Grimes County holds public hearing on proposed infrastructure regulations; no adoption recorded

Grimes County Commissioners Court held a public hearing on June 18, 2025, to consider public comment on proposed Grimes County infrastructure regulations. Grimes County Engineer John Stiber summarized the document and changes; no members of the public offered comments, and the court did not take action to adopt the regulations at the hearing.

The proposal, presented by Grimes County Engineer John Stiber, reorganizes existing subdivision regulations into a broader set called the Grimes County infrastructure regulations that apply to multiple types of development. "We have kind of reorganized the subdivision regulations and added quite a few provisions," Stiber said, adding that the rules now cover more than residential subdivisions.

Stiber said the document includes new drainage criteria, traffic criteria, a road condition analysis requirement, and changes to road design intended to produce stronger, longer-lasting roads. He also said the county had adjusted the variance provision and added provisions that would apply to RV parks for the first time. "We've added a drainage criteria, traffic criteria, road condition analysis criteria, change some road design criteria to result in some stronger and longer lasting roads being built," Stiber said.

Commissioner Tullis thanked Stiber and urged the county to improve public outreach about significant policy changes. "Much of what's in there would be of value to the public to know," Commissioner Tullis said, suggesting greater use of social media and noting the county already maintains a Grimes County Courthouse Facebook page. Stiber responded that the draft had been sent to the development review group about a month earlier and was posted on the county website and in a newspaper notice last week, and that staff would take steps to make better use of social media.

Court members and staff characterized roughly 80% of the draft as language carried forward from prior subdivision regulations and about 20% as new or revised material. County officials emphasized that some items in that 20% are substantive and merit public discussion, citing the RV-park-related provisions and language delegating certain authorities to staff as examples.

No member of the public stepped forward during the hearing to offer comment. After a final call for public comment, the court adjourned the public hearing; the motion to adjourn passed with a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Mallard noted as not present. The court did not record any formal vote on adoption of the infrastructure regulations during the hearing.

The commissioners court scheduled its regular meeting to begin at 9 a.m. following the hearing.