Bolthole Index

Armstrong County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Armstrong County, Texas

35Index Score / 100
#243 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Armstrong County, Texas does not require a general building permit and has no county zoning ordinance12. Cities may set their own building-permit and zoning rules, while septic permits throughout Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area stay with TCEQ Region 13. A septic permit and approved plan are generally required for a new or altered system4.

At a glance

Building permit
No general building permit required in unincorporated Armstrong County1
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas25
Septic permit
Generally required from TCEQ Region 1 outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area63
RV living
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas5
Tiny homes
No county zoning restriction or minimum dwelling size5
Owner-installed septic
Conditional; the permitting authority must allow it and all requirements still apply7
Septic soils
Only 27.1% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field8
State-highway driveway
TxDOT permit required for new or modified access9

Who to call

Also useful

Armstrong County Judge / Commissioners Court

General county-government questions and Commissioners Court matters

(806) 553-2860

adam.ensey@co.armstrong.tx.us

Armstrong County Courthouse, 101 Trice St, Claude, TX 79019

Septic permits

TCEQ Region 1 Office (Amarillo)

State OSSF permitting for Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area

806-353-9251

5809 S Western St STE 260, AMARILLO, TX 79110 - 4933

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Armstrong County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Armstrong County, Texas?

Unincorporated Armstrong County does not require a general building permit1. Texas grants counties only limited building-regulation powers, including fire-code authority for certain commercial, public and larger multifamily buildings in qualifying counties and residential standards in counties meeting statutory conditions10. Armstrong County does not publish a building-permit page or adoption order, so ask the County Judge's office whether a recently adopted order or project-specific requirement applies before starting an ordinary house, cabin, barn or shop11. Inside a city, ask that city about its own building permits and zoning approval; septic permits remain with TCEQ Region 1 outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area3. Industrialized housing, buildings and modular components remain subject to the state Industrialized Housing and Buildings program12.

Who handles building permits in Armstrong County?

Armstrong County does not publish a building department or a general county building-permit process, and we could not confirm a county building-inspection or certificate-of-occupancy procedure1. The Armstrong County Judge and Commissioners Court office is the practical first call for current county-level building questions11. A city may issue its own building permits and zoning approvals, but TCEQ Region 1 handles septic permits across Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area3. A driveway connecting to a Texas state highway requires a separate TxDOT driveway permit, not an Armstrong County building permit13.

Does Armstrong County have zoning?

Unincorporated Armstrong County has no county zoning ordinance2. Texas county zoning authority is limited rather than a general statewide power, and no Armstrong County zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated land142. As a result, unincorporated Armstrong County sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit5. The same conclusion applies to accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, tiny homes, RV occupancy and temporary camping under county zoning rules5. Inside a city, ask that city whether zoning approval is required; septic permits do not shift to the city and remain with TCEQ Region 1 outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area3.

How do septic permits work in Armstrong County?

A septic permit and approved plan are generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, repair or operate an on-site sewage facility in Armstrong County154. Submit the septic-permit application and planning materials to the permitting authority; it must approve or deny them within 30 days after receipt, explain a denial in writing and provide an appeal path through its supervisory authority16. TCEQ Region 1 in Amarillo handles septic permits throughout Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area, including addresses inside cities3. A homeowner may install a system for the owner's single-family home only if the permitting authority allows it, the owner also owns the land, no part of the property is being developed for sale or lease, and all septic requirements are met7. Only 27.1% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making an early site evaluation especially useful8.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Armstrong County?

Unincorporated Armstrong County has no county zoning rule restricting RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping5. The county likewise sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size or minimum lot size in its unincorporated area5. That does not eliminate sanitation requirements: an OSSF generally needs a septic permit and approved plan unless every condition of an exemption is met4. We could not confirm Armstrong County building-inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, utility-connection or off-grid sanitation procedures, so ask the County Judge's office about county building requirements and TCEQ Region 1 about septic permitting before moving onto the parcel113.

What are the steps to build a home in Armstrong County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city: the no-building-permit and no-zoning answers apply only to unincorporated Armstrong County12.
  1. For unincorporated land, ask the County Judge's office whether any current county order, subdivision condition, floodplain procedure or access requirement affects the tract11.
  1. Arrange an early septic site evaluation and contact TCEQ Region 1, which handles septic permits throughout Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area83.
  1. Submit the septic-permit application and planning materials unless every condition of an exemption is met; the permitting authority must decide within 30 days after receiving them416.
  1. Ask TCEQ Region 1 before planning to install the septic system yourself because owner installation is conditional73.
  1. If access connects to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058, receive the driveway permit and give the required 24-hour notice before construction in the right of way13.
  1. For modular or industrialized construction, confirm compliance with the state program's applicable code editions and approved design package12.

What should you check before buying land in Armstrong County?

Water and septic feasibility deserve early attention: Armstrong County averages 20.6 inches of precipitation annually, 35.4% of years bring severe drought, and only 27.1% of soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field17188. Confirm the well rules and water source for the specific tract because no county-specific well-permit authority was identified. Check legal access and determine whether a proposed driveway meets a state highway, which requires TxDOT approval9. Ask the County Judge's office whether a subdivision condition or floodplain procedure applies, because neither a complete subdivision ordinance nor an Armstrong County floodplain permit process was confirmed1119. For budgeting context, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,6792021.

Watch-outs

  • TCEQ Region 1 serves Armstrong County for state OSSF permitting but excludes the Greenbelt Reservoir area, so verify the tract's location before filing3.
  • Armstrong County's floodplain-development permit procedure and designated administrator could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge's office before disturbing land in a mapped flood area1911.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 (2026 county census)
  3. TCEQ Region 1 Office (Amarillo) (www6.tceq.texas.gov)
  4. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  5. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  6. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  7. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  8. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  9. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Armstrong County Judge / Commissioners Court (co.armstrong.tx.us)
  12. Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  16. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  17. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  18. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Armstrong County has no countywide zoning.

RuleArmstrong CountyCarson CountyRandall CountyDonley CountyBriscoe CountySwisher CountyPotter County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTCEQTCEQAmarillo Area Public Health DistrictTCEQ Regional OfficeTCEQTCEQAmarillo Area Public Health District

County locator

Armstrong County in Texas

35
County map
Armstrong County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Armstrong County scores

Seclusion78100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1296% ev.
Admin Boringness8490% ev.
Durability23100% 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 →

$245kTypical home
1.4%Property tax
$1,307Land / acre
20.6"Annual rain
35.4% of yrsSevere drought
30.3 / yr (+23.1)Mid-century 100°F days
31.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.5" (+3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.26×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,766Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
1,830Radius comparison (15 mi)
2People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
87.4%Land at 15% slope or less
27.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
152,885 acWorkable land screen
6.1%Wooded land
2.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Armstrong 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.

Claude

Answers from the rulebook for Armstrong County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Armstrong County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas; zoning power (LGC Ch. 211/231) is limited to cities and a few specified counties, which does not include Armstrong County.

    Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    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

    An owner installing an OSSF serving the owner's single-family dwelling in Armstrong County.

    • The permitting authority must allow owner installation under its local requirements.
    • The OSSF must be for a single family dwelling that the owner owns.
    • The owner must also own the property.
    • No part of the property may be developed for sale or lease.
    • All permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority must be met.
    • Some systems may have to be installed by a factory representative.
    • If another person assists with installation, that person must be a licensed installer of the correct level, except for a licensed electrician installing electrical components or a person delivering and setting a treatment or pump tank.
    “This depends on whether the permitting authority allows this in their local requirements. Otherwise yes, provided you have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to do so AND:”
    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:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    OSSF permitting, inspection, and administration throughout Texas.

    • TCEQ administers the program in areas where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • A local governmental entity may administer the program only after an order, ordinance, or resolution is approved by TCEQ.
    • The authorized agent administers the program within its approved area of jurisdiction.
    • Local programs may adopt requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    “The authorized agent is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, including reviewing OSSF permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and more.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
      “TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of on-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Armstrong County under Texas statewide OSSF requirements.

    • A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF, and local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    • An OSSF may be exempt from permitting under the 10-acre rule only if it complies with all other requirements, including the planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC Chapter 285; receives a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; serves a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; is not causing a nuisance or polluting groundwater; all OSSF parts are at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent is disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
    • A permit is also not required for listed emergency repairs, but the repairs must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs have begun.
    • Grandfathered OSSFs may not need a permit if they were installed before a local program had an authorized program or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier; are not creating a nuisance; are not in need of repair; and have had no significant increase in use or otherwise been altered.
    • Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the applicable permitting authority. The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny planning materials and the permit application within 30 days of receipt.
    • A local governmental entity must have a TCEQ-approved order, ordinance, or resolution to become an OSSF authorized agent. No Armstrong County-specific authorized-agent order, ordinance, or resolution was located in the sources opened.

    minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (Single-family dwelling only and all other stated conditions must be satisfied.) · minimum setback for all OSSF parts under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (All other stated exemption conditions must be satisfied.) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours after repairs have begun (Written report to the permitting authority required.) · permit application review deadline: <= 30 days from receipt (The permitting authority must approve or deny the planning materials and permit application.)

    “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Armstrong County, subject to the Texas OSSF program.
      “Permits are required for on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) including septic systems and holding tanks. This page offers guidance on selecting a system and installer. A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF, including a septic system, in Texas, including Armstrong County unless a stated exemption applies.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
    • Required — OSSF and septic-system construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation in Texas, including Armstrong County unless an applicable exception applies.
      “Permits are required for on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) including septic systems and holding tanks. This page offers guidance on selecting a system and installer. A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an 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”:”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs in Texas, subject to stated exemptions and local requirements.
      “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

    • Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
    • Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
    • Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
    • Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.

    reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)

    “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • 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”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Each Texas city and county must adopt floodplain ordinances or orders as appropriate when necessary for eligibility to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • The cited requirement concerns local-government adoption of ordinances or orders for NFIP eligibility; it does not by itself identify an Armstrong County development permit procedure or establish that Armstrong County currently participates in the NFIP.
    • The Texas Water Development Board states that communities must determine the applicable regulation level, adopt appropriate model regulations, adopt a city or county resolution, and submit the application and adopted regulations to FEMA Region VI.
    • No effective date for an Armstrong County order or permit procedure is stated in the source.
    “The governing body of each city and county shall adopt ordinances or orders, as appropriate, necessary for the city or county to be eligible to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, not later than January 1, 2001"”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.

    • The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
    • The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
    • No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
    • Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
    • Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.

    required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet

    “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — OSSF permit applications and planning materials in Texas, including Armstrong County where the state or an authorized local authority administers the program.
      “Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority. [...] The permitting authority must either approve or deny the planning materials and permit application within 30 days of receipt. If the application and planning materials are denied, the permitting authority must provide a written explanation. You may appeal this decision to the permitting authority’s supervisory authority (e.g., Commissioners’ Court, City Council, River Authority Board, Public Health District Board, etc.).”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Inspections — Building inspections in Armstrong County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Armstrong County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate of municipal and other local zoning within Armstrong County; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to the county.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility-connection requirements in Armstrong County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from construction or land-use requirements in Armstrong County.
3 more unanswered
  • Subdividing land
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

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 Armstrong County, Texas

Is Armstrong County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Armstrong County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and deep seclusion — about 1,830 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Armstrong County, Texas?

Armstrong 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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Region 1 (Amarillo). 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 Armstrong County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Armstrong County is allowed: Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Armstrong 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov. 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 Armstrong County, Texas?

Land in Armstrong County runs about $1,307 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Armstrong County?

Armstrong County gets about 20.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 35.4% of years.

How remote is Armstrong County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,830 people within 15 miles and 451,662 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Armstrong compares in Texas

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