Planning a fence, shed, or landscaping near a drainage area? Before you get started, it is important to check whether a drainage easement, or right-of-way, crosses your property.

When structures or other improvements are placed within or extend into the Harris County Flood Control District’s right-of-way without authorization, they are considered encroachments. In many cases, property owners may not realize an easement exists until they begin planning a project or are contacted about an existing encroachment.

Encroachments can:

• Block or interfere with stormwater flow
• Prevent maintenance crews and equipment from reaching drainage infrastructure
• Make repairs and maintenance more difficult and/or costly
• Limit access during certain emergency situations

The Flood Control District maintains more than 2,500 miles of drainage channels across Harris County. Clear access along those channels allows crews to inspect infrastructure and perform maintenance when needed.

Before You Build

A few simple steps can help avoid problems later:

• Check your property survey and neighborhood plat for drainage easements and rights-of-way
• Keep structures, such as fences, sheds, and decks, out of drainage easements
• Contact the Flood Control District if you’re unsure

If an Encroachment is Found

The Flood Control District works to communicate with property owners before an encroachment is removed. The process may begin with a letter, door hanger, or visit from an inspector or project manager explaining the issue.

Property owners are responsible for removing encroachments, but the Flood Control District’s Encroachment Removal Section is available to assist the property owner through the entire process.

Checking before you build can help prevent unexpected costs or delays while also keeping drainage infrastructure accessible for the crews who maintain it.

For assistance, contact the Flood Control District’s Encroachment Removal Section through HCFCD.org/Contact-Us.