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Developer argues 10-plus-acre parcels exempt from county platting under 2023 law; commissioners request research
Summary
A developer told the court that 10+-acre tracts they recently purchased do not require county subdivision plat approval under changes to Texas law effective Sept. 1, 2023; commissioners raised concerns about emergency access, groundwater and long‑term maintenance and requested supporting legal materials; no county action taken.
Rodrigo Blanco and an associate presented a proposal for multiple 10-plus-acre parcels and argued that county platting requirements do not apply because Texas law limits county authority where owners do not dedicate streets to public use. Blanco cited House Bill 3697 and changes effective Sept. 1, 2023, and told the court the owners do not intend to dedicate streets to public use; he said the buyers are primarily out‑of‑country investors and that the parcels will include private easements, drainage studies, culverts and wells.
Commissioners questioned public access, emergency services, groundwater availability, and whether the county would be unable to require needed infrastructure. Several commissioners said the county has a duty to protect residents and requested staff research: search title records, previous litigation, statutory language (including cited Texas Government Code section 311.0165) and limits on county authority. The developer offered to provide his presentation and the cited legal materials; the court asked staff to review and bring findings back to a future meeting.
No vote or formal approval was taken on the subdivision; the court recorded no action on the item at this meeting. Commissioners emphasized concern about long-term maintenance, emergency access and adequacy of groundwater if lots were developed.
The developer reported he had previously paused the project after similar county requirements; he said the project team invested in drainage studies and well testing and will provide the court the documentation requested for independent review.
