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1. I would like to subdivide my property, what is the process for a plat approval?

The City’s Subdivision Ordinance provides for the orderly and safe development of all areas within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction to promote the general welfare of the community.
The plat approval process is outlined in the city’s Subdivision Ordinance. Plat approval is required prior to the issuance of any building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit. Unless provided otherwise, the Planning and Zoning Commission is the city’s authority to approve, disapprove, or approve a plat with conditions. Plat applications may be submitted in accordance with the city’s published Submittal Schedule.

In general, the process for plat approval includes the following steps:

• Pre-Application Conference: Before submitting certain development applications, a pre-application conference with the development review team is required. A pre-application conference brings together relevant City of Missouri City departments/divisions including Planning; Engineering; Building; Fire; Parks; and Economic Development, as applicable to assist interested persons in applicable city-adopted regulations; resources; goals; and objectives. A pre-application conference helps to gather information, clarify requirements, and provide feedback on a proposed development. A pre-application conference can also provide an opportunity to address concerns or potential issues early in the process.
• Concept plan approval: Following completion of a pre-application conference, approval of a conceptual plan is required prior to the submission of a sequence of preliminary plats subdividing a property containing five or more acres or subdividing a property into three or more parts. Conceptual plan approval is valid for a period of 2 years. A preliminary plat application, subject to the conceptual plan approval, must be submitted prior to the expiration of the conceptual plan approval.
• Preliminary plat approval: Unless exempted, and following the completion of a pre-application conference and conceptual plan approval, as applicable, preliminary plat approval is required prior to the submission of a final plat application. Preliminary plat approval is valid for a period of 2 years. A final plat application must be submitted prior to the expiration of the preliminary plat approval.
• Final plat approval and recordation: Final plat approval is required prior to recording a plat into the real property records of Fort Bend or Harris County, as applicable. Final plat approval is valid for a period of 2 years. An approved final plat must be recorded in the applicable County’s public records prior to the expiration of approval.
• Abbreviated platting process: The requirements for a preliminary plat may be waived under certain conditions. To see if a plat qualifies for the abbreviated platting process, please review eligibility for the Abbreviated Platting Procedure.
• Amending plats and replats: A previously recorded plat may be amended or re-platted by following the same process for final plat approval. Amending plats must comply with the requirements of the Texas Government Code Section 212.016. If qualified, an amending plat may be approved following an administrative review. Otherwise, an amending plat must be submitted in accordance with the Submittal Schedule for plat approval. For questions regarding amending plat eligibility, please email the Development Service Department - Planning and Development Division.
• Plat application submittal: A plat application must be submitted via the city’s online system, MCTX Self Service on a designated submittal date. All items identified during the pre-application conference and indicated on the submittal checklist and applicable fees must be provided for a complete application.

2. Is my property subject to impact fees?

The City of Missouri City, Texas has 3 impact fees in specified areas throughout the city. The collection of these impact fees is done during the platting process for properties located in the Northeast Oyster Creek watershed; the Mustang Bayou City Service area; and the area of the Lake Olympia Parkway Extension. Impact fees are calculated at the time of platting and are required to be paid prior to plat recordation. Impact fees pay back investments made in these areas of the community for certain utility, drainage, and road capacity improvements. For more information regarding impact fees, please email the city's Public Works - Engineering division.

3. Do I need to dedicate land for a public park?

Whenever a final plat for a residential development is filed for recordation, a dedication of land to the city for park purposes is required. A parkland dedication proposal is required to be submitted prior to the submission of a final plat application for a residential subdivision. A parkland dedication proposal is considered by the Parks and Recreation board; followed by the Planning and Zoning Commission; followed by the City Council making the final determination for acceptance. A parkland dedication process can run concurrently with a preliminary plat application however an applicant should discuss such a proposal with city staff prior to submission. For more information on the parkland dedication process, please email the Development Services Department – Planning and Development Division.

4. How are new streets named?

New street names are presented and proposed in a subdivision plat that is dedicating right-of-way for public or private street use. The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve or disapprove a street name in accordance with the city’s adopted new street name regulations.

5. How can I change the name of an existing street?

Existing public streets located within the boundaries of the city are generally owned and maintained by the city. The names of public streets may only be changed as initiated by a City Council member or upon petition of 60% or more of property owners owning property along the subject street. Upon initiation or application, the City Council may approve or disapprove a street name in accordance with the city’s adopted existing street name regulations. Street names on private streets may be changed by replat of the subject street. To change the names of streets owned and maintained by other public entities (i.e. - TxDOT, Fort Bend County), a property owner would need to coordinate with the applicable entity for approval.

6. What is the difference between a plat and a survey?

A plat shows the boundaries and dimensions of multiple parcels of land and does not include improvements or constructed features like building footprints, fences, etc. A survey typically shows a single property with locations of ground features and improvements such as buildings, fences, and driveways.

7. How can I obtain a plat of my lot lines?

A copy of your subdivision plat may be obtained in printed or electronic format by contacting the City of Missouri City, the City Secretary’s office, or emailing the Development Services Department - Planning and Development division.

8. How can I obtain a copy of my survey?

The City of Missouri City does not maintain surveys on file.

9. How can I determine the location of my property lines?

A subdivision plat may be used to determine the approximate location of property lines. If you are unable to find any survey markers in the ground at your property, you can hire a licensed land surveyor to help you determine the exact location of a property line. The City of Missouri City cannot certify the exact location of a property line.

10. What are building setbacks? And what are the building setbacks on my property?

A building setback is the distance a building or structure can be from a property line. Building setbacks are established by the zoning use district regulations and are reflected on a subdivision plat. Building setbacks can vary for every subdivision. Building setback lines exist for many reasons including preventing building structures from being built too close to one another, preventing fire from spreading to buildings or homes that are too close together, and serving as utility easements for local power or water companies to gain access to properties where they have their meters. For assistance in determining the building setbacks for your property, please email the Development Services Department - Planning and Development division or call 281-403-8600.