The Site Development Process in Texas: From Raw Land to Ready-to-Build
Updated: Oct 5
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.
From Raw Land to Ready-to-Build
Site development takes a raw tract and turns it into a building pad that is graded, drained, connected to utilities and approved for construction.
In Texas the steps are much the same everywhere.
What changes from city to county to drainage district is who reviews the work and what triggers their review.
Knowing those triggers early can change the design. Sometimes it removes a review entirely.
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.
Step 1: Feasibility
Zoning, floodplain, utilities, access and drainage outfall
Phase I environmental site assessments, surveys and geotechnical reports (by others)
Agency thresholds that trigger extra review, such as county disturbance limits
Step 2: Civil Design
Site layout, grading and paving
Drainage and detention pond design
Water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer connections
Driveway access to city, county or TxDOT roads
Step 3: Stormwater Compliance
TCEQ's 2023 Construction General Permit (TXR150000), effective March 5, 2023, covers construction sites of 1 acre or more
Small sites disturb at least 1 but less than 5 acres; large sites disturb 5 acres or more, including common plans of development
A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWP3) is required before construction; TCEQ forms are filed online through STEERS
Step 4: Approvals
Site development or grading permits from the city or county
Drainage district, floodplain and TxDOT approvals where they apply
Building permits after site plans are approved
Step 5: Construction and Closeout
Erosion controls installed before clearing
Construction-phase support, such as RFI responses and site observations
Record drawings and final inspections before occupancy
Project: FM 1485 Industrial Site Development, New Caney, TX
Industrial site development in New Caney, Montgomery County
Coordination with Montgomery County and TxDOT for site access
Read the full FM 1485 case study
Challenges
Montgomery County's 15,000 SF site disturbance threshold would trigger detention pond design and drainage district review
TxDOT access had to be coordinated alongside the county permit
Objectives
Stay under the disturbance threshold.
Streamline permitting and coordinate TxDOT access.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Civil engineering site layout treating the 15,000 SF threshold as the governing constraint
A layout that met the development goal within the disturbance limit
TxDOT coordination for site access
Results:
Detention pond design avoided
Drainage district review removed from the permit path
A simplified county permit
Site Development in Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
Erosion control plans for more than one acre need approval at least 30 days before work under G.S. 113A-57.
Florida
Most sites need an FDEP or water management district Environmental Resource Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps in Texas site development?
Feasibility, civil design, stormwater compliance, approvals, and construction and closeout.
When is a TCEQ stormwater permit required?
When construction disturbs 1 acre or more, including larger common plans of development.
What is the difference between a small and large construction site?
Small sites disturb 1 to less than 5 acres; large sites disturb 5 acres or more.
Can site layout avoid extra reviews?
Sometimes; at FM 1485, staying under a county disturbance threshold avoided detention pond design.
Who performs Phase I environmental assessments?
Environmental consultants; JRH coordinates the civil design around their findings.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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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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