Building on Richland Chambers Lake: What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Lake Lot

If you're thinking about buying a lake lot and building your dream home on Richland Chambers Lake, you probably have a lot of questions about what’s allowed, what’s possible, and how to plan it all out. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy cabin, a boathouse retreat, or your forever home, today I’m breaking down the key things you’ll need to know before building on this beautiful lakefront paradise.

How Close Can You Build to the Water?

One of the first things to consider when buying property on Richland Chambers is how close your home or structure can be to the water. The key factor here is the 320 ft elevation line.

This elevation line determines your building boundary. If your property includes land below this line, that area is typically controlled by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and not available for building. That’s why it’s essential to have a survey done to know exactly where the line falls on your lot—this will help guide your building plans and ensure you're within local regulations.

Is There a Deadline to Start Building?

A major perk of owning land on Richland Chambers Lake is that you’re not pressured to build right away. Unlike some communities that impose timeframes, most subdivisions around the lake have no deadlines for when construction must begin.

That means you can build your boathouse first and enjoy the lake before ever starting your home. Or you can wait until you're ready to build and just enjoy the land in the meantime. In fact, you’re not even required to build a house at all if you prefer to keep things simple. That kind of flexibility is one of the things that makes this lake so attractive.

Are There Building Restrictions?

Yes, and they’re important to be aware of. Richland Chambers Lake falls under Navarro County’s Lakeshore Area Improvement Zoning Ordinance, which affects development within 5,000 feet of the shoreline. This ordinance helps protect the beauty and integrity of the lakefront area.

In addition to county zoning, many lake lots are located in subdivisions with deed restrictions. These vary from one subdivision to another, covering things like minimum square footage, building materials, fencing, and more. So it’s crucial to review the specific rules for the neighborhood you’re considering before you buy.

Can You Build a Boathouse?

Absolutely! The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) permits boathouses on Richland Chambers Lake. The size of your boathouse is based on the linear footage of your shoreline, and TRWD has a formula to help you calculate the maximum size.

Boathouse extensions into the water depend on things like:

• Water depth

• Width of the cove

• Distance from neighboring structures

It’s a good idea to connect with a local boathouse contractor who’s familiar with the lake and can help assess what’s feasible for your lot. For official guidelines, you can also check out the TRWD website (I’ve included a link in the description below).

Do You Need a Retaining Wall?

That depends on the natural slope of your shoreline. Some properties have gentle grades and don’t require extra support, while others may need a retaining wall to prevent erosion.

Common retaining wall materials include:

• Riprap (rock)

• Treated timbers

• Concrete panels

• Steel panels (the most common choice on this lake)

Many property owners also choose to add a sidewalk along the top of the wall to enhance both appearance and protection. Your boathouse contractor will often handle retaining walls too, so be sure to ask them about options during your planning process.

Final Thoughts: Dream Big, Plan Smart

Building on Richland Chambers Lake offers so much freedom and potential—from flexible timelines to customized living and boating spaces. Whether you’re planning to build a full-time home, a weekend getaway, or just enjoy the property until you're ready, you’ll find options to match your vision.

If you're ready to start exploring lake lots or just have more questions about what life is like on Richland Chambers Lake, I’d love to help.

I’m Miriah Zuniga, a local real estate agent and full-time lake resident. I work with people just like you every day to help make their dream of lake living a reality.

👉 Download my free Richland Chambers Lake area guide linked below, and feel free to reach out any time. I’m here to help you make a smooth and confident move.

Until then, I’ll see you on the lake!