That road into the subdivision may never be the county's problem

A road on a subdivision plat is not always a county road. Van Zandt County's subdivision rules include a private-road certificate. It puts construction, repair, maintenance, and drainage on the developer and later owners, not the county.

Some roads may be offered to the county later. Even then, plat approval is not the same as county maintenance. Commissioners Court has to accept the road, and a petition is not considered until the road has been built for two years.

Before buying on a gravel lane, ask for the recorded plat and road agreement. A washout or regraveling bill may belong to the owners.