Building permits, zoning and land rules in Andrews County, Texas
45Index Score / 100 #167 of 254 in Texas
Unincorporated Andrews County, Texas does not require a general building permit for a home1. County zoning in unincorporated Andrews County could not be confirmed, while the incorporated City of Andrews does have zoning23. Septic permits remain countywide: the Andrews County Health Department administers permits and inspections for on-site sewage facilities4.
At a glance
Building permit
No general home permit required in unincorporated Andrews County1
Zoning
County zoning is unconfirmed; the City of Andrews has zoning inside city limits23
Septic permit
Required through the Andrews County Health Department unless every state exemption condition is met56
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Do you need a building permit in Andrews County, Texas?
Unincorporated Andrews County does not require a general building permit for an ordinary home, and no county building-permit or inspection department was identified1. This answer does not establish the building-permit requirements inside the City of Andrews; confirm those with the city before building there1. We could not confirm an Andrews County building code, building inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy rule1. State code editions apply to industrialized housing, buildings, modules, and modular components rather than every conventional building statewide10. A Texas owner-builder provision is narrower still: if the relevant county residential-code subchapter applies, a person building or acting as contractor for a planned primary residence may avoid only a specified inspection-notice penalty8. No Andrews County adoption of that subchapter or broader owner-builder exemption was confirmed8.
Who issues building permits in Andrews County?
Andrews County has no listed general building-permit department for unincorporated home construction1. The building-permit requirement inside the City of Andrews was not confirmed, so contact the city for a parcel within city limits1. Zoning is separate: the City of Andrews applies zoning within its incorporated limits23. Septic authority does not move to the city; the Andrews County Health Department administers on-site sewage facility permits and inspections countywide4. Its OSSF office is at 208 NW 2nd Street, Andrews, TX 79714, and its phone number is 432-524-143411. A separate county process applies when land is divided: preliminary plats, final plats, and amended plats or replats are submitted with the applicable fees for county review9.
Does Andrews County have zoning?
We could not confirm whether Andrews County has adopted zoning for unincorporated land; the available county finding says no, but no official Andrews County statement or ordinance verified that conclusion12. The incorporated City of Andrews does have a zoning ordinance, and city materials also show zoning action tied to annexed land23. For land inside Andrews, ask the city about the zoning district, setbacks, minimum dwelling or lot size, RV use, tiny homes, manufactured homes, and accessory dwellings before purchase2. For unincorporated land, ask the county to confirm any parcel-specific land-use limits rather than assuming the land is unrestricted12. City zoning does not replace Andrews County subdivision review or the countywide septic-permit process94.
How do septic permits work in Andrews County?
The Andrews County Health Department and its OSSF officer administer septic plan review, permitting, and installation inspections4. Start with a 911 addressing receipt, a completed application, a licensed site evaluation, and the permit fee; installation cannot begin until Health Department approval arrives513. The OSSF fee schedule lists $250 for a residential permit, $500 for a commercial permit, $150 for reinspection, and $25 for research and copies; fees are paid at the Health Department, not to the inspector in the field7. A commercial installation requires professional design and a licensed professional installer5. Leave the completed system uncovered and give the inspector at least 24 hours' notice14. A permit application remains valid for 12 months, after which an unfinished system requires a new fee5. Texas has a narrow exemption for a single home on at least 10 acres only when every condition is met, including a licensed site evaluation, all system parts at least 100 feet from property lines, and disposal remaining on the tract6.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Andrews County?
We could not confirm county rules for RV living, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, or temporary camping in unincorporated Andrews County12. Inside the incorporated City of Andrews, city zoning applies, so ask the city whether the parcel's zoning district allows the proposed dwelling or occupancy23. Septic remains a countywide matter: constructing, installing, altering, extending, or repairing an on-site sewage facility requires approval unless every condition of a Texas exemption is satisfied64. Andrews County's septic application includes a single RV among the listed property uses, but the form establishes the septic process rather than permission to live in an RV5. Utility connections, off-grid sanitation alternatives, and occupancy approval also remain unconfirmed, so take the proposed dwelling and wastewater plan to the Health Department before committing to the setup151.
How do you build a home in Andrews County, step by step?
Confirm whether the parcel is inside the City of Andrews; city zoning applies inside its limits, while the county building-permit finding applies to unincorporated land21.
Determine whether a subdivision plat or replat is involved; Andrews County reviews preliminary, final, and amended plats or replats9.
Secure the 911 address receipt and hire a licensed site evaluator for the septic site evaluation13.
Submit the OSSF application and fee to the Andrews County Health Department, then wait for authorization before septic installation begins5.
Leave the installed septic system uncovered, post the 911 address signage, and arrange the county inspection with at least 24 hours' notice1314.
For an unincorporated homesite, proceed without a general county home building permit while confirming private restrictions, applicable trade licensing, and any industrialized-housing rules11016.
What should you check before buying land in Andrews County?
Check wastewater feasibility first: 88.9% of Andrews County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, but the county still requires a licensed site evaluation and approval for a permitted system175. Verify water carefully because annual precipitation averages 14.3 inches and severe drought occurs in 34.4% of years1819. Confirm legal access and identify whether the road is a state highway, because a new or modified state-highway driveway requires TxDOT approval20. If the tract will be divided, budget for county plat review; a final plat has a $500 base fee plus $10 per lot, while a preliminary plat in a floodplain has a $1,000 base fee plus $10 per lot921. For subdivision plats touching a floodplain, the checklist can require mapped flood information, elevations, and an engineering study under the stated conditions22. We could not confirm a general floodplain construction permit outside subdivision review, so ask the County Judge's Office before building in a mapped hazard area21.
Watch-outs
Andrews County has not confirmed a general certificate-of-occupancy or building-inspection process, so ask the County Judge's Office about any project-specific sign-off before construction1.
A subdivision plat involving a floodplain can require flood-zone information, minimum floor elevations, and engineering analysis, but the reviewed material does not establish a general non-subdivision floodplain permit22.
An OSSF installation must remain uncovered for inspection, and the owner or installer must give at least 24 hours' notice14.
Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Andrews County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Andrews County scores
Seclusion72100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost7796% ev.
Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$268kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$1,595Land / acre
14.3"Annual rain
34.4% of yrsSevere drought
44.5 / yr (+32)Mid-century 100°F days
37.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.28" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.21×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,419Home insurance / yr
0.4% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
148,465People within 2 hr
7,854Radius comparison (15 mi)
12.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
88.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Andrews County
Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.
Andrews
Answers from the rulebook for Andrews County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Andrews County rules
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
On-site sewage facilities in Andrews County
The Andrews County Health Department and County OSSF officer administer the local permitting and inspection process.
The county process operates under Texas OSSF requirements.
“The County OSSF officer (Designated Representative - DR) will review application forms and issue an Authorization to construct, via telephone, normally within 3 working days.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction and operation of an on-site sewage facility in Andrews County
A 911 addressing receipt, completed application, site evaluation, and permit fee are required.
Installation cannot begin until health-department approval is received.
Commercial installations require professional design and a licensed professional installer.
Permit applications are valid for 12 months; systems not completed within that period require a new permit fee.
residential permit fee: 250 USD · commercial permit fee: 500 USD · permit application validity: 12 months (Systems not completed within the initial period must pay a new permit fee.)
“The installation process cannot begin until you receive approval from the health department.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation inspection for an on-site sewage facility in Andrews County
The system must remain uncovered for inspection.
The owner or installer must provide at least 24 hours' notice.
The DR conducts all inspections.
A failed inspection requires explanation and re-inspection; additional re-inspection fees may apply.
minimum inspection notice: >= 24 hours · re-inspection fee: 150 USD (Additional fee may apply if more than one re-inspection is required.)
“Upon completion of system installation, do not cover the system, the property owner or installer must notify the OSSF Inspector (Designated Representative - 524-1434) and set up an appointment for an inspection. ACHD requires at least 24 hour notice prior to inspection.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plat applications in Andrews County, including projects outside city limits and municipal ETJs
Applications may be preliminary plats, final plats, or amended plats/replats.
Applications must be submitted with required fees for county review.
The application form states that receipt does not confirm acceptance of a complete application and does not waive additional requirements.
final plat base fee: 500 USD (Plus $10 per lot.) · preliminary plat in floodplain base fee: 1000 USD (Plus $10 per lot.)
“By signing this form, the owner of the property authorizes Andrews County to begin proceedings in accordance with the process for this type of application indicated on page one of this application.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Subdivision plats in unincorporated Andrews County that include a 100-year floodplain or adjacent lots requiring floodplain-related plat information.
The plat must show the location, zone classification, and FEMA panel effective date of the 100-year floodplain.
If a FEMA Zone A unstudied floodplain is within the plat, or a watercourse has 64 acres of upstream area, an engineering study sufficient to establish a Base Flood Elevation, a minimum first-floor elevation for each adjacent lot, the basis for that minimum elevation, and an electronic HEC-HMS/HEC-RAS model must be provided.
Where Zone AE exists, the BFE from the associated FEMA-published flood study may substitute for the engineering study.
The minimum first-floor elevation must be 1 foot higher than the highest spot within 5 feet outside the building perimeter, or 1 foot above the BFE, whichever is higher.
The minimum first-floor elevation requirement applies regardless of whether the BFE is based on a FEMA-regulated floodplain or an engineering study.
The checklist addresses subdivision plat review and does not establish a countywide non-subdivision development-permit requirement.
minimum first-floor elevation above highest spot within 5 feet outside building perimeter: 1 foot (or 1 foot above the BFE, whichever is higher) · upstream area threshold for specified watercourse review: 64 acres (applies when a watercourse is within the plat)
“Show a minimum FFE for each lot adjacent to the floodplain, as 1 foot higher than the highest spot within 5 feet outside building perimeter”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Subdivision plat applications involving a preliminary plat in a floodplain
“PRELIMINARY PLAT IN FLOODPLAIN: $1,000 + ____ lots x $10 per lot = $______”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Food establishment permits administered by the Andrews County Health Department, including establishments operating outside Andrews city limits.
Food establishment permits expire on December 31 and require annual renewal.
Permit fees are due and payable by January 1.
Permits may be renewed or obtained during December or during the January 1 through January 31 grace period.
After January 31, an additional $50 late fee applies.
The page states that all establishments require a permit from the Andrews County Health Department and that the same rules apply outside Andrews city limits.
health permit fee: 75 USD (Establishment annual gross income $0 to $49,999) · health permit fee: 150 USD (Establishment annual gross income $50,000 to $149,999) · health permit fee: 250 USD (Establishment annual gross income $150,000 or more) · late fee: 50 USD (Applies after January 31)
“Health Permit Fee | Establishments Annual Gross Income $75 | $0 to $49,999 $150 | $50,000 to $149,999 $250 | $150,000 or More”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — On-site sewage facility permits administered by the Andrews County Health Department.
“Fee schedule: $ 250.00 Residential, $ 500.00 Commercial, Re-inspection fee $150.00, and research and copy fee $25.00.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Andrews County OSSF permit and inspection process
Obtain a 911 address receipt; obtain and complete the application; obtain a licensed site evaluation; submit the application and fee; receive authorization to construct; install; notify the inspector; obtain final approval.
Incomplete forms or missing information can delay approval.
normal authorization time: 3 working days (Normally, after the County OSSF officer reviews the application.)
“A completed application is required for permit approval.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas ('there are no zoning regulations' outside city limits); Andrews County lists no zoning department.
Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.
A person purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for their own use or their company’s use may file for an installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
A person responsible for assembly, connection, and on-site construction for persons other than themselves must be registered as an industrialized builder.
Municipalities may require applicable local permits and licenses before construction begins when the municipality regulates the installation.
“A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Failure to submit required building-code inspection notices for new residential construction under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, if the chapter applies to the county.
The exemption applies only to the penalty under Section 233.157(c).
The new residential construction must be built by the individual or the individual must act as the individual’s own contractor.
The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual’s primary residence.
This provision does not establish that Andrews County adopted the Chapter 233 residential building-code standards; county adoption of a resolution or order was not located.
“(2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
“A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
“A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
Building code adoptedPartial
Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
The effective date is July 1, 2024.
The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.
effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)
“July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
“Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.
An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF)
“An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
“Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
Well permitLimited
Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.
A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.
permit application form: in writing and sworn
“Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
Driveway accessRequired
New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.
A local public agency may receive access driveway permitting authority for state highways, but TxDOT approval remains required for drainage impacts on the state highway system before local approval.
No access driveway is permitted within a flared or widened right-of-way section at an intersection of a state highway with another highway, road, or street.
All entrances and exits, including radii, must be confined within the permittee's property frontage.
One-way 45-to-90-degree driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane-divided highways; otherwise the driveway angle must be 75 to 90 degrees.
ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards apply.
private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · driveway-to-pavement radius: >= 15 feet
“A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
county zoning authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.
Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
“As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
county building authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.
Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.
county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)
“The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
“The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code.”
Inside cities and towns in Andrews County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning within the city limits of Andrews, Texas.
The official city agenda identifies a City zoning ordinance and a specific-use-permit requirement for the stated amusement redemption machine game-room use.
This evidence is limited to the City of Andrews and does not establish zoning status in unincorporated Andrews County or other municipalities.
specific use permit: required for operation of an amusement redemption machine game room
“Public Hearing: to receive public comment on an amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance requiring a Specific Use Permit for the operation of an amusement redemption machine game room within the city limits of Andrews, Texas.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the incorporated City of Andrews, Texas, in Andrews County.
“Planning & Zoning Commission
Z.C. #352 – City of Andrews, Request Consideration of Initial Zoning of land being requested for voluntary annexation by the Andrews Economic Development Corporation.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Inspections — Building inspections in Andrews County
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or comparable occupancy approvals in Andrews County
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements in Andrews County
Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Andrews County construction or land-use requirements
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Andrews County
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Andrews County, Texas
Is Andrews County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Andrews County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.3″ of rain a year, in severe drought 34.4% of years.
Do you need a building permit in Andrews County, Texas?
Andrews County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Andrews County Health Department (Registered Sanitarian, TCEQ authorized agent). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Andrews County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Andrews County is allowed: Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Andrews County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Andrews County, Texas?
Land in Andrews County runs about $1,595 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Andrews County?
Andrews County gets about 14.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 34.4% of years.
How remote is Andrews County?
A typical private-land location has about 7,854 people within 15 miles and 592,972 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
