Sec. 232.035. CIVIL PENALTIES. (a) A subdivider or an agent of a subdivider may not cause, suffer, allow, or permit a lot to be sold in a subdivision if the subdivision has not been platted as required by this subchapter.
(b) Notwithstanding any other remedy at law or equity, a subdivider or an agent of a subdivider may not cause, suffer, allow, or permit any part of a subdivision over which the subdivider or an agent of the subdivider has control, or a right of ingress and egress, to become a public health nuisance as defined by Section 341.011, Health and Safety Code.
(c) A subdivider who fails to provide, in the time and manner described in the plat, for the construction or installation of water or sewer service facilities described on the plat or on the document attached to the plat or who otherwise violates this subchapter or a rule or requirement adopted by the commissioners court under this subchapter is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $500 or more than $1,000 for each violation and for each day of a continuing violation but not to exceed $5,000 each day and shall also pay court costs, investigative costs, and attorney's fees for the governmental entity bringing the suit.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a person who violates Subsection (a) or (b) is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 or more than $15,000 for each lot conveyed or each subdivision that becomes a nuisance. The person must also pay court costs, investigative costs, and attorney's fees for the governmental entity bringing the suit.
(e) A person who violates Subsection (b) is not subject to a fine under Subsection (d) if the person corrects the nuisance not later than the 30th day after the date the person receives notice from the attorney general or a local health authority of the nuisance.
(f) Venue for an action under this section is in a district court of Travis County, a district court in the county in which the defendant resides, or a district court in the county in which the violation or threat of violation occurs.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 979, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 7 - Regulation of Land Use, Structures, Businesses, and Related Activities
Subtitle B - County Regulatory Authority
Chapter 232 - County Regulation of Subdivisions
Subchapter B. Subdivision Platting Requirements in County Near International Border
Section 232.022. Applicability
Section 232.023. Plat Required
Section 232.024. Approval by County Required
Section 232.025. Subdivision Requirements
Section 232.026. Water and Sewer Service Extension
Section 232.027. Bond Requirements
Section 232.028. Certification Regarding Compliance With Plat Requirements
Section 232.029. Connection of Utilities in Counties Within 50 Miles of International Border
Section 232.030. Subdivision Regulation; County Authority
Section 232.0305. County Inspector
Section 232.031. Requirements Prior to Sale or Lease
Section 232.0315. Notice of Water and Wastewater Requirements by Counties
Section 232.032. Services Provided by Subdivider
Section 232.033. Advertising Standards and Other Requirements Before Sale; Offense
Section 232.034. Conflict of Interest; Penalty
Section 232.035. Civil Penalties
Section 232.036. Criminal Penalties
Section 232.038. Suit by Private Person in Economically Distressed Area
Section 232.039. Cancellation of Subdivision
Section 232.041. Revision of Plat
Section 232.042. Variances From Replatting Requirements
Section 232.043. Variances From Platting Requirements