Temporary 12-Month Permit Term Change Notice:
For administrative purposes, the Fort Bend Subsidence District (FBSD) will assign a new permit end date for permits that expire between December 31, 2026, and September 30, 2027. This may result in your next permit term exceeding the standard 12-month term, and FBSD staff will adjust your permit fee and withdrawal allocation to a prorated amount for the additional month(s).
- Please note that this is a one-time occurrence; permits renewing after 2027 will revert to a standard 12-month term.
- Permittees with a 5-year permit will not see any changes until the permit is renewed.
- Permittees with a Groundwater Reduction Plan will not be affected.
Permittees are advised to fill out their renewal application as usual. In Section 4 of the application, if you need to request a different withdrawal amount, please base your requested amount on a 12-month permit term. Should your allocation need to be prorated for the new permit term, FBSD staff will make the necessary adjustment.
For questions, you may contact FBSD staff via email or call 281-342-3273.
The Fort Bend Subsidence District provides groundwater regulation through a science-based Regulatory Plan and well permitting process designed to reduce groundwater withdrawals to prevent further subsidence in Fort Bend County.
FBSD’s Permitting Process
Step 1 – Application
An application must be completed using FBSD’s online permitting portal. You will need your name, contact information, physical location of well(s) with size and depth of well(s), and the amount of groundwater you expect to use over the next year. After submittal, District staff will verify your application and designate an application fee for you to pay on the online portal.
Step 2 – Public Hearing
The District is required by law to hold a public hearing on each permit application submitted. You will receive a hearing notice informing you of the date, time, and location of this hearing. Although your attendance is welcome, you are not required to attend this hearing. During the hearing, District staff will present your application to the Hearing Examiner along with the staff’s recommendations/comments on the permit application. You may be contacted after the hearing if additional information is needed.
Step 3 – Board Action
Once your permit application has completed the hearing process, it will be presented at an FBSD Board of Directors Meeting. You will only receive notice of the Board meeting if you specifically request notification or if there are special circumstances regarding your application, such as a prior violation or a difference between the amount of groundwater requested in the application and the amount recommended by the Hearing Examiner.
Step 4 – Permit Fee Statement
Once your permit application is approved by the FBSD Board of Directors, you will receive a permit fee statement. This statement will show the amount of groundwater that may be pumped during the term of your permit and the corresponding charge for that amount of permitted groundwater.
Step 5 – Permit Issued
Once your permit fee statement is paid, you will receive your well permit.
Learn more about permitting tips and compliance information here!