Building in RCA

There’s something for everyone at Rayburn Country!

RCA owners, potential buyers, and builders – This page is for all y’all!
Please read the overview, then scroll down for frequently asked questions.

Buyers should also read the page about the different sections in RCA.

There are also some special notes for builders here. Lot owners can use any builder of their choice.

Overview

Neither Jasper County nor Brookeland have a permitting process. Therefore, RCA does more than most HOA’s relative to the architectural approval process. The Environmental Control Committee (ECC) is made up of homeowner volunteers appointed by the board to review permits and ensure compliance with deed restrictions.

In an effort to get more information out to potential buyers, builders, and existing homeowners, the RCA adopted the Building Permit Process Guidelines to work on clarifying the application process and guidelines for building in RCA.

The ECC will review your permit application, and if a permit is granted, they will continue to track your building progress to make sure it is consistent with the plans you submitted and on track for completion within 12 months. Due to supply chain and labor issues, the ECC has extended the six-month completion requirement stated in the deed restrictions to 12 months for all projects. Please understand that extensions beyond 12 months are only granted in extreme circumstances; plan your project accordingly.

Please allow at least 30 days for the processing of your permit application and note that a professional survey is required for all standard permit applications; pin marking is not sufficient.

Do I need a permit? YES.

A permit is required for nearly all exterior changes or additions to your property including:

  • Land Clearing
  • New Builds
  • Mobile Homes*
  • Shop or Garage
  • Carports
  • Sheds/Other Buildings
  • Patios & Decks
  • Driveways
  • Fences or Retaining Walls
  • Reroofing / Repainting
  • Propane Tanks and Generators
  • Pools
  • Anything involving pouring cement

*only allowed in some sections

Click the titles for a printable document or a page with more details:

BUILDING FAQs and other tips about building in RCA.

SECTION COMPARISON CHART includes the minimum square feet required for new builds, water & sewer information, which sections include lots on the lake or golf course.

ABOUT THE PERMIT APPLICATION gives you details about how to ensure your application is complete.

10 EASY STEPS – This page gives you an overview of the process you can print as a guide

STANDARD PERMIT APPLICATION for new builds and any project requiring cement including fences, patios, etc.

LIMITED PERMIT APPLICATION
for repainting, reroofing, or other small projects that do not require cement to be poured

LAND CLEARING PERMIT for clearing underbrush and trees

IN KIND/SAME AS PERMIT APPLICATION for work or repairs that is “replacement in kind” or “same as” materials

Some important notes:

If you will be installing a septic system, you will also need to get a permit from the Angelina and Neches River Authority.

If you are adjacent to the lake, be sure you understand where the 179 line is on your lot and the restrictions related to what you can build below the line. If you have questions about this, please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers.