Building permits

Overview

Before you roll a rock or trim a tree for new construction or an improvement, you must submit a permit application and be approved!

In Canyon Lake Hills, new construction and most exterior property changes require an approved permit from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). Examples include, but are not limited to:

Pools
Playscapes
Outdoor kitchens
Decks
Pergolas
Hardscaping

Owners—not contractors—are responsible for submitting all relevant documents to obtain approval from the ACC.

Approval Process

How to apply for a building permit

Follow these steps to apply for a building permit:

Download the Building Permit Application.
Read, complete, and sign the form. We prefer that the property owner complete this form, but it may be completed by a third party. The property owner must sign the form.
Email an electronic copy of the executed form to permits@canyonlakehillspoa.org.
Note: Electronic files are preferred, but you also can mail the application form to:
Permits Director
1045 Scenic Drive
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
As soon as possible after submitting the application form, submit the additional required information to permits@canyonlakehillspoa.org. See the Checklist for Applicant section of the Building Permit Application for a list of requirements.
Note: The ACC will not process incomplete applications. You must submit ALL required items before the ACC will begin processing.
The ACC may request more information. If more information is needed, the ACC will email a request to the email address provided on the Building Permit Application form.
The committee has 30 days from the date all required information is received to review and render a decision. The 30-day response does not begin from the date of submission.
Upon review, you will receive the ACC's determination of your building permit application. Notification is sent to the email address provided on the Building Permit Application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I receive a POA permit, do I also need a County permit?

Requirements based on Comal County ordinances differ from POA requirements because they are two separate entities. Compliance is required for both entities, just as compliance is required for both state and county regulations.

For many outdoor projects, you must have approvals from both the POA and the county. We recommend you submit your project to each required entity well in advance of your planned project start date.

I'm in a hurry! How can I expedite my project?

The ACC fairly reviews all submissions. We do not accept "rush" or priority requests. You can, however, take steps to avoid delays:

Include all requested and relevant information in the initial submission.
Submit different projects separately. This helps prevent a delay in one project from impacting all projects.
Submit detailed plans. Include dimensions of the project as well as dimensions of the improvement in relation to the property lines.
Submit any questions about your proposed project or the permit process in advance.

Helpful Terms

Build plan

Set of architectural or engineering drawings needed to explain and describe the proposed improvement to be built.

Deed restrictions

Clauses on your property's deed that legally limit how you can use your property.

Site plan

Architectural document that functions as a map of a building site. It provides all of the details about how a structure will be oriented on the property.

Survey

Document that confirms land boundaries, such as the plot of land a home sits on, and identifies other types of restrictions and conditions that apply to the legal description of a property. The Survey document is an official drawing that is provided by a land surveying company and signed by a professional engineer (PE).

Variance

Exception to the prohibited rules for a particular lot. It acts as a waiver to a specific restriction for a particular lot.