covenant administration approval of $150 per tree.
“We encourage individuals to contact us first so we can help them in regards to tree removal. We acknowledge it’s often because it’s hazardous or dead and that that’s something we place priority on, but in the instance there’s a live tree that’s been removed and has not been permitted to do so, we move forward with enforcement action,” McKenna said.
The bottom line
McKenna said the administration is working on a multi-package permit fee schedule for larger home remodel. However, there is a required permit for new home construction for items such as generators, fences and driveways.
During the public hearing, residents will be able to ask questions regarding the fee changes before they are formally adopted by the township board. If approved, the fees would go into effect July 1.
