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Knollwood VillageCivic Club · Houston · Since 1954

Before You Build, Remodel, or Fence

Knollwood Village is a deed-restricted community and the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) takes that seriously. Approval is required before work that changes the size, shape, or exterior of your home. You will get timely, personal support.

Not everything needs a request. Swimming pools, driveways, re-roofing, painting, solar panels, and landscaping generally do not require an ACC request. City inspectors may still ask you for an approval letter in some cases, so when in doubt email build@knollwoodvillage.org.

The Process

  1. Read the FAQs. They answer most questions about setbacks, easements, sheds, fences, and stories.
  2. Review the Guideline for Multi-Story Residences if your project adds a second story. Section 8 and Braes Terrace II have their own building guidelines.
  3. Find your section on the map and read its deed restrictions. Restrictions for all sections except Section 8 are similar but differ slightly, so always read your own.
  4. Submit the right request: a standard request (fence, shed, front-of-home change, no fee) or a new construction or addition request (full plan review, fee applies).

The ACC has up to 30 days to complete its initial review after receiving all required documentation. You'll be notified by email if the submission is incomplete or doesn't meet the deed restrictions, and you'll receive a signed approval letter by email when your project is approved. Once approved, a "KVCC Approved" yard sign is available on request. Any City of Houston building permit application requires the homeowner to sign an affidavit that the work complies with the neighborhood's deed restrictions. ACC approval is what lets you sign that honestly.

Standard Request No Fee

For a new fence, a storage shed, or a change to the front of the home (for example a remodel of the facade) or a related item not tied to an addition or new build.

  1. Read the FAQs and the deed restrictions for your section.
  2. Download the Plan Approval Submission Form and complete the top half.
  3. Scan the completed form and email it to build@knollwoodvillage.org. If possible, include photos or a sketch.

New Construction or Addition Fee Applies

All new construction and additions within Knollwood Village and Braes Terrace Section II must be pre-approved by the ACC. Plans are reviewed for compliance with the deed restrictions for your section. You are responsible for ensuring your plans comply with all applicable deed restrictions and, separately, with City of Houston ordinances and the current building code. Plans must be current, correct, and representative of the work to be completed. Changes that affect the exterior size, height, or appearance of your project after submission or approval must be re-submitted.

  1. Read the FAQs and the deed restrictions for your section.
  2. Download the Plan Approval Submission Form (Word version) and complete the top half.
  3. Download and print the KVCC Construction Site Guidelines and Pledge of Maintenance. The homeowner and the contractor or builder must review and sign it.
  4. Pay the ACC review fee using the form at right. New construction $250. Additions $150. Questions and all other submissions are free. The fee offsets the club's review costs and is not tax deductible.
  5. Email build@knollwoodvillage.org with these scanned attachments:
    1. Completed Plan Approval Submission Form
    2. Builder-executed (signed) Construction Site Guidelines and Pledge of Maintenance
    3. A registered PDF copy of a survey of the lot clearly showing all building setback lines and utility easements
    4. A PDF of architectural plans, drawn to scale, including a site plan, site survey, floor plans of every level, roof plan, and exterior elevations with all exterior materials indicated
  6. The ACC verifies payment, reviews the documents, and responds with feedback or a signed approval letter.

Find Your Section

Type your address or click your lot. Each lot links to the deed restrictions that apply to it.

Deed Restrictions by Section

Guidelines and Forms

Original section map (image)Knollwood Village section map with lots colored by section

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACC?
The Architectural Control Committee is established by the deed restrictions to enforce the restrictions that govern the size of houses, the materials used in construction, and the location of houses, buildings, and fences on each lot. Members are volunteer neighbors approved by the club's Board of Directors.
Are the deed restrictions the same for every section?
The restrictions for all sections except Section 8 are very similar but differ slightly. Always consult the restrictions for the section your property is in. Section 8's restrictions were modified by a majority vote of its homeowners in September 2020.
When am I required to submit drawings for ACC approval?
Any work that changes the size or shape of your home should be reviewed and approved before work begins. Re-roofing, painting, and landscape work do not require approval.
What happens if I don't get ACC approval?
Any City of Houston building permit application requires the homeowner to sign an affidavit affirming that the work complies with all deed restrictions for the neighborhood. Without ACC approval, a homeowner would have to submit a false permit application and would be open to prosecution by the City Attorney.
Can I appeal the findings of the ACC?
Yes. Under the club's bylaws, any homeowner whose project is rejected by the ACC can appeal to the Board of Directors for a vote.
What counts as a story?
See the Guideline for Multi-Story Residences. It does not apply to Section 8 or Braes Terrace II, which have their own building guidelines.
Do I need to contact the ACC for a storage shed?
Yes. Storage sheds, out-buildings, and separate garages must be reviewed and approved by the ACC. Under the deed restrictions of many sections, detached structures have different setbacks from the main residence.
Can I build into the utility easement?
There are two types of easements on most properties. The 5-foot utility easement (U.E.) adjacent to many rear lot lines can never be built in and must be kept clear. Easements labeled A.E. reserve the air space from 20 feet above the ground and up, which generally means a single-story portion of a building can extend into that easement. CenterPoint Energy, which has legal use of that space, may have additional restrictions on minimum distances from utility wires.
Do I need to contact the ACC for a driveway or swimming pool?
Generally not. But if the work requires a building permit, you may need ACC approval so you can sign the permit affidavit the City requires.
Can I subdivide my property?
According to the City of Houston, a lot can be subdivided if the resulting lots all meet the minimum lot size in the deed restrictions or, if none is specified, 5,000 square feet. Because this can be expensive and time-consuming, consult the ACC and the City of Houston Planning Department first.
Can I build a house on two lots?
The City of Houston will require you to re-plat the two lots into a single building site. Re-platting removes the previous interior building lines and redefines the property as one site. Utility easements cannot be removed by a replat or subdivision.
How can I tell if my property is in the floodplain?
Type your address into the FEMA flood map. Zone AE is considered floodplain, and any new construction or addition there must be elevated above the base flood elevation.
Can I install a fence in the front of my home?
Texas law changed in 2021 (effective 2022) regarding front-yard fences and other residential security measures. See the club's Front Fence Guideline and the Residential Security Measures Guidelines.
How tall a fence can I build?
The deed restrictions do not address fence height. The City of Houston requires an engineer's seal and a permit for any fence taller than 8 feet above adjacent grade, or for any brick or masonry wall taller than 4 feet.
What's up with the sidewalks?
Here is the deal on sidewalks in Knollwood Village.
How do I find out if construction in the neighborhood was submitted and approved?
Email build@knollwoodvillage.org and we will let you know.