Building permits, zoning and land rules in Floyd County, Texas
44Index Score / 100 #169 of 254 in Texas
Unincorporated Floyd County, Texas does not require a county residential building permit, but Floydada and Lockney have adopted building codes within their city limits123. Floyd County does not impose county zoning on unincorporated land4. Texas generally requires a septic permit, and buyers should ask TCEQ Region 2 who will process an application for a specific Floyd County parcel56.
At a glance
Building permit
Not required for a home in unincorporated Floyd County; confirm unusual projects with the courthouse17
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Do you need a building permit in Floyd County, Texas?
Unincorporated Floyd County does not require a county residential building permit1. The county does not publish a direct permit statement or a building-department page, however, so call the Floyd County Courthouse before committing to an unusual, commercial or multifamily project7. Texas gives counties only limited building authority, including conditional authority over certain fire-code buildings and residential standards where statutory requirements and local adoption apply9. Floydada applies the 2018 residential, building, mechanical and fire codes and the 2017 electrical code within its city limits2. Lockney has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, and its fee schedule lists $125 for new construction of a house, pool or enclosed garage within the city310.
Who handles permits in Floyd County, and how do you reach them?
Floyd County does not list a building or code-enforcement department for unincorporated construction1. Start with the Floyd County Courthouse at 105 South Main Street in Floydada or call (806) 983-4905 for routing to the appropriate county office7. We could not confirm a county certificate-of-occupancy program, building-inspection schedule, floodplain permit process or construction-fee schedule. Ask the courthouse about those items and about the county's published subdivision rules before dividing or developing a tract7. For wastewater questions, TCEQ lists Floyd County in Region 2, whose Lubbock office can confirm whether TCEQ or another authorized agent should receive the application611.
Does Floyd County have zoning?
Unincorporated Floyd County has no county zoning rule setting minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height4. The same county-level answer leaves accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, tiny-home occupancy, RV occupancy and temporary camping unrestricted by county zoning on unincorporated land4. Texas provides county zoning authority only through limited statutes for specified places and subjects rather than a general statewide county zoning power12. Lockney has a city zoning ordinance that applies inside its city limits, so a parcel there needs a zoning check that an unincorporated parcel does not13. We could not confirm Floydada's zoning rules, and its adopted building code does not answer a parcel's zoning question2. Septic rules, subdivision requirements, deed restrictions, utility conditions and state-highway access permits can still apply outside city limits.
How do septic permits work in Floyd County?
Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan before an on-site sewage facility is constructed, installed, altered, extended or repaired in Floyd County5. TCEQ lists Floyd County in Region 2, but we could not confirm whether the regional office or a local authorized agent currently processes Floyd County applications; call the Region 2 office before submitting plans611. A narrow exemption may cover one single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres when a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer evaluates the site, every system part is at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent stays on the property, and the remaining state conditions are satisfied5. Only about 9% of Floyd County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation before choosing a system or finalizing a homesite14.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Floyd County?
Unincorporated Floyd County has no county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or accessory dwellings4. The county also sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size or setback on unincorporated land4. A wastewater system serving an occupied RV or tiny home still falls under Texas OSSF rules unless a specific exemption applies15. Before moving onto a parcel, confirm that it is outside municipal limits, identify the lawful water source, and ask TCEQ Region 2 who handles wastewater approval for that address6. Private deed restrictions and utility-provider requirements may also affect a particular tract, so review the deed and service terms rather than treating the lack of county zoning as freedom from every rule.
Building a home in Floyd County: the steps, in order
Confirm that the homesite is in unincorporated Floyd County; the county residential-permit answer does not decide municipal requirements1.
Call the Floyd County Courthouse to ask about subdivision status, floodplain review and any project-specific county requirement that is not published online7.
Arrange a septic site evaluation and ask TCEQ Region 2 to identify the permitting authority before preparing the OSSF application616.
If access will connect to a state highway, submit Form 1058 to TxDOT and wait for a fully executed driveway permit before construction in the right of way17.
If acting as your own contractor, do not assume a blanket exemption: the state provision concerns a notice penalty and depends on Floyd County having adopted the applicable subchapter, which we could not confirm8.
What should you check before buying land in Floyd County?
Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 9% of Floyd County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional septic drain field14. Water planning also matters because annual precipitation is about 21 inches and severe drought occurs in about 43% of years1819. The terrain is broadly gentle, with about 98% of land at a 15% slope or less, while tree cover is about 2%2021. Floyd County has about 5 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is roughly 43 miles from the county center2223. Typical home value is about $88,900, the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,090, and the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%242526. Verify boundaries, road access, water availability, deed restrictions and city-limit status for the actual parcel before closing.
For a private well, part of Floyd County lies inside the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, where a permit is required before drilling any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons of water per minute or more; the district page does not cover property outside that part of the county27. Floyd County also publishes subdivision rules on its website, and a tract split used primarily for agricultural or ranch use outside a city may qualify for the state agricultural exemption, so ask the courthouse before dividing land2829.
Watch-outs
Floyd County's website does not publish a direct building-permit statement, so confirm unusual, commercial or multifamily work with the courthouse before ordering plans79.
We could not confirm Floyd County's current OSSF permitting authority from an accessible county-specific official page; TCEQ Region 2 serves Floyd County and should identify the correct application recipient611.
The owner-builder provision is not a general permit exemption; it addresses a notice penalty and applies only if the relevant county subchapter is in force8.
Texas exempts owners from state electrician and plumbing licensing for work on their own homestead, but that exemption does not waive locally administered building permits or inspections inside Floydada or Lockney30.
Written October 10, 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.
Floyd County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Floyd County scores
Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1896% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability24100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.
Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$89kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$1,186Land / acre
21"Annual rain
43.2% of yrsSevere drought
31.1 / yr (+23.9)Mid-century 100°F days
30.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.61" (+5.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.27×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,631Home insurance / yr
0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
85,682People within 2 hr
3,762Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
98.1%Land at 15% slope or less
9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Floyd 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.
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Floyd County rules
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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 Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us.
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.”
Well permitLimited
Water wells in the portion of Floyd County within the jurisdiction of High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.
A permit is required before drilling and production of any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons of water per minute or more.
The permit must be applied for and approved by the district manager or the manager's designee and the district board of directors before drilling may legally begin.
The fee is non-refundable and applies to each Ogallala or Dockum water well permit.
The source states the rule was amended January 14, 2009.
The rule does not establish a permit requirement in this source for wells expected to produce less than 17.5 gallons per minute.
permit threshold: >= 17.5 gallons per minute · permit fee: 250 USD (non-refundable; each Ogallala or Dockum water well permit)
“any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons of water per minute or more.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Groundwater wells in the portion of Floyd County within High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.
“Groundwater owners are required to apply for a permit prior to drilling and production of water from any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons of water per minute or more.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision activity governed by Floyd County rules; the official county homepage publishes a document titled Floyd County Subdivision Rules.
The detailed 2025 revision could not be text-reviewed because the official source is a DOCX file that was unavailable for webpage extraction.
Municipal and extraterritorial-jurisdiction rules may also affect a particular subdivision.
“Invitation to Bid Floyd County Subdivision Rules 2025 Commissioner's Court Dates”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision activity in Floyd County, including the county's published subdivision rules.
“Welcome to Floyd County, Texas [...] Floyd County Subdivision Rules”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties lack zoning authority over unincorporated land; Floyd County lists only county Subdivision Rules, not a zoning ordinance.
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 performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
“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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — An individual building new residential construction covered by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 who builds the residence personally or acts as the individual's own contractor and intends to use it as the individual's primary residence.
“An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection if: (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
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 OSSFs in Texas, subject to stated exemptions and local requirements.
A permit and approved plan are required for construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF.
A permit is generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.
A local permitting authority must be checked because local programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation standards; a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; service to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; on-site effluent disposal; and the single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the local program was authorized or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
The permitting authority must approve or deny planning materials and the permit application within 30 days of receipt.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other stated conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun) · permit application decision deadline: <= 30 days (from receipt by permitting authority)
“A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs including septic systems and holding tanks in Floyd County, subject to Texas statewide rules.
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an”
Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of an on-site sewage facility in Texas, including Floyd County.
“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”:”
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 sanitation through an OSSF/septic system serving property in Floyd County, Texas.
An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan.
The 10-acre exemption applies only if all stated conditions are met: 30 TAC Chapter 285 compliance; site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; one single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; on-site effluent disposal; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair categories and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
Local permitting requirements may be more stringent than state minimums.
10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ-listed conditions apply) · property-line separation for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun)
“An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Use of an on-site sewage facility as sanitation in Texas, including Floyd County.
“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.”
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.”
Limited — Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.
“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”:”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable
Divisions of land in unincorporated Floyd County, Texas, where the tract is divided into two or more parts, no part of the tract is laid out for streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other public use, and the land is used primarily for agricultural use or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production.
The tract must be located outside the limits of a municipality.
The owner must divide the tract into two or more parts.
The owner must not lay out a part of the tract described by Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3), including streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use.
The land must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
If the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use, the platting requirements apply.
The county's authority relating to plats or subdivisions in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction remains subject to applicable limitations under Local Government Code Sections 242.001 and 242.002.
“A county may not require [...] a plat of the subdivision prepared if: [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
Driveway accessRequired
New access driveways and modifications to existing access driveways serving property abutting state highways in Floyd County, including state highway right-of-way access.
A completed TxDOT Permit Form 1058 is required for new access driveways or modifications to existing access driveways.
Applications must be made by the property owner or authorized representative representing all parties in interest.
The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not for parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
No driveway construction may begin in the right of way until a fully executed permit has been received and the applicant has given TxDOT 24-hour notification.
The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations and must pass TxDOT inspection.
If a local public agency has been granted permitting authority, that transfer does not eliminate engineering requirements; drainage impacts must be coordinated with and approved by TxDOT before local approval.
Driveway geometrics, utility relocation, environmental and wetlands requirements, applicable state and federal laws, ADAAG, and Texas Accessibility Standards must also be considered.
“No construction work on the driveway shall be undertaken on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit has been received by the applicant and the applicant has given 24-hour notification to TxDOT.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.
“A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
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
Published (with conditions) — OSSF permitting for property located in Floyd County, Texas, where the applicable permitting authority is the TCEQ regional office or an authorized local program.
“Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority.”
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 Floyd County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
New construction of a house, pool, or enclosed garage within the City of Lockney, Texas.
The City of Lockney permit-fee schedule was approved by City Council on 09/30/2024.
The listed permit fee for new construction of a house, pool, or enclosed garage is $125.00.
permit fee: 125 USD (New construction house, pool, enclosed garage)
“Permit Type Fee [...] New Construction House, Pool, Enclosed Garage $125.00”
Building code adoptedAdopted
Building codes within the city limits of Floydada, Texas, including the 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Building Code, 2017 National Electrical Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, and 2018 International Fire Code.
The codes apply within the city limits of Floydada, not countywide or to unincorporated Floyd County.
The 2018 IRC covers single-family houses, two-family houses, and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units within its scope; buildings within the IRC scope are limited to three stories above grade plane.
A four-story building is governed by the International Building Code rather than the IRC.
The IBC applies to occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, that are not within the scope of the IRC.
The NEC passage states that compliance and proper maintenance result in installations that are essentially free from hazard, but not necessarily efficient, convenient, adequate for good service, or adequate for future expansion; it also states that the code is not a design specification or instruction manual for untrained persons.
The listed code provisions may be inspected at Floydada City Hall, 114 West Virginia Street, during normal business hours.
International Residential Code edition: 2018 (Within the IRC scope, buildings are limited to three stories above grade plane.) · International Building Code edition: 2018 (Applies to occupancies not within the scope of the IRC.) · National Electrical Code edition: 2017 (Compliance and proper maintenance language and the stated design-specification limitation apply.) · International Mechanical Code edition: 2018 (Regulates design, installation, maintenance, alteration, and inspection of covered mechanical systems.) · International Fire Code edition: 2018
“The foregoing building codes have been adopted by the City Council of Floydada, Texas and are applicable within the city limits of Floydada.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted — Buildings within the city limits of Floydada, Texas.
“The foregoing building codes have been adopted by the City Council of Floydada, Texas and are applicable within the city limits of Floydada.”
Adopted — Property, buildings, and structures within the City of Lockney, Texas.
“The 2018 edition of the International Building Code is hereby adopted as the code of the city for regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of property, buildings and structures in the city and providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor, and each and all of the provisions of such code, are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this division.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning within the incorporated City of Lockney, Floyd County, Texas.
The code table of contents indicates zoning provisions and a zoning ordinance; parcel-specific use, district, dimensional, and procedural requirements require review of the ordinance text.
“The zoning ordinance of the city, Ordinance 93A, adopted by the city on December 1, 1999, as amended, is included in its own chapter, as Exhibit 14A.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Inspections — Building inspections for new construction in Floyd County, including unincorporated areas.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for new construction in Floyd County, including unincorporated areas.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility connection requirements for property in Floyd County, Texas.
Building in a floodplain — Development in a mapped floodplain in Floyd County, Texas.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Floyd County, Texas.
1 more unanswered
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 Floyd County, Texas
Is Floyd County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Floyd County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and deep seclusion — about 3,762 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Floyd County, Texas?
Floyd 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 TCEQ (regional office) or county-designated OSSF 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 Floyd County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Floyd County is allowed: Unincorporated Floyd County: no county rule sets this, because Floyd 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 co.floyd.tx.us. 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 Floyd County, Texas?
Land in Floyd County runs about $1,186 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Floyd County?
Floyd County gets about 21" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 43.2% of years.
How remote is Floyd County?
A typical private-land location has about 3,762 people within 15 miles and 732,116 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
