Bolthole Index

Foard County, Texas

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

48Index Score / 100
#150 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Foard County, Texas does not require a general building permit1. The county also has no zoning ordinance or county zoning authority23. Septic work generally still needs a permit, although a narrow exemption can apply and the specific permitting authority serving Foard County could not be confirmed45.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Foard County; no county building-permit program found1
Zoning
No countywide zoning ordinance; Texas law doesn't give Foard County zoning authority26
Septic permits
Generally required; a narrow state exemption may apply, and TCEQ is the default unless an approved local program applies45
Well permits
Gateway Groundwater Conservation District, which covers all of Foard County7
RV / tiny home living
Unrestricted under county rules, since there is no zoning ordinance3
Minimum home size
None set by the county3
Owner-builder
No general county building permit; the state owner-builder rule is only a conditional exception from a notice penalty18
Septic soil difficulty
Only 4.9% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field9

Who to call

Also useful

Foard County Judge & Commissioners Court

General Foard County government contact: the County Judge, Commissioners Court and County Clerk operate from the courthouse; the county's own website lists no separate building, planning, zoning or floodplain department, so this is the place to confirm any local rule this guide could not verify, including subdivision regulations and county-road driveway access

(940) 684-1424

Foard County Courthouse, 101 S. Main Street, Crowell, TX 79227

Septic permits

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Program

OSSF (septic) permitting statewide; no source confirms Foard County has its own authorized local permitting program, so this state program office is the place to start and can direct you to the correct regional or local authority

512-239-3799

ossf@tceq.texas.gov

TCEQ Complex, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin, TX 78753

Well permits

Gateway Groundwater Conservation District

Water well permits and groundwater production rules for all of Foard County

940-663-5722

PO Box 338, Quanah, Texas 79252

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 Foard 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 Foard County, Texas?

No. Unincorporated Foard County does not require a general building permit1. Texas gives counties only limited building-regulation authority, including fire-code authority for qualifying counties and residential standards that must be adopted by county action10. An ordinary home in unincorporated Foard County therefore does not go through a general county building-permit program1. The state owner-builder provision is narrower than a general exemption: where the residential-code subchapter applies, an individual who builds or acts as the contractor for a primary residence can avoid the penalty for failing to give the specified notice8. Foard County's adoption of that subchapter could not be confirmed, so ask the Foard County Judge and Commissioners Court before relying on the exception811.

Who handles septic and well permits in Foard County?

Foard County does not publish a separate building or zoning office, and unincorporated Foard County does not require a general building permit1. The Foard County Judge and Commissioners Court at the courthouse in Crowell is the county contact for questions about a particular parcel, county roads, or the current status of local subdivision rules11. For septic, start with the TCEQ On-Site Sewage Facility Program; state rules make TCEQ the default authority unless an approved local-government OSSF program applies, but the specific authority serving Foard County could not be confirmed125. The Gateway Groundwater Conservation District covers Foard County and has adopted rules for well permitting and groundwater production137.

Does Foard County have zoning?

No. Unincorporated Foard County has no county zoning ordinance, and Texas law does not give Foard County general zoning authority26. Foard County therefore sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage rule or building-height limit3. RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings and temporary camping are unrestricted under county zoning rules3. Land division is separate from zoning: state law can require a plat when land outside a municipality is divided for lots, a subdivision or specified public-use areas14. A division primarily for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production use is exempt when no part is laid out for public use, but platting applies if the land stops qualifying15. Foard County's current local subdivision rules could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge and Commissioners Court before dividing a tract11.

How do septic and well permits work in Foard County?

A permit is generally required before an on-site sewage facility is constructed, installed, altered, extended or repaired in Foard County4. A narrow exemption may apply to the only single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres when a licensed site evaluator or engineer evaluates the site, every system part is at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent remains on the property, and all other state conditions are met4. Listed emergency repairs do not require a permit, but they must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after work begins4. Only 4.9% of Foard County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation early9. TCEQ is the default authority unless an approved local program applies, but the office serving a particular Foard County tract should be confirmed before filing512.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Foard County?

Yes, as far as county zoning rules go. Unincorporated Foard County has no county zoning rule restricting RV or tiny-home occupancy, temporary camping, manufactured homes or accessory dwellings, and no county zoning rule sets a minimum dwelling or lot size3. County zoning freedom does not waive sanitation rules: an on-site sewage facility generally needs a permit4. The narrow septic exemption is for a qualifying system serving the only single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; it is not a blanket approval for every RV, composting toilet or other off-grid method4. Foard County does not publish a certificate-of-occupancy procedure, so ask the County Judge and Commissioners Court about any parcel-specific requirement before moving in11.

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

  1. Ask the Foard County Judge and Commissioners Court whether the parcel split, county-road access or proposed use triggers a county-specific requirement11.
  2. Arrange a septic site evaluation early because only 4.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field9.
  3. Start with TCEQ to identify the correct OSSF authority, then obtain the required septic permit unless every condition of the narrow state exemption is met1254.
  4. Contact Gateway Groundwater Conservation District before drilling a well because its rules govern well permits and groundwater production in Foard County137.
  5. For a new or modified driveway connecting to a state highway, complete TxDOT Permit Form 105816.
  6. Build without a general Foard County building permit in the unincorporated county1.

What should you check before buying land in Foard County?

Annual precipitation is about 25.5 inches, and severe drought occurs in 44.8% of years, so verify the tract's water source and contact Gateway Groundwater Conservation District before planning a well171813. Only 4.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make a satisfactory septic evaluation part of the purchase decision9. About 99.1% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, while 13.2% is wooded1920. If the tract was split from a larger parcel, confirm its plat status because state law can require a plat when land outside a municipality is divided for lots or public-use areas14. A division used primarily for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber production may be exempt when no part is laid out for public use, but platting applies if the land stops qualifying15. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.2%, and qualifying agricultural land may receive productivity-based special appraisal2122.

Watch-outs

  • Foard County does not publish a certificate-of-occupancy or building-inspection procedure; ask the County Judge and Commissioners Court whether a special requirement affects your project11.
  • The present status of Foard County's proposed subdivision regulations could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge and Commissioners Court before splitting land11.

Sources

  1. Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  5. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  6. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Gateway Groundwater Conservation District Groundwater Management Plan, quoted and re-checked
  8. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  9. 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
  10. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Foard County Judge & Commissioners Court (foardcounty.texas.gov)
  12. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Program (tceq.texas.gov)
  13. Gateway Groundwater Conservation District (twdb.texas.gov)
  14. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 232, quoted and re-checked
  15. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, quoted and re-checked
  16. Section 6: Access Driveways, quoted and re-checked
  17. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  18. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Agricultural, Timberland and Wildlife Management Use Special Appraisal, quoted and re-checked

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, Foard County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleFoard CountyKnox CountyHardeman CountyCottle CountyWilbarger CountyKing CountyBaylor County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTX Commission on Env. QualityTCEQNot publishedTCEQTCEQTX Commission on Env. QualityBaylor County

County locator

Foard County in Texas

48
County map
Foard County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Foard County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2296% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability24100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% 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 →

$86kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$1,694Land / acre
25.5"Annual rain
44.8% of yrsSevere drought
63.6 / yr (+34)Mid-century 100°F days
29.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.96" (+5.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.33×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,700Home insurance / yr
-0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
36,736People within 2 hr
1,103Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
99.1%Land at 15% slope or less
4.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
22,132 acWorkable land screen
13.2%Wooded land
3.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Foard 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.

Crowell

Answers from the rulebook for Foard County

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

Foard County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 located in Foard County within the Gateway Groundwater Conservation District.

    • Gateway Groundwater Conservation District encompasses all of Foard County.
    • Groundwater conservation districts have primary authority to permit water wells within their jurisdictions.
    • The exact Gateway GCD exemptions, thresholds, fees, spacing rules, and application process were not established in the opened official sources.
    “The District has adopted District rules for permitting wells and the production of groundwater.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally have no authority to adopt comprehensive zoning ordinances in unincorporated areas, and no zoning applies in unincorporated Foard County.

    Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas ↗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 individual building new residential construction, or acting as that individual's own contractor, under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F.

    • The Subchapter F standards apply only if the county adopted a resolution or order requiring their application and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population greater than 100.
    • The individual must build the construction or act as the individual's own contractor.
    • The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
    • This is an exception from the penalty for failure to provide proper notice under Sections 233.154(b) and (c); it does not establish that Foard County adopted the subchapter or that all other requirements are waived.
    • A separate affirmative defense applies when failure to submit notice results from the inspector's failure to provide appropriate documentation to the builder.
    “This subchapter applies only to a county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring the application of the provisions of this subchapter and that: (1) is located within 50 miles of an international border; or (2) has a population of more than 100. [...] (c) 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. (d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for failure to submit proper notice under Section 233.154(c) if the builder's failure to submit a notice is the result of the failure of the person who performed the inspection to provide appropriate documentation to the builder for submission to the county.”
    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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — OSSF permitting in Texas, including Foard County where no local governmental OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution approved by TCEQ has been established.
      “The executive director is the permitting authority unless a local governmental entity has an OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution approved by the executive director.”
    • 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, or repair of OSSFs in Texas, including Foard County, subject to local permitting authority requirements.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an on-site sewage facility, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Texas, including Foard County.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair 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 inspectionRequired

    Construction inspection of an OSSF in Foard County after authorization to construct, subject to the 10-acre exception and other applicable exceptions.

    • The installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the OSSF is ready for inspection.
    • The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.
    • If the system fails, it cannot be used until it passes inspection.
    • A single-family dwelling OSSF on a tract of at least 10 acres may require no planning materials, permit, or inspection only if all stated exception conditions are met.
    • A reinspection fee may be assessed and must be paid before reinspection.

    inspection notice period: >= 5 working days (before the OSSF will be ready for inspection) · authorization-to-construct validity: 1 calendar year (unless inspection is timely requested)

    “The installer shall notify the permitting authority at least five working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) before the date the OSSF will be ready for inspection. The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
      “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.”
    • 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

    OSSF-based off-grid sanitation serving a single-family dwelling in Texas, including Foard County, where the 10-acre exemption criteria are met.

    • The system must comply with planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC Chapter 285.
    • A TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer must conduct the site evaluation.
    • The tract must be at least 10 acres and serve a single-family dwelling.
    • The system must not cause a nuisance or pollute groundwater.
    • All OSSF parts must be at least 100 feet from the property line.
    • Effluent must be disposed of on the property.
    • The single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
    • The local permitting authority may impose more stringent requirements.

    minimum tract size: >= 10 acres · minimum setback from property line: >= 100 feet

    “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285”
    2 more reviewed findings 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.”
    • 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 exemptionConditional

    Farm and ranch land in Texas, including land in Foard County, seeking agricultural special appraisal based on productivity value rather than market value.

    • Land must be currently devoted principally to agricultural use.
    • Agricultural use must meet the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area.
    • Land must have been devoted to agricultural or timber production for at least five of the past seven years.
    • Land within an incorporated city or town must meet the applicable 1-d-1 criteria and one additional condition stated by the Comptroller: lack of comparable city services, continuous principal agricultural use for the preceding five years, or continuous agricultural/timber use for the preceding five years together with wildlife management use.
    • Wildlife-management land must previously have qualified as open-space land or timberland, be actively used for wildlife management, and be used in at least three of seven specified ways.
    • The owner must apply for the applicable special appraisal; the Comptroller identifies Forms 50-129, 50-165, and 50-166.

    prior agricultural or timber production: >= 5 years of past 7 years (Additional criteria apply to land within an incorporated city or town.) · wildlife management activities: >= 3 of 7 specified ways (Applies where land is claimed for wildlife-management use.)

    “Property owners may qualify for agricultural appraisal if land meets the following criteria: The land must be currently devoted principally to agricultural use.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Division of a tract located outside municipal limits, including unincorporated Foard County, when the land will be used primarily for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes.
      “(c) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if: (1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and (2) the land is to 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. (d) If a tract described by Subsection (c) ceases to be used primarily for agricultural use or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use, the platting requirements of this subchapter apply.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Division of a tract outside municipal limits into two or more parts in Foard County when the land is primarily used for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use and no part is laid out for the public-use purposes described in Section 232.001(a)(3).
      “the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
    • Available (with conditions) — A county platting exemption for a tract outside municipal limits that is divided into two or more parts and used primarily for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes, including qualifying land in unincorporated Foard County.
      “A county may not require [...] a plat of the subdivision prepared if: [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of a tract located outside a municipality, including divisions into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, lots, or public-use streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts.

    • The state plat requirement is subject to the exceptions in Local Government Code Section 232.0015.
    • A county may not require platting when the owner does not lay out a public-use part described by Section 232.001(a)(3) and the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use or for farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use.
    • The agricultural exception ends if the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use.
    • Additional statutory exceptions include certain related-person transfers involving four or fewer parts, subdivisions in which all lots exceed 10 acres, and lots sold to veterans through the Veterans' Land Board program.
    • The county notice located during research concerns proposed Foard County subdivision regulations and does not establish that the proposed local regulations were adopted.
    “The owner [...] must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: [...] lots;”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or modified access driveways connecting property to a state highway in Foard County, where the Texas Department of Transportation rule applies.
      “A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary whenever new access driveways are constructed or existing access driveways are modified.”
  • 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”
  • 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 Foard County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Foard County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local-zoning status within Foard County, including any municipality-specific zoning controls and unincorporated-area county rules.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Requirements to connect property in Foard County to public water or sewer utilities.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Foard 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 Foard County, Texas

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

Foard County scores 48/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,103 people within 15 miles and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (25.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Foard 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 regional office). 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 Foard County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Foard County is allowed: Unincorporated Foard County: no county rule sets this, because Foard 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 trerc.tamu.edu. 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 Foard County, Texas?

Land in Foard County runs about $1,694 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Foard County?

Foard County gets about 25.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 44.8% of years.

How remote is Foard County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,103 people within 15 miles and 415,692 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Foard compares in Texas

Compare side-by-side →See all 254 Texas counties ranked →