Author: FBLID 15

Homeowners throughout Riverstone continue to improve their property by constructing pools, decks, gazebos, fire pits and even boat docks.  LID 15 supports resident’s efforts the improve their homes and enhance the appearance and enjoyment of our neighborhoods.  These individual investments help Riverstone remain a premier community to call home.

The Board of Directors of LID 15 would like to remind residents about some special requirements to consider before planning for backyard improvements.  All homes in the District that are next to a lake include a LID 15 Drainage Easement.  The Drainage Easement includes all property within 30 feet of the concrete lake edge.  Any improvements constructed within the 30-foot Drainage Easement must be pre-approved by LID 15.  There are several reasons why the District must maintain this easement, including that, during heavy rains, the drainage system is designed fill in these lower backyard areas that are close to the lake.  Any backyard improvements need to preserve this critical flood storage.  Another purpose of the Drainage Easement is future access to repair and/or maintain LID 15’s detention and drainage facilities.  At some point, the concrete edges around the lakes will need repair or replacement, and the community will need unobstructed access around the lake.

Typical improvements that are permitted within the LID 15 Drainage Easement include sidewalks, stairs, and flat work like patios and decks.  Improvements that are not permitted within the easement include swimming pools, vertical structures like gazebos, and most elevated surfaces that require a retaining wall and do not “step down” with the slope of the property.  The concrete edge around the lake also includes a paved shelf below the waterline.  LID 15 created a dock design standard that will allow residents to construct boat docks without damaging the bottom of the lake.  Residents can submit plans for backyard improvements electronically to generalmanager@fblid15.com, and the designs are reviewed monthly by the Board of Directors.  Please consult your property survey (which should have been provided during closing) early in the process to avoid complications in the future.  If your property includes the Drainage Easement, the survey should reflect that.

As a reminder, all LID 15 residents should continue to contact the Riverstone Homeowners Association before making any exterior improvements.  For the latest HOA information please refer to:  riverstone.com/residents-compliance

Example of LID 15 Drainage Easement

Adjacent to LID 15 is a neighboring Levee District known as First Colony LID. Like many LIDs around Fort Bend County, First Colony LID is working on levee and drainage improvements within their District.

First Colony LID is currently excavating existing ponds to create additional detention inside the levee, and the excavated material is being used to raise their levee approximately 2 feet. This construction project and levee raising will occur behind some homes that are inside LID 15, generally on Riverstone Crossing Drive, Gable Wing Lane and Mistyleaf Lane.

The First Colony LID construction project will not increase the risk of flood control or drainage issues inside LID 15. Additional information including a project map and contact information can be found on the First Colony LID website: www.firstcolonylid.org.

On September 20 the LID 15 Board of Directors lowered the District’s 2021 tax rate to $0.405 (per $100 of assessed value).  This is a $0.035, or 8%, reduction when compared to the 2020 tax rate, and it will lower the average homeowner’s tax bill by $197.  Over the past seven years LID 15 has reduced the total tax rate by almost 50%.  During the same period of time the District has continued to improve flood control infrastructure throughout the community.  As recently as this year LID 15 completed construction of the Hagerson Road Pump Station and partnered with LID 19 to expand the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station.  These actions by the LID 15 Board of Directors reflect their commitment to the District’s Mission Statement:

Our Mission, is a COMMITMENT to provide the HIGHEST quality flood plain reclamation, flood protection, detention and outfall drainage for the community in the most cost-effective manner.