Update:
For the first time in 15 years, the rules have changed for developers building homes in Brazos County outside of city limits.
Regulations approved by county commissioners attempt to manage population density in at least three ways.
The county’s consulting engineer, Veronica Morgan, says the county will not be responsible for maintaining roads in newly created urban residential developments.
The number of homes will also drive the number of access points in and out of future developments.
For new developments just outside city limits, there is a new joint review process.
Morgan says regulations now includes providing green space for flood protection.
New developments will also be required to have a water supply for fire protection. Rural developments have one set of standards.
Urban developments must have a water supply that supports fire hydrants.
Instead of the county, developers will be responsible for installing traffic control signs and driveway culverts. And the county is charging new fees to developers.
Original story:
For the first time since 2001, Brazos County commissioners will be considering changes in its regulations for future residential subdivisions.
County engineer Alan Munger says it reflects the changes in the type of residential construction outside of city limits the past 15 years.
The county worked with the cities of Bryan and College Station and the regional metropolitan planning organization.
Munger says the draft reflects changes in state law giving counties more authority, though the county is banned by state law to have zoning regulations.
Munger expects commissioners to schedule a public hearing after July 4th to receive comments.
Click below for comments from Alan Munger, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver:
Click HERE to read and download the subdivision draft changes.
Click HERE to read and download the county’s summary of proposed changes.
Some of the proposed changes for future residential subdivisions includes:
1. Brazos County creating a joint review process with the cities of Bryan and College Station for plats that are located within the ETJ of the city.
2. Creating urban and rural subdivisions.
3. Creating five types of roadways:
a. Urban – paved/publicly dedicated/publicly maintained
b. Urban – paved/publicly dedicated/privately maintained
c. Rural – paved/publicly dedicated/publicly maintained
d. Rural – paved/publicly dedicated/privately maintained
e. Rural – unpaved/privately dedicated/privately maintained (serves 6 or fewer lots)
4. Requiring developers to design and install traffic control signage and devices in subdivision at developers expense.
5. Creating fire protection requirements for subdivisions.
6. Requiring dedication of FEMA drainage courses in common areas that are NOT drainage easements.
7. Creating the option to gate subdivisions.
8. Requiring a traffic impact analysis.
9. Provides for the ability for Brazos County to participate in infrastructure costs if warranted.
10. Establishing a fee schedule to pay for county staff time of reviews and inspections.
11. Requiring cluster mailboxes in subdivisions.