Regional Habitat Conservation Plan


Over the next 30 years, the population of Comal County, Texas, is expected to grow to 202,500, a 78 percent increase. As the population grows, native woodlands will increasingly be converted to urban and suburban landscapes. In addition to loss of open space, increased land development in the County is likely to cause the loss and disturbance of habitat used by species protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 USC § 1531 et seq. (ESA).

In order to conserve the County’s endangered species and to help landowners and other entities comply with the ESA as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, the Comal County Commissioners Court and a citizens advisory committee investigated ways to protect endangered species habitat while allowing for continued growth. They developed, and the Court approved, a Comal County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (CCRHCP) designed to facilitate landowner compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. Landowner participation in the County's Plan is voluntary, though compliance with federal law is not. The CCRHCP offers a relatively easy and cost-effective way to comply with federal law. If a landowner decides to participate voluntarily in the CCRHCP, they will receive an Overview Letter that describes the steps for achieving compliance with the law through the CCRHCP.

For additional information about the CCRHCP, please review the CCRHCP Informational Flyer.

Informational Documents

Participation Process

Step 1: Application

Fill out and submit an application to the Comal County Engineer's Office. You can download the application using the link below.

Step 2: Issuance of Determination Letter and Participation Agreement

Comal County will review submitted application packages, conduct an on-site assessment of the property, and (if necessary) delineate potential habitat for the species. For more information please see overview letter.

Step 3: Compliance with Participant Terms

Participation in the RHCP requires adherence to the terms and conditions of the Participation Agreement, including:

  1. Clearing of woody vegetation in areas of golden-cheeked warbler habitat should be completed during the months from August through February. From March 1 to July 31, such work must cease since golden-cheeked warblers may have returned to the area to nest.
  2. Clearing of woody vegetation in areas of black-capped vireo habitat should be completed during the months from September through mid-March. From March 16 to August 31, such work must cease since the vireo may have returned to the area to nest.

Comal County RHCP Permit Viewer

Thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions while navigating this process, please contact the Comal County Engineer, Thomas Hornseth, at 830-608-2090, or via email at rabthh@co.comal.tx.us. We look forward to receiving your application.

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