Building permits, zoning and land rules in Hartley County, Texas
36Index Score / 100 #238 of 254 in Texas
Unincorporated Hartley County, Texas does not require a county residential building permit and has no county zoning ordinance12. Hartley County handles septic applications through the County Judge’s office, with approval required before construction34. Dalhart, a city mainly in Dallam County that reaches into Hartley County, handles its own building permits and zoning inside city limits; septic applications remain with Hartley County for Hartley County addresses563.
At a glance
Building permit
No county residential building permit required on unincorporated land; confirm inspection requirements with the County Judge17
Zoning
No county zoning on unincorporated land; Dalhart sets zoning inside city limits26
Septic (OSSF)
Hartley County's own County Judge's office permits systems; its published application lists $225 residential and $330 commercial43
RV, tiny home & manufactured home living
No county zoning restriction on unincorporated land; wastewater still needs compliant sanitation89
Minimum lot size / setbacks
None set by the county; state law doesn't give Texas counties general zoning authority8
OSSF 10-acre exemption
State exemption may apply to a single-family home on at least 10 acres only if every site condition is met; confirm with the county10
Water wells (North Plains GCD)
Domestic/livestock wells not capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons a day are permit-exempt but must register11
General county government contact at the Hartley County Courthouse; the county has no separate building or planning department to direct land-use questions to
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Do you need a building permit in Hartley County, Texas?
Unincorporated Hartley County does not require a county residential building permit1. We could not confirm whether Hartley County has adopted residential construction standards or requires building inspections; ask the County Judge’s office before starting a home127. Inside Dalhart, which reaches into Hartley County, the city handles building permits; its ordinance specifically requires city approval to construct, alter or expand manufactured-home and RV parks5. Dalhart’s Code Department requires submitted plans to comply with the 2015 International Building Codes; septic applications for Hartley County addresses remain with the County Judge’s office133.
Who do you call about building and septic permits in Hartley County?
For questions about unincorporated Hartley County residential construction, contact the County Judge’s office at the courthouse in Channing; we could not confirm a separate county building-inspection program7. Hartley County’s septic application contact is the County Judge’s office at 806-235-3442, with applications mailed to PO Box 69, Channing, TX 790184. The septic application must be submitted and approved before construction starts4. Inside Dalhart, the city’s Code Department receives building plans and applications for zoning changes or manufactured-home approval1314.
Does Hartley County have zoning, minimum lot sizes or setbacks?
Unincorporated Hartley County has no county zoning rule setting minimum dwelling or lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, or restrictions on RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home and temporary-camping use8. That does not remove subdivision, septic, deed-restriction or other applicable requirements15. Dalhart, a city reaching into Hartley County, sets its own zoning: uses and structures must comply with the parcel’s zoning district6. Manufactured homes inside Dalhart need Planning and Zoning Board approval before placement and may need Special Use zoning; contact the Code Department for those applications14. Septic applications for Hartley County addresses stay with the County Judge’s office3.
How do septic permits work in Hartley County?
Hartley County handles OSSF septic applications through the County Judge’s office, and the application must be approved before construction starts34. Texas requires a permit and approved plan for OSSF construction, alteration, repair, extension and operation unless an exemption applies; the permitting authority must approve or deny the application and planning materials within 30 days of receipt16. A county permit form requires a Designated Representative inspection before backfill17.
The state’s 10-acre exemption requires a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer’s evaluation, a single-family home as the tract’s only dwelling, every OSSF component at least 100 feet from property lines, on-property effluent disposal, and no nuisance or groundwater pollution10. Exempt systems still must meet planning, construction and installation standards; confirm applicability with the county because local programs can be stricter910. Listed emergency repairs can skip permitting but require written notice within 72 hours after repairs begin18. Secondary-treatment or drip systems need maintenance-company inspection every 4 months, unless single-family homeowner maintenance is allowed19.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home off-grid in Hartley County?
Off-grid living in Hartley County still requires compliant wastewater disposal: the state’s OSSF rules cover septic systems and holding tanks, even where county zoning does not restrict the dwelling type162. A qualifying off-grid single-family system may use the state permit exemption, but must meet all sanitation standards and site conditions; acreage alone does not establish eligibility9. Texas allows approved, certified composting toilets, but that treatment-system approval does not replace applicable OSSF permitting20. Inside Dalhart, city zoning governs land use, and manufactured-home placement requires Planning and Zoning Board approval621.
How do you build on land in Hartley County, step by step?
Establish whether the parcel is unincorporated Hartley County land or inside Dalhart, where city zoning applies26.
Ask the County Judge’s office about unconfirmed rural building-inspection requirements, or submit city building plans to Dalhart’s Code Department if inside city limits713.
Submit septic plans and the application to the Hartley County Judge’s office and obtain approval before construction; confirm the current fee and any exemption first410.
Register a domestic or livestock well with North Plains Groundwater Conservation District; wells not capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons daily are permit-exempt but still require registration11.
For state-highway access, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and receive the executed driveway permit before right-of-way construction22.
Before dividing land outside city limits, check the county plat requirements and statutory exceptions with commissioners court23.
What should you check before buying land in Hartley County?
About 76.2% of Hartley County’s soils are not rated very limited for conventional septic drain fields; that countywide measure does not replace a parcel-specific site evaluation2410. For an existing home, TCEQ does not require or regulate a pre-sale OSSF evaluation, though a mortgage company may require one25. Domestic and livestock wells not capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons daily must register with North Plains Groundwater Conservation District even when permit-exempt11. A new state-highway driveway needs TxDOT approval22. Hartley County’s effective property tax rate is about 1.2%, with a median annual bill near $2,6042627. Ask the County Judge’s office about unconfirmed county-road access and floodplain requirements before committing to a parcel7.
Watch-outs
Hartley County’s posted septic application lists $225 residential and $330 commercial, while another county permit form lists $160 and $230; confirm the current fee with the County Judge’s office before paying417.
We could not confirm Hartley County residential building-inspection or occupancy-approval requirements; ask the County Judge’s office before construction7.
We could not confirm Hartley County floodplain-development or county-road driveway requirements; ask the County Judge’s office who reviews your parcel and access7.
Written October 11, 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.
Hartley County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Hartley County scores
Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1296% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability25100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost7894% 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 →
$264kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$1,824Land / acre
16.7"Annual rain
36.4% of yrsSevere drought
24.6 / yr (+20.7)Mid-century 100°F days
32.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.18" (+1.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.26×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
148People within 30 min
348,916People within 2 hr
1,011Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
99.1%Land at 15% slope or less
76.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Hartley 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.
Channing
Answers from the rulebook for Hartley County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Hartley County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of municipal and unincorporated-area land-use controls within Hartley County; the county itself does not administer each municipal ordinance.
The Texas House Research Organization states that counties generally have no zoning authority, while many cities use zoning ordinances.
Dalhart's official Code Department page states that manufactured homes in city limits must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board and may require Special Use zoning.
Rules therefore vary by whether property is inside a municipality such as Dalhart or in an unincorporated area, and additional subdivision, floodplain, septic, deed-restriction, or other applicable rules may apply.
“Counties, unlike cities, have no zoning authority and only limited power to regulate the types of activities or development in a given area.”
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Who permits septicCounty
OSSF application administration identified on the Hartley County official County Judge page.
The TCEQ advises applicants to check the local permitting authority.
The Hartley County page provides an application to install an on-site sewage facility and county-specific septic information.
“Application To Install On-Site Sewage Facility ( click here for fees and application )”
Septic permitRequired
On-site sewage facility installations in Hartley County, Texas, under the Hartley County Judge's OSSF application process.
A Designated Representative inspection must occur before backfill.
The residential permit fee stated in the application is $160.00.
The commercial-facility permit fee stated in the application is $230.00.
The permit is valid for 360 days.
The county's current webpage links to the OSSF application and fee document; the linked application is dated 2022 in the county URL and current fee adoption should be confirmed.
“It is further agreed that an inspection by the Designated Representative must be made before backfill is done, a fee of $160.00 must accompany this application for permit. This permit shall be valid for a period of 360 days. The permit fee for commercial facilities is $230.00.”
Well permitLimited
Water wells located within the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District area in Hartley County.
All wells must be registered with the District or have a test-hole permit or well permit unless exempt by law or District rules.
Domestic and livestock wells not capable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day are exempt from permitting but must be registered.
Rig-supply wells have the stated permitting exemptions and registration, metering, and reporting conditions.
A well permit application requires District review, applicable fees, any required site investigation, and compliance with District rules.
domestic or livestock well permitting-exemption threshold: <= 25000 gallons per day (registration remains required) · well permit validity: 150 calendar days (the Board may extend for good cause if requested before expiration)
“All Wells must be registered with the District or have a Test Hole Permit or Well Permit issued by the District.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties have no general zoning authority in unincorporated areas, and Hartley County maintains no planning/zoning office.
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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:”
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.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — OSSFs in Hartley County using secondary treatment or drip irrigation.
“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.”
Not required — Pre-sale OSSF evaluations under the TCEQ program for homes in Hartley County.
“Your mortgage company may require an evaluation of your OSSF before completing the sale. This type of evaluation is not required or regulated by TCEQ.”
Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
“A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.
An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF)
“An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Off-grid single-family OSSF sanitation systems in Texas, including qualifying property in Hartley County.
“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”:”
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.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division of land outside municipal limits in Hartley County, including division into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, lots, or streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use.
The rule applies to land outside the limits of a municipality.
A plat is required when the owner divides a tract into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, including an addition; lots; or streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use.
The commissioners court or county authority responsible for approving plats must approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove a complete plat application not later than the 30th day after receipt, subject to the statutory exceptions and extensions in Section 232.0025.
The 2023 procedural amendments apply to plat applications submitted on or after September 1, 2023; earlier applications are governed by the law then in effect.
The state rule is subject to the Section 232.0015 exceptions and any applicable Section 232.0013 limitation concerning municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction agreements.
“The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: (1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition; (2) lots; or (3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicated to public use”
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”
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) — On-site sewage facility permitting, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Hartley County and elsewhere in Texas
“A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
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 Hartley County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
New residential and commercial building plans submitted to the City of Dalhart's Code Department.
Plans must be submitted to the inspector in person at City Hall or by email.
The City of Dalhart page states that plans must comply with the 2015 International Building Codes.
The page lists new residential permit fees as $0.15 per square foot with a $100 minimum and new commercial permit fees as $0.20 per square foot with a $200 minimum.
This claim is limited to the City of Dalhart and does not establish countywide adoption in unincorporated Hartley County.
new residential building permit fee: 0.15 USD per square foot ($100 minimum) · new commercial building permit fee: 0.2 USD per square foot ($200 minimum) · building code edition: 2015 International Building Codes
“Plans must be submitted to the Inspector either in person at City Hall or via email. Plans must be compliant with the 2015 International Building Codes.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Manufactured-home placement and related zoning approvals within the City of Dalhart, Hartley County, Texas.
Manufactured homes must receive Planning and Zoning Board approval before placement in city limits.
The property zoning may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning.
The City of Dalhart provides a Code of Ordinances and Zoning Map through its official forms-and-documents page.
The cited page does not state an effective or adoption date.
“Manufactured homes must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board before they can be placed in the city limits. Zoning of the property may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present — Zoning administered by the City of Dalhart within the city limits located in Hartley County.
“Manufactured homes must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board before they can be placed in the city limits. Zoning of the property may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning. To apply for a change in zoning or to have a manufactured home approved, please contact the Code Department at 806-244-5511, ext. 3213 or by email.”
Present (with conditions) — Manufactured-home placement and related zoning decisions within the City of Dalhart, including its portion of Hartley County.
“Manufactured homes must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board before they can be placed in the city limits. Zoning of the property may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning.”
Present (with conditions) — Manufactured homes placed within the City of Dalhart city limits in the Hartley County portion of the city.
“Manufactured homes must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board before they can be placed in the city limits. Zoning of the property may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Inspections — Building inspections for construction in Hartley County, Texas, including unincorporated areas
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or equivalent occupancy approvals in Hartley County, Texas
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility-connection requirements for property in Hartley County.
Building in a floodplain — Development in floodplains in Hartley County, Texas
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Hartley 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 Hartley County, Texas
Is Hartley County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Hartley County scores 36/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 148 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16.7″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Hartley County, Texas?
Hartley 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 Hartley County (TCEQ authorized agent for on-site sewage). 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 Hartley County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Hartley County is allowed: Unincorporated Hartley County: no county rule sets this, because Hartley County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Hartley County, Texas?
Land in Hartley County runs about $1,824 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Hartley County?
Hartley County gets about 16.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 36.4% of years.
How remote is Hartley County?
A representative private-land location has about 148 people within a 30-minute drive and 348,916 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
