top of page
Search

Model Language for HoAs in the Texas Hill Country

Authors: Hill Country Alliance


A practical guide for protecting and preserving water resources, native landscapes, and night skies.



According to a recent report published by the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network, the population in unincorporated areas of the Hill Country doubled between 1990 and 2020, and it shows no sign of slowing over the next 20-30 years. More people mean more homes, development, land fragmentation, impervious cover, loss of habitat, demand on water, and outdoor light escaping into the night sky. At the same time, recurring drought and record summer temperatures, along with growing demand, are severely reducing our surface water and groundwater resources. The 2022 State Water Plan demonstrates that our current water supply is not enough to meet future water demand. How can we protect and preserve our native landscapes and natural resources? A large majority of Hill Country land is unincorporated where counties have limited authority to manage growth and shape new housing developments or commercial construction.


However, it’s quite common for Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to have Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) that govern residential construction, community landscape requirements, and home maintenance standards. The HOA structure of community governance presents an important opportunity for new developments and existing HOAs to craft or amend CC&Rs and thoughtful Landscape Guidelines that encourage water conservation, native landscapes, and night sky friendly lighting. Such action can substantially contribute to preserving the region’s natural resources for future generations and building resilience against environmental pressures, like drought and heat.


Whether you are a developer establishing CC&Rs for a new subdivision, or an established HOA board or committee wishing to revise existing Landscape Guidelines, this guide can be a valuable tool for achieving significant and beneficial changes.


Publication Year:  2025


bottom of page