The 10 Ac. Development
Wondering how to develop that 10 ac. in Lubbock County?
Introduction
At the time of this article, a significant portion of land in Lubbock County is divided into 10-acre tracts. That’s no coincidence.
For many developers, these 10-acre tracts seem like an attractive starting point: they’re often located just outside city limits, relatively affordable, and large enough to further subdivide into smaller 1-acre residential lots.
However, the moment you decide to subdivide a 10-acre tract into smaller tracts, you enter a completely different regulatory environment. At that point, your project becomes a platted subdivision, subject to county review, infrastructure design standards, and (as of January 2024) a Groundwater Availability Report requirement.
In this article, we’ll outline a few key considerations developers should understand before purchasing or subdividing a 10-acre tract in Lubbock County, Texas.
Platting
So, what exactly is platting — and why should developers care about it?
Platting is the formal process of subdividing land into smaller tracts or lots through a recorded document called a plat. This plat legally defines each lot’s boundaries, easements, and access, and once recorded, it becomes the official subdivision of the land.
In Texas, any subdivision that creates lots smaller than 10 acres must be platted. That’s where things start to get more complex.
Once a tract is platted, the local governing body — in this case, Lubbock County — is required to review and approve the plat. Their review ensures that your proposed lots and improvements meet the county’s subdivision regulations, which address everything from access and drainage to utility provisions and right-of-way dedication.
In short, while purchasing a 10-acre tract may not require county approval, developing it into smaller residential lots absolutely will. Understanding this distinction early can save significant time, design effort, and cost during due diligence and planning.
Lubbock County Development
Developing a 10-Acre Tract in Lubbock County
In Lubbock County, the most common approach to developing a 10-acre tract is to subdivide it into several 1-acre residential lots.
Why one acre? The answer comes down to TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) regulations. For most rural developments, water wells and on-site septic systems are the only practical utilities available. Under TCEQ’s On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) rules, a 1-acre lot typically provides the minimum land area needed for both systems to function safely and meet regulatory spacing requirements.
New Groundwater Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2024, a new requirement under Texas Local Government Code §232.0032 mandates that any plat creating lots smaller than 10 acres must include a Groundwater Availability Report (GAR).
This report, supported by a Groundwater Availability Study (GAS), demonstrates that adequate groundwater exists to support the proposed subdivision. Developers should factor this requirement into their due diligence and project budget early, as it adds both time and cost to the platting process.
Access and Roadway Improvements
Once lot sizes and utilities are determined, access becomes the next major challenge — and often the most expensive one.
In Lubbock County, when a property is developed through a plat, the developer is required to improve the roadway that fronts the property to county standards. On paper, this seems straightforward, but the County’s goal of avoiding “patchy” improvements can make things more complicated.
To maintain continuous, safe corridors, the County often requires developers to extend improvements until they connect with an existing improved roadway. This means a small 10-acre subdivision could end up responsible for road construction beyond its boundaries, significantly increasing development costs.
At Legacy Engineering, we’ve seen many projects struggle not because of poor design, but because of these unanticipated infrastructure expenses. Understanding roadway requirements early helps developers plan more realistic budgets and avoid costly surprises later in the process.
Groundwater Availability Study
Groundwater Availability Study (GAS)
As of January 1, 2024, any subdivision of land in Texas that creates lots smaller than 10 acres must include a Groundwater Availability Report (GAR) supported by a Groundwater Availability Study (GAS).
Before 2024, this study was often recommended but not legally required. The new legislation now makes it a mandatory component of every plat that relies on groundwater for domestic use.
What the Study Involves
A Groundwater Availability Study is a short-term hydrologic test designed to confirm whether the local aquifer can sustain water wells for the lots being created.
In practical terms, two wells are typically used:
- One well is equipped with a pump and monitoring device,
- The second is a monitoring-only well,
- Water is pumped continuously for 48 hours, while water-level data are collected from both wells.
The data is then used to estimate aquifer performance, drawdown, and long-term yield—information summarized in the GAR submitted with your plat application.
Why It Matters to Developers
If your property already has existing wells, those can often be used for the study.
However, if no wells exist, two new test wells must be drilled, adding a significant up-front cost.
While this cost can range widely depending on depth and site conditions, most developers find it a worthwhile investment. Lots backed by a verified groundwater study not only meet legal requirements but also command higher resale values since buyers gain confidence knowing that a proven, producing well is already located on the property.
At Legacy Engineering, we’ve seen nearly every project recoup its GAS costs through the increased market value of the finished lots.
Looking Ahead
If you’re planning to develop a rural subdivision in Lubbock County or anywhere in West Texas, budgeting early for groundwater testing is crucial. Our team can help coordinate the well drilling, testing, and reporting process to keep your plat submission compliant and on schedule.
For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in a Groundwater Availability Study and how Legacy Engineering manages the process, see our Groundwater Study article.
Closing Thoughts
The development of 10-acre tracts across Lubbock County — and throughout West Texas — will only continue to grow as more landowners and developers look to create affordable rural residential communities.
However, with evolving regulations like the Groundwater Availability Report (GAR) requirement and increased roadway obligations, understanding the true scope of subdivision development has never been more important.
At Legacy Engineering, we specialize in guiding developers through every stage of this process — from initial feasibility and platting to groundwater studies, roadway design, and construction coordination. Our goal is to help you turn rural land into well-planned, compliant, and profitable developments.
If you’re considering purchasing or developing a 10-acre tract in Lubbock County or the greater West Texas region, our team would be glad to help you evaluate your options and plan your next project.