Development News for Tomball, Texas

City Provides Quarterly Update on Capital Improvement Projects and Grant Funding

The Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and grant quarterly update as of March 31, 2026, was presented. Several infrastructure projects are in progress, including the FM2920 lift station improvements (Phase 1 at 50% complete, Phase 2 at 90% design), Eastwater plant (35% complete, estimated November completion), South wastewater treatment plant expansion (25% complete, estimated December 2027 completion), and Baker Drive Water Plant (90% complete, substantial completion next Friday, online July 15th). Sidewalks for Baker Drive are completed, awaiting Cherry Street portion. Northstar erosion project is set to complete by month-end. The M18 channel improvements (Lizzy Lane portion) have awarded the contract and will begin construction this Thursday. The 16-inch water line for Grand Parkway is pending final comments and TxDOT approval, aiming for a late early summer bid. Main Street reconstruction is awaiting tree delivery. Two projects were completed: alley amenities (May 1st, under budget) and the 16-inch water line for Hubsmith Road (April 23rd, significantly under budget). The city has six active grants totaling $8.3 million, with $1.1 million spent. There are 15 pending grant applications totaling $50.6 million. Active grants include HUD CPF grants, GLO M18 drainage, Regional Health Foundation AEDs, and a solid waste grant. Pending grants include Hampton Place drainage, alley improvements phase two, South Pmen and Tempkin, and CPF for fiscal year 27 funding [cite: 163-288].

City Approves Additional Funds for Sewer Line Repairs in Hunterwood Subdivision

The city is proposing an additional expenditure of $200,000 for Vortex Services LLC to perform epoxy coating on manholes and install 'stints' (sleeves) in sewer lines within the Hunterwood subdivision. This follows previous work by Vortex Services, including smoke testing, cleaning, and cameraing of sewer lines, which identified approximately 40-48 defects. These issues, including cracks in the aging PVC pipes (installed in the 1980s), are causing significant inflow and infiltration (groundwater and rainwater entering the sewer system). The proposed 'stints' are a method of repair similar to 'open heart surgery' for sewer lines, aiming to seal cracks without full excavation. The funds are intended to epoxy coat manholes to prevent water intrusion and install sleeves in sewer lines to correct inflow and infiltration problems [cite: 663-702].

City Council Holds Meet and Greet for Board of Adjustments and Planning & Zoning Appointments

The council held a meet and greet for applicants seeking appointments to the Board of Adjustments (BOA). Incumbent alternate Ellen Warren expressed a desire to move to a full member position after several years of service and attending most meetings. Lisa Daniels, with a background in the medical field and construction (electrician), applied for any capacity, emphasizing commitment to safety and responsible growth. Kay Glascock, a real estate agent with 20 years of experience, applied for both BOA and Planning and Zoning (P&Z) commissions, highlighting knowledge of property development and land use. Incumbent Tina Rockmore, seeking reappointment to the BOA, noted her long service and desire to continue contributing to the city despite time limitations due to family needs. Incumbent Susan Harris and Tana Ross, both with extensive experience on BOA and P&Z, expressed interest in reappointment to P&Z. The council will vote on these appointments at the next meeting [cite: 1403-1675].

State Preemption Alters City Food Truck Regulations; Focus Shifts to Zoning and Licensing Verification

The city council is reviewing and discussing ordinance 2026-16 regarding food truck regulations. Due to recent state laws (SP 10008 and HB 2844), cities are preempted from regulating mobile food vendors except for fire code, zoning, and location. The state will now issue licenses and conduct inspections, either directly or through agreements with cities. The proposed ordinance removes references to food trucks from the city's mobile food vending ordinance (Chapter 32), including the definition and permit requirements, as these are now state-handled. The city retains authority over zoning, land use, fire code, waste regulations, and utility matters. A new provision requires vendors to present a state-issued license upon request by the city for verification. The city can issue citations for violations of state law, but cannot impose local fees. Current regulations regarding hours of operation and limits on how long trucks can remain in one place are being removed due to state preemption. However, the city can still regulate zoning and land use, potentially limiting where food trucks can operate, such as in designated food courts or specific zones, rather than scattered throughout commercial areas [cite: 1117-1295].