How to Build a House in Southern Woods

While it is true that you do not need to get all of the inspections and permits to build in Southern Woods
that one would have to acquire to build in Austin, there are permits and a process to go through.

1) Plans

Building begins with a complete set of building plans "signed and sealed for construction." Your builder
needs several sets to be able to give you a bottom line price on the house.

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) of the Homeowners Association of Southern Woods, Inc.
(HOA) will need to see a full set of plans signed and sealed for construction that has the total square footage
and details concerning the exterior façade and roof materials before approval can be made.

The house dimensions (2000+ sq. feet) and materials (at least 50% masonry exterior) must comply with
the deed restrictions before approval.

A survey of the property showing the approximate location of the foundation is also required (50 foot set
backs from property lines.)

Once approved, the ACC will return your plans with a letter to pass along to your lender.

2) Utilities

Electricity
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative provides electrical service.

To have electricity on your lot, you must first become a member. The closest office is at 11940 Manchaca
Road - (512) 219-2602. This office is located less than a 1/4 mile north of intersection of RR1626 and
Manchaca Road on the west side of road.

Establishing your electrical account is easy - it’s just a matter of paper work and a check for $675.00.

Having electrical service installed will take 6 to 8 weeks. It would be prudent to make this one of the first
things you accomplish.

Telephone
Verizon provides telephone service. They can be reached at 1-800-483-4400.
Time Warner also provides Voice Over Internet (VOP) phone service as well.

Cable TV
Time Warner provides cable service. They also offer Roadrunner Internet high-speed service as well.
Time Warner can be reached at 512 485-6000.

Gas
Gas appliances need a propane service. Several companies are listed in the yellow pages. Most of the
companies will either sell or lease you a tank. Placement of the tank above or below grade is a matter of
personal choice. Ask for the form to send to the Texas Railroad Commission - each gas appliance will
receive a $50.00 rebate.

Water
We are on private wells. Most wells are 375 to 425 feet deep and the water is from the Edward's Acquifer.
Wells have been costing between $6,000.00 to as much as $8,000.00.
Well drilling companies used thus far are: David McDearmon, Associated, and B&B. Their numbers are in
the Yellow Pages.

The Well Drilling Permit must be obtained from the Barton Springs/ Edward's Acquifer Conservation
District (BSEACD) Office at 1124-A Regal Row (512) 282-8441. They are located just north of the
Pedernales Electric Cooperative Office off of Manchaca Road.

If your drilling contractor will turn in his "drill logs" to BSEACD, they will refund part of your permit fee.

Wastewater
Each lot must have a septic system installed. A large number of contractors can do the work. A
conventional system with a septic tank and drain field can cost as much as $10,000.00 or more. An aerobic
system can cost as little as $6,000.00 but must be maintained by a licensed professional.

A Waste Water Permit is required by the Hays County Environmental Department. (Permits can be
obtained at Hays County Environmental Office, 1251 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos, Texas 78666 - (512)
393-2160.). A copy of the wastewater permit must be submitted with your house plans to the ACC for
approval.

Trash Collection

Weekly trash collection is required. Burning of household waste is prohibited. Texas Disposal System and
IES pick up each Wednesday.

3) Permits

Hays County requires a building Permit ($35.00) Before issuing a building permit, they must first see a set
of plans, signed and sealed for construction.

The ACC needs to see a copy of your building permit along with the house plans.

Since the HOA owns the roadways of Southern Woods, no county permit is required now for a driveway.

Before starting construction on the required, a paved driveway apron on any drive fronting either Southern
Drive or Westway Drive, ACC approval is required. An 18-inch culvert pipe is required.

The lots, which front onto 1626 must share the road cut already installed by the developer. These cuts were
required by the Texas Department of Transportation (TX DOT) and cannot be changed without the
permission of TX DOT.

Once the permits have been obtained, copies must be forwarded to the ACC.

Once plans are finalized, permits obtained, and ACC approval is granted, the builder is given 12 months to
complete the house. Houses built thus far have taken as little as 120 days to complete.

It would be wise to get a builder who will commit to a deadline to minimize the length of time you're
paying interest on a construction loan.

Get your electrical service first, drill the well second (the well must have electricity to work,) and then your
contractor can begin building. (Without electricity and water, pouring the foundation and setting the septic
tanks are difficult if not impossible.)

4) Contractor Requirements

We ask that all contractors and their sub-contractors park completely on the property and NOT on the
right-of-way (ROW) owned by the HOA. Maintaining the ROW is a necessary part of road maintenance.
All concrete trucks are asked to do their wash outs completely on the property under construction. Concrete
wash outs on the ROW are prohibited and the lot owner will be fined if this occurs. Cleanup costs will be
assessed the lot owner.