Permitting Process

The Covenants and Standards, which apply to all properties in The Woodlands, require that the placement, construction, alteration or repair of any temporary or permanent structure or improvement on a lot with an existing single family dwelling must have the prior written approval of the Residential Design Review Committee or their designated staff. In addition to the Standards, Neighborhood Criteria establish more specific regulations which vary from one neighborhood to another. All improvements must also comply with the Neighborhood Criteria applicable to that lot.

Please note: If your property is in the Cantwell Forest, Avalon Oaks or Dulcimer Woods Neighborhoods of Grogan’s Forest (otherwise described as Sections 5, 6 & 7 of Grogan’s Forest College Park) you may need to apply through the City of Shenandoah. For more information and a map, view the Grogan's Forest Section 5,6,7 information below.

Useful tips for the application process:

  • Owners and contractors will be required to mark the outline of the improvement(s) on site prior to The Woodlands Township’s staff site visits.
  • Plans will require distances from any improvement to the property lines since the submitted surveys do not always provide the most accurate measurements. Improvements include, but are not limited to, detached or attached structures such as room additions, major remodeling, patio covers, outdoor living areas, summer kitchens, gazebos and arbors; new home construction and associated improvements, pools, pool decking and pool equipment. The markings should be the perimeter of any of the above structures; however overhangs should be marked if greater than 12”.
  • Trees proposed for removal must also be flagged or marked at the time of submission.
  • Marking the location of the proposed improvement will allow the Plan Review Committees and their designees to more appropriately evaluate the placement of the proposed improvement on the lot and any potential impact to adjacent properties.

Permitting Portal (Civic Access)

Residents and contractors can use our Civic Access Portal, The Woodlands Township’s online permitting system, to submit permit applications, search public records, pay invoices and explore activity in their neighborhood. You must first register for an account through the Civic Access Portal before applying for a permit.

Open Civic Access Portal

Need assistance? Read or print our step-by-step guide on how to register and apply through our Civic Access Portal. 

Contractor note: If a contractor is submitting an application on behalf of a property owner, the owner must first register for an account before the application can be completed.

Helpful Resources

Grogan's Forest Section 5, 6, & 7

Grogan's Forest Section 5, 6 & 7 Map

Properties within Cantwell Forest, Avalon Oaks or Dulcimer Woods Neighborhoods of Grogan’s Forest (otherwise described as Sections 5, 6 & 7 of Grogan’s Forest College Park) are under dual authority of The Woodlands Township and the City of Shenandoah thereby requiring concurrent applications and approval for property improvements.

View Large Map(PNG, 546KB)

In the past a resident would need to apply to both entities. A new process has been developed that is more convenient and efficient.

Improvements that are regulated by both entities will have a joint application and will be submitted to the City of Shenandoah. The City of Shenandoah will forward the application to The Woodlands Township and both entities will review. In some cases, you may be required to submit an application to the Township if the City of Shenandoah does not require a permit for that improvement.

To determine where to submit your proposed improvements, refer to the chart below:

 Residential Improvement Type Shenandoah    The Woodlands
 Mechanical Equipment - Air Condition Units ✓
  
 Artificial Turf    ✓
 Demolition- Building Or Pool  ✓  
Construction Of Detached Structures – Patio Cover, Gazebo,
Pergola		  ✓  
 Dog Run    ✓
 Dumpster  ✓  
 Electrical  ✓  
 Exterior Change – Paint (Woodlands) or Siding (Shenandoah)  ✓ (siding)  ✓ (paint)

 Exterior Lighting (If Electrical Is Being Run)

  • Landscape Lighting*
  • Security*
  • Permanent Seasonal Lighting
  • String Lights
  • Gas*
  ✓   
 Fence and Pool Barriers  ✓  
 Garage Door    ✓
 Generators ✓    
 Home Business **    ✓
 New Home, Remodel or Addition  ✓  
 Tree Removal    ✓
 Open Structures Attached to Home  ✓  
 Paving  ✓  
 Play Structure, Putting Greens, Trampolines*    ✓
 Roof *  ✓  
 Solar Panels/Roofs  ✓  
 Sports Courts & Batting Cages  ✓  
 Storage Sheds  ✓  
 Swimming Pools & Spas – Including Above Ground  ✓  
 Trash Can Screen    ✓
 Yard Structures – Trellis, Retaining Walls, Fountains *  ✓  
 Plumbing - Including Irrigation, Gas Lines, Water Heater  ✓  

* Must comply with The Woodlands Residential Development Standards, which specify certain improvements that have been pre-approved by the Plan Review Committee and require no application, further review, permit, fee, or other action by the owner.

** Refer to the Shenandoah Integrated Development Code (shenandoahtx.us)

Check marks in the Shenandoah column represent property improvements that must be applied for at Shenandoah city hall. They will process any documents and reports required by The Woodlands, and you will not have to visit the Township offices. If there are any issues or questions related to The Woodlands covenants, the Township may contact you. For more information on permitting requirements, please visit shenandoahtx.us and click the Community Development button on the home page, then select “Residential Permits” on the left.

Check marks in The Woodlands column represent property improvements that must be applied for at The Woodlands Township. That means you must visit the Township offices to complete the necessary applications, and you do not apply through the City of Shenandoah. The Woodlands Township offices are located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd in The Woodlands. You can also call the Township at 281-210-3800. For additional information on submitting an application to The Woodlands Township and downloading application forms, please visit the Residential Application webpage.

Exterior changes – note on the chart that requirements for exterior changes are different for Shenandoah and The Woodlands.

  • If you plan to change your exterior paint only, please visit The Woodlands for approval and permitting.
  • If you plan to change your siding only, please visit Shenandoah for approval and permitting.
  • If you plan to change your siding and paint it, you must visit both Shenandoah and The Woodlands for permitting.

For more information about these updates and contact information, please view the Grogan's Forest Permitting Process Update PDF(PDF, 916KB).

 

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