2026 Texas Real Estate Development Report
Updated: Oct 2
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Check out JRH's case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
What Texas Growth Means for Developers in 2026
Texas keeps adding residents, which keeps demand strong for housing, industrial space and commercial sites.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Texas's population at 31,709,821 as of July 1, 2025, up 8.8% since April 2020 (Census QuickFacts).
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Markets to Watch
Houston: floodplain, detention pond and drainage district rules shape almost every site
Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio: expansive clay drives foundation design, and TxDOT access affects corridor sites
Smaller and West Texas markets: utility availability and extensions often decide feasibility
Rules That Shape Texas Projects
State law sets the IRC and IBC as minimum codes for cities (Texas State Law Library)
Construction disturbing 1 acre or more needs coverage under the TCEQ Construction General Permit, with a SWP3 before work starts
Coastal properties follow TDI's windstorm program, which lists the 2024 IRC and IBC effective April 1, 2026
Cities, counties, drainage districts and MUDs can all review the same site
Project: Nelson Rd. Office Condo Park, Katy, TX
11.25-acre office condo business park with I-10 frontage in Katy, Harris County
Reviewed by TxDOT, the Barker-Katy Drainage District and the City of Katy
Read the full Nelson Rd. case study
Challenges
TxDOT-compliant access to I-10 was required
Two agencies reviewed stormwater
An on-site detention pond would have taken developable land
Objectives
Keep the full 11.25 acres developable.
Secure TxDOT-approved access.
Resolve floodplain mitigation without added reviews.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Land development and civil site design
Regional detention pond credits purchased from the drainage district instead of an on-site pond
Parallel TxDOT, drainage district and City reviews
Floodplain fill mitigation kept on-site
Results:
All 11.25 acres kept available for development
Concurrent approvals from three agencies
Floodplain mitigation resolved without additional agency involvement
Development in Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Texas growing?
The Census Bureau estimates 31,709,821 residents as of July 1, 2025, up 8.8% since April 2020.
What rules affect Texas development sites?
City and county codes, drainage district criteria, TCEQ stormwater permits, TxDOT access and, on the coast, TDI windstorm rules.
When does a Texas site need TCEQ stormwater permit coverage?
Generally when construction disturbs 1 acre or more.
Can regional detention pond credits replace an on-site pond?
In some areas, yes; the Nelson Rd. project in Katy used them.
Does JRH Engineering work outside Houston?
Yes, JRH serves projects across Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
Want More Information on this Topic?
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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