County building permit guide
Montgomery County, Texas building permits — complete guide (2026)
Montgomery County stretches from The Woodlands — a nationally acclaimed master-planned community — north to Sam Houston National Forest. Conroe is the county seat and a fast-growing city. The county has significant unincorporated development as growth pushes north from The Woodlands toward Willis, Magnolia, and beyond. Like Fort Bend, Montgomery County was affected by Hurricane Harvey and has updated flood standards, though impacts were less severe than Fort Bend.
Avg cost: $125–$400Processing: 2–4 weeksThe WoodlandsFast-growing Houston north
$125–$400Avg permit cost
2–4 weeksProcessing time
~16,000Permits/year
PartialADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your Montgomery County, Texas permit?
Apply through Montgomery County Permits for unincorporated areas, The Woodlands Township for Woodlands addresses, or the City of Conroe for Conroe addresses. Three separate systems serve most of the county.
Montgomery County, Texas Building Department Online permitting available
DepartmentMontgomery County Permits Department
Phone(936) 539-7886
Address501 N Thompson St, Conroe, TX 77301
HoursMon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm CT
Permit systemMontgomery County online permit system
Three major permit jurisdictions cover most of Montgomery County: Montgomery County Permits (unincorporated), The Woodlands Township (The Woodlands community), and City of Conroe. Montgomery County has significant rural and semi-rural unincorporated areas growing rapidly as people relocate from Houston suburbs.
The Woodlands is NOT a city — it is an unincorporated community governed by The Woodlands Township, which operates separately from Montgomery County. Permits within The Woodlands boundaries are handled by the Township, not the county. Always verify whether your address is in The Woodlands Township, the City of Conroe, or unincorporated Montgomery County.
Permit fees — Montgomery County, Texas 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $600–$2,000 | 2–5 weeks | High new residential volume north of The Woodlands; county handles large unincorporated share |
| Room Addition | $320–$800 | 2–4 weeks | The Woodlands Township has architectural review on top of permits — add 1–2 weeks for TWA |
| Pool | $180–$450 | 2–4 weeks | High demand; The Woodlands has specific pool design standards; county process simpler |
| Roofing | $125–$300 | 1–2 days | Pine tree debris is a factor in The Woodlands — roofing permits are very common |
| Electrical | $75–$175 | 1–2 days | Generator permits surged post-Harvey; EV charger adoption high in affluent Woodlands area |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $75–$175 | 1–2 days | High demand in Houston-area heat; straightforward process in county and Woodlands |
| ADU | $230–$550 | 2–4 weeks | ADU rules vary; Woodlands Township may restrict; county unincorporated more permissive |
| Solar | $75–$175 | 1–2 weeks | Growing adoption; The Woodlands Township reviews solar panel visibility from street |
| Fence | $50–$120 | 1–2 days | The Woodlands has specific fence standards (wood privacy, no chain-link) enforced by TWA |
| Tree Removal | $100–$300 | 1–2 weeks | The Woodlands has a comprehensive tree preservation program — permits required for most tree removal |
How to get a permit in Montgomery County, Texas
1
Identify your jurisdiction — Woodlands, Conroe, or county
This is the most critical step. Use the Montgomery Central Appraisal District to confirm your jurisdiction. The Woodlands addresses may be in the Township, not the county system.
2
Check Woodlands Township Architectural Review (if applicable)
The Woodlands Community Association requires architectural approval before permits for most exterior changes. Submit to The Woodlands Township Architectural Review committee before applying for a county permit.
3
Apply online through the correct system
Montgomery County has its own online permit portal. The Woodlands Township has its own system. City of Conroe uses a separate portal. Make sure you're applying in the right place.
4
Await plan review
Montgomery County processes residential permits faster than most suburban Houston counties — lower population density keeps backlogs manageable. Standard residential additions take 2–3 weeks.
5
Inspections
County inspectors cover large geographic zones. Rural northern Montgomery County may have longer inspector wait times than The Woodlands or Conroe areas.
6
Certificate and HOA sign-off
Obtain Certificate of Completion from your jurisdiction. The Woodlands Township issues its own completion notice separate from the county. Keep both records.
Jurisdictions within Montgomery County, Texas
Special zone requirements
Woodlands Tree Preservation
The Woodlands community
The Woodlands has a comprehensive tree preservation program — one of the defining features of the community. Most tree removal requires a permit. Trees over certain sizes require replacement at specific ratios.
Lake Conroe Shoreline
Lake Conroe area
Lake Conroe creates shoreline development standards. Dock, boathouse, and waterfront construction requires TWDB permits in addition to local building permits.
Post-Harvey Flood
Eastern county
Eastern Montgomery County along Spring Creek and San Jacinto tributaries was impacted by Harvey. Updated FEMA maps and elevation requirements apply.
Sam Houston National Forest
Northern county
Properties adjacent to the national forest have special considerations. Development near forest boundaries requires fire-resistant construction in some zones.
Frequently asked questions — Montgomery County, Texas
What is The Woodlands Township and how does it affect permits?
The Woodlands is not an incorporated city — it is a Special Purpose District (The Woodlands Township) that provides municipal services including parks, roads, and community standards enforcement. For building permits, The Woodlands Township coordinates with Montgomery County but also has its own Architectural Review Committee (the "Woodlands Community Association") that reviews exterior changes. You typically need Township architectural approval plus a Montgomery County building permit for work in The Woodlands.
Does The Woodlands have special rules about trees?
Yes. The Woodlands was designed around its forest character and has a comprehensive Tree Preservation Program. Most mature trees require a permit for removal, and large trees may require mitigation planting. The program is enforced by The Woodlands Township and is separate from any county tree rules. This is a key quality-of-life differentiator for The Woodlands — and a source of significant permit complexity for homeowners doing major landscaping or construction.
What is happening with growth north of The Woodlands?
Communities like Magnolia, Willis, and unincorporated northern Montgomery County are experiencing explosive growth as families seek larger lots and lower land prices than The Woodlands or Conroe offer. New subdivisions are being built at a rapid pace. Montgomery County has invested in permit staff to handle the volume, but rural areas may have longer inspector wait times than the urban core.
Can I build a dock on Lake Conroe?
Dock construction on Lake Conroe requires permits from both Montgomery County (building permit for the dock structure) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which regulates Lake Conroe. The process can take 2–4 months and requires survey documentation. The Woodlands Township coordinates its shoreline standards for properties within The Woodlands boundaries.
Sources: Montgomery County Permits fee schedule 2026 · The Woodlands Township · City of Conroe Development Services · IBC/IRC 2021 · FEMA NFHL · US Census Bureau BPS 2024 · Shovels.ai permit aggregator