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Township outlines limits of authority as fiber and utility work expands in front yards
Summary
The Woodlands Township received an update from staff clarifying that much fiber and other utility installation is occurring in county right-of-way that often extends into homeowners’ front yards; township staff will act as a liaison but cannot compel private utility companies to restore private property.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors received an update Feb. 20 on fiber‑optic and other utility installations that are taking place in county right‑of‑way that often extends into residents’ front yards.
Dr. Chris Nunes, Chief Operating Officer, told the board the work is “largely in the front yards of individuals’ homes” and that “while people think they own that grass and dirt that's in their yard, it's actually part of the county's right of way,” which can extend “5 feet, 10 feet, even 15 feet into that yard.” He added that multiple companies sometimes install lines in the same area.
The update explained the difference between utility work inside township‑owned reserves — where the township has real property interests and can require restoration under easement agreements — and work in county rights‑of‑way, where utilities typically complete a form notification and are not always required to obtain county permits or to restore private landscaping to its prior condition.
“Those utility companies are not required to get official permits from the county,” Nunes said, and while township staff “will advocate on behalf of the resident” for repairs, the township “is not responsible” for making the repairs.
Several board members and staff recounted homeowner complaints. One speaker described personally replacing sod after a backhoe damaged a front lawn, saying they made dozens of calls before arranging repairs themselves. Chief Palmer Buck noted that breaches of major infrastructure (for example, a gas line) should be reported to 911 and that first‑responder agencies and utilities have coordinated to reduce serious conflicts since earlier problem periods in 2021.
Board members pressed staff on how residents can identify easement lines and upcoming work. Nunes said easement boundaries may appear on a home survey or the plat map and recommended residents contact the township’s liaison staff if they see utility flags or crews at work. He also noted the national 811 “call before you dig” system uses color‑coded flags to indicate different utilities.
The board ultimately voted to accept the report. The motion was moved and seconded, and the board approved the report by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the minutes.
The item concluded with the board asking staff to consider a short informational notice in the township magazine explaining the limits of township authority and how residents can report damage or identify easements and flags.
