The Fort Bend Subsidence District provides groundwater regulation through a science-based Regulatory Plan and well permitting process designed to reduce groundwater withdrawals and mitigate subsidence.
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!