A subdivider or its agent may not sell lots from an unplatted subdivision or let controlled subdivision property become a public health nuisance.
Sec. 232.219. CIVIL PENALTIES. (a) A subdivider or an agent of a subdivider may not cause, suffer, allow, or permit a lot to be sold in a subdivision if the subdivision has not been platted as required by this subchapter. (b) Notwithstanding any other remedy at law or equity, a subdivider or an agent of a subdivider may not cause, suffer, allow, or permit any part of a subdivision over which the subdivider or an agent of the subdivider has control, or a right of ingress and egress, to become a public health nuisance as defined by Section 341.011, Health and Safety Code. (c) A subdivider who fails to provide, in the time and manner described in the plat, for the construction or installation of water or sewer service facilities described on the plat or on the document attached to the plat or who otherwise violates this subchapter or a rule or requirement adopted by the commissioners court under this subchapter is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $500 or more than $1,000 for each violation and for each day of a continuing violation but not to exceed $5,000 each day and shall also pay court costs, investigative costs, and attorney's fees for the governmental entity bringing the suit. (d) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a person who violates Subsection (a) or (b) is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 or more than $15,000 for each lot conveyed or each subdivision that becomes a nuisance. The person must also pay court costs, investigative costs, and attorney's fees for the governmental entity bringing the suit. (e) A person who violates Subsection (b) is not subject to a fine under Subsection (d) if the person corrects the nuisance not later than the 30th day after the date the person receives notice from the attorney general or a local health authority of the nuisance. (f) Venue for an action under this section is in a district court of Travis County, a district court in the county in which the defendant resides, or a district court in the county in which the violation or threat of violation occurs. (g) A person who holds a real estate broker's or sales agent's license under Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, acting in the person's capacity as a real estate broker or sales agent, other than a person who is a director, officer, or employee of the seller or subdivider or who is otherwise affiliated with the seller or subdivider, is not an agent of a seller or subdivider for purposes of this section. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 526 (H.B. 3680), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2025.