Montgomery County commissioners want state lawmakers to give the county more say over how and where development happens.
According to a Community Impact report, commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to send a resolution to the county’s state representatives and senators, asking them to draft legislation granting the county limited authority to pass land use and development ordinances.
About 78 percent of Montgomery County is unincorporated, meaning most residents live outside city limits and depend on the county for public safety and infrastructure. The resolution says growth is moving faster than the county can keep up with roads and services.
Under current Texas law, counties can set some safety and drainage standards for developers, but they can’t zone or decide where development goes.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said the county remains business-friendly, and the goal is protecting residents’ property rights and “the life you built here.” County Judge Mark Keough added that any changes have to work for landowners and developers alike.
The next Texas legislative session begins January 12th.
