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By KC Custom Homes Team | 2024 TAB Grand Award Winner
Are you searching for custom home builders in Boerne, TX? You probably envision limestone exteriors with sweeping Hill Country views. We've built luxury estates across Kendall County for over 25 years. This guide walks you through the essential logistics of building in premier communities like Cordillera Ranch.
Boerne delivers Hill Country privacy with top-tier amenities that few Texas towns match. You get access to the Guadalupe River and highly rated schools without San Antonio's density.
We see many clients relocate here for the lifestyle alone. You might explore The Springs, Bears Ridge, or the prestigious Cordillera Ranch. The terrain is rocky and stunning. It demands a builder who understands how to engineer foundations for limestone soil.
We know the local regulations inside and out. We understand how to preserve your Ag Exemption status during construction. Our team coordinates with county officials and HOA committees daily.
Local Tip: Check whether your lot sits in the City of Boerne or the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). This determines who issues your building permits and what codes apply.
Cordillera Ranch enforces strict design guidelines to protect property values and preserve the native landscape. You must secure Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval before clearing any trees or breaking ground.
The official Cordillera Ranch Design Guidelines dictate everything from roof pitch to exterior lighting fixtures. The community prioritizes dark sky protection to prevent light pollution.
Square Footage: Minimums typically start at 3,000 to 3,500 sq ft depending on your unit
Setbacks: Front setbacks often require 50 feet from the property line
Materials: Masonry requirements run high, often 100% stone or stucco exterior coverage
Native Vegetation Preserve (NVP): A protected buffer zone on your lot where clearing is prohibited without special permission
The ARC review process can take approximately 4-6 weeks, though this may vary based on committee schedules and submission completeness.. Factor this into your timeline. Submit complete plans with material samples, elevations, and a site plan showing tree preservation areas.
You'll need an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) permit and likely a water well application. These are critical first steps that directly impact your building timeline.
Most luxury lots in this area lack city sewer connections. You must install a private septic system. The Kendall County septic permitting requirements are managed by the County Health Department. They require soil testing by a licensed sanitarian.
Water is precious in the Hill Country. The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District rules regulate well drilling and pumping limits.
Central Water: Available in some Cordillera Ranch sections through GBRA
Private Wells: Required for many larger acreage lots (5+ acres)
Rainwater Harvesting: We often install large cisterns (10,000+ gallons) to supplement your water supply and reduce well dependency
Septic permits typically require 3-4 weeks for processing after soil analysis, while well drilling permits may take 2-3 weeks. Plan for these lead times in your project schedule.
Costs vary widely based on site conditions, square footage, and finish selections. Review our detailed 2025 cost guide for current price-per-square-foot ranges.
Building on a flat city lot differs dramatically from building on a rocky ridge. Site work in the Hill Country is a major budget factor. You must account for rock excavation and extended utility runs.
Lot Prep: Cedar clearing and limestone excavation ($15,000-$50,000+ depending on acres)
Foundation: Engineered slabs or pier-and-beam systems for expansive soils ($40,000-$80,000)
Masonry: High-quality stone veneer and stucco are standard expectations here
ARC & HOA Fees: Review fees ($500-$2,000) and HOA transfer fees at closing
Driveway: Rock base and caliche or concrete for steep grades ($10,000-$30,000)
Custom projects in Cordillera Ranch often start in the $400+ per square foot range, varying significantly based on finish selections and site conditions. That's before premium finishes like custom cabinetry or smart home systems. Read our 2025 Texas Custom Home Cost Guide for detailed breakdowns.
The design and permitting phase typically takes 3-6 months before groundbreaking. You must balance the county permitting process with the HOA design review simultaneously.
We handle this coordination for you. We submit plans to the ARC and county offices at the same time when possible. This parallel approach is designed to streamline the process and help optimize your timeline.
1. Lot Evaluation: We walk your land to assess views, slopes, and buildable areas
2. Design Development: We create floor plans that work with your topography, not against it
3. ARC Submittal: We present material boards, elevations, and site plans for community approval
4. County Permitting: We file with City of Boerne Planning or Kendall County depending on your location
County permit approval often takes 2-4 weeks once paperwork is complete, subject to county workload. The ARC process runs longer due to monthly meeting schedules. Our team manages all submittal requirements and revision rounds.
Buying a larger acreage lot with an existing agricultural valuation can save you thousands annually in property taxes. You must maintain qualifying activities to keep this status active.
Many 6+ acre lots in Kendall County carry this exemption. You might keep bees, cut hay for sale, or lease the land for cattle grazing. The Texas agricultural tax valuation guidelines explain specific requirements.
Minimum Acreage: Typically 5-10 acres depending on your activity type
Intensity Standards: You must prove your operation is commercial, not just for personal use
Annual Reporting: The appraisal district reviews your agricultural use yearly
Home Placement: Position your house and yard to minimize impact on productive acreage
We can work with you to site your home with the goal of preserving agricultural area where feasible. This might mean building on the least productive portion of your lot or clustering improvements near the property entrance.
The tax savings are substantial. Qualifying properties may see significant tax reductions with an active exemption; consult a tax professional for specific estimates.
Topic
Authority
Key Notes
Septic
Kendall County Health Dept.
Requires soil analysis by licensed professional; 3-4 week approval
Water
Cow Creek GCD / GBRA
Check current Stage 3 drought restrictions; well permits take 2-3 weeks
Design
Cordillera Ranch ARC
Protect Native Vegetation Preserve; monthly review meetings
Taxes
Kendall Appraisal District
Ask about Ag Exemption eligibility for lots over 5 acres
Building Codes
City of Boerne or County
IBC amendments apply in city limits; county focuses on septic and floodplains
Costs depend on finishes, terrain complexity, and square footage. It's a premium community requiring high-end materials like natural stone and tile or metal roofing.
Budget $400-$600+ per square foot for quality construction. Total investment for a 3,500 sq ft home, including land and site work, can range from $1.4M to $2.1M+, depending on the specific lot and design choices. Complex topography increases foundation and grading costs significantly.
If you're in city limits, you follow International Building Code (IBC) amendments adopted by Boerne. In the county, regulations focus mainly on septic systems, driveway permits, and floodplain management.
The City of Boerne zoning map shows which properties fall under city jurisdiction. County properties have fewer restrictions but still require septic permits and health department approvals.
Yes. There's a Property Owners Association (POA) with mandatory fees covering gate security, common area maintenance, and architectural enforcement.
Annual POA fees typically run $2,000-$4,000 depending on your unit. These fees fund 24/7 gate security, road maintenance, and community amenities. The POA also enforces the design guidelines through the ARC process.
Permit approvals take 2-4 weeks once all paperwork is submitted correctly. However, septic design and soil testing must be completed first, adding 4-6 weeks to the front end.
Plan for a total pre-construction timeline of 3-6 months including design, ARC approval, septic permitting, and building permits. We coordinate these steps to minimize delays.
It depends on your specific unit within the community. Some areas have central water from GBRA. Larger estate lots often require a private well regulated by Cow Creek GCD.
Wells typically cost $15,000-$30,000 depending on depth and water quality. The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District sets pumping limits and spacing requirements between wells.
We advise clients to plan for 12-18+ months from lot purchase to move-in. This ensures quality craftsmanship and allows time for complex Hill Country site work.
The timeline breaks down roughly:
Weather, material availability, and custom elements can extend this timeline. We provide detailed schedules during our consultation process.
Are you ready to discuss your vision for a Hill Country estate? We can meet you at your lot to discuss feasibility, views, and design possibilities.
Our team brings 25+ years of local building experience. We understand Kendall County regulations, Cordillera Ranch requirements, and the unique challenges of Hill Country construction.
Contact us at 210-801-0102 or visit our gallery to see our completed custom homes.
To request a free quote, please fill the form below. Let us know what features you’re looking for in your next home and our experienced team will contact you shortly.