Replacing a fence or installing a gas generator? Homeowners in Cantwell Forest, Avalon Oaks and Dulcimer Woods are required to obtain permits not only from the city of Shenandoah, but also from The Woodlands Township for fences, generators and other construction activities such as pools, exterior decking and outdoor kitchens.

 

The 128 homes in these neighborhoods (as well as some commercial property along Research Forest) were originally part of The Woodlands until June, 2003 when they were annexed by Shenandoah. The annexation made the area subject to the city’s building codes in addition to the existing deed restrictions and covenants of The Woodlands which were already in effect.

 

In 2021, a few residents from Cantwell Forest who had recently replaced fences and windows spoke at city council meetings and expressed frustration with the process of having to comply with duplicate permit applications. They said they obtained the appropriate permits from Shenandoah and completed the work, only to discover later that The Woodlands required them to obtain additional permits. They requested the city work with The Woodlands to reduce the paperwork.

 

During the November 17 city council meeting, city administrator Kathie Reyer acknowledged the need to “mitigate the frustration” caused by the process. However, she pointed out that termination of The Woodlands Association Covenants could not be considered until 2063 and even then, it would require a two-thirds vote of all members in the Association.

 

Over the last several months, Shenandoah city employees have met with their counterparts in The Woodlands to compare the duplicate requirements and reduce paperwork. Jackie Thompson, director of community development for Shenandoah said, “We are more than halfway through the process, we have a working list compiled to compare the permits.” She added that where specifications are different, efforts are being made to mirror them. Thompson said the goal is to ultimately combine the applications from both jurisdictions into one document which would be submitted to Shenandoah.

 

She concluded, “I have a positive outlook that we will be able to streamline and reduce the headache for residents” in the near future. Once the process is complete, Thompson said the city will notify affected homeowners of the changes.

 

For a list of residential permits required by the city, see https://www.shenandoahtx.us/169/Residential-Permits