Bolthole Index

Hill County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Hill County, Texas

53Index Score / 100
#125 of 254 in Texas

We could not confirm whether a home on unincorporated land in Hill County, Texas needs a county residential building permit; ask Hill County Development Services before construction12. Unincorporated Hill County has no county zoning, while Itasca requires city building permits34. Hill County Development Services administers septic permits and inspections, with additional TCEQ approval for commercial-use and RV-park systems5.

At a glance

Building permit
County residential requirement not confirmed; ask before construction6
Zoning approval
No county zoning in unincorporated areas; cities can set their own zoning37
Septic permit
Required for construction, installation, alteration, extension or repair, subject to narrow exemptions; apply through Development Services85
Septic inspections
Open and final inspections coordinated by the county OSSF Designated Representative after fees are paid9
RV / tiny home zoning
No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas; city rules and septic requirements still apply310
Owner-builder
Limited trade-license and notice-penalty provisions are not a blanket permit exemption1112
Subdivision plats
County review outside city limits; city agreements can modify or delegate ETJ oversight1314
Water wells
Prairielands requires a permit for non-exempt wells within its district15

Who to call

Septic permits

Hill County Development Services (OSSF Permits & Inspections)

On-site sewage facility (OSSF/septic) permit applications, payments, and coordination of inspections for unincorporated Hill County, effective as the county's OSSF program administrator since January 1, 2026

254-337-1210

218 N Waco St, Hillsboro, TX 76645

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Hill County 911 Addressing & Signage (Support Services)

Flood Plain Permits, 911 address assignment and signage, Development Permits for new addresses, and driveway culverts for unincorporated Hill County

254-283-6846

218 N. Waco St., Hillsboro, TX 76645

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Hill 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 Hill County, Texas?

We could not confirm whether unincorporated Hill County requires a residential building permit; ask Hill County Development Services before construction12. Texas counties have limited construction authority, but the state fire-code provisions do not establish Hill County's rule for a detached home6. State energy standards still apply to covered construction, and factory-built industrialized housing falls under a separate Texas program1617. Inside Itasca city limits, city building permits are required for residential construction, additions, pools and remodeling4. Separately, Hill County requires OSSF application approval before septic construction18.

Who issues building permits in Hill County?

We could not confirm a county residential building-permit office; start with Hill County Development Services at 254-337-1210 to ask where to direct the building-permit question12. Inside Itasca, the city handles building permits; septic work remains subject to the local OSSF permitting authority, so confirm the address's septic jurisdiction with Development Services41920. Hill County Development Services administers the county septic process5. For floodplain review, new addresses and address signs, contact Hill County 911 Addressing & Signage at 254-283-68462122. The county lists a $100 Flood Plain Permit fee and a $25 address-sign fee23.

Does Hill County have zoning?

Unincorporated Hill County has no county zoning ordinance setting dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, or restricting RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings or temporary camping3. Hill County subdivision rules still apply to covered land divisions outside city limits, and final plats need Commissioners Court approval before recording13. City agreements can modify the county rules in an extraterritorial jurisdiction or delegate subdivision oversight to the city; affected subdivisions must comply with the city's applicable land-use restrictions and setbacks13. The current county rules require preliminary plats except for minor plats and replats14.

How do septic permits work in Hill County?

Hill County Development Services administers OSSF permits, and septic construction must wait for application approval518. Septic installation, alteration, extension and repair also require a permit unless an exemption applies8. After fees are paid, the county OSSF Designated Representative coordinates open and final inspections, including authorization to operate9. Only 9.9% of Hill County soils lack severe limitations for conventional drain fields, making a site evaluation an early purchase check24. A state permitting exemption may apply to a single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres only with a licensed evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, every OSSF part at least 100 feet from the property line, on-property effluent disposal and no other dwelling on the tract; Development Services must confirm local eligibility because local rules may be stricter8.

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

Unincorporated Hill County's county-zoning answer is covered above; sanitation remains a separate requirement for an RV or tiny-home plan310. Private sewage facilities must meet Hill County OSSF requirements and obtain applicable authorization before construction and operation10. Commercial-use and RV-park septic systems additionally require TCEQ approval, a rule that does not itself answer personal RV occupancy5. Texas composting-toilet conditions also apply; a composting toilet is not an automatic sewage-rule exemption25. For a proposed RV or tiny home on flood-prone land, ask Hill County 911 Addressing & Signage which activities need a Flood Plain Permit; we could not confirm the full permit triggers2321.

Building a home in Hill County: the steps, in order

  1. Establish city limits and any extraterritorial jurisdiction: Itasca requires city building permits, and city agreements can change subdivision review outside city limits414.
  1. Ask Hill County Development Services where to confirm residential building permits, building inspections and occupancy approval for unincorporated land; we could not confirm those requirements12.
  1. Contact 911 Addressing & Signage for floodplain review and a new address; stake the proposed driveway if no established driveway exists2126.
  1. Submit the septic application to Development Services and wait for approval before construction, then complete the open and final inspection stages189.
  1. For a new non-exempt well within Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, obtain an Operating Permit15.
  1. For state-highway access, obtain the TxDOT driveway permit before modifying the right of way27.

What to check before you buy land in Hill County

Before buying a tract to divide, establish the applicable county or city subdivision process: Hill County's rules took effect March 4, 2025, with city agreements potentially modifying or delegating ETJ oversight14. A qualifying agricultural platting exception requires the specified use and no dedication of streets, parks or similar areas for public or lot-owner use; platting requirements return when that use ends28. Within Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, all non-exempt wells need a permit; new wells need an Operating Permit, while existing non-exempt wells registered before January 1, 2019 need a Historic Use Permit15. Confirm the parcel's district coverage and well exemption status with Prairielands before drilling or operating15.

Watch-outs

  • Hill County's residential building-permit, building-inspection, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements remain unconfirmed; ask the applicable county or city office before construction6.
  • An owner acting as the contractor for a primary residence may avoid a notice-related penalty in a narrow circumstance, but that is not an exemption from inspections, codes, septic requirements, subdivision rules, or other permits11.
  • The septic application lists $325 for a conventional system and $475 for a non-standard system, but the form is dated 2011; ask Development Services for current septic permit fees29.

Sources

  1. Hill County - OSSF Permits & 911 Signage (2026 county census)
  2. Hill County Development Services (OSSF Permits & Inspections) (co.hill.tx.us)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Itasca: City of Itasca Permit Information (Hill County), quoted and re-checked
  5. OSSF Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  6. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 233 (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. City Planning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  9. OSSF Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  10. Hill County Subdivision Rules Rev 3/2025, quoted and re-checked
  11. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, residential construction notice enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  12. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Hill County Texas — County Information, quoted and re-checked
  14. Hill County Subdivision Rules and Regulations 2025, quoted and re-checked
  15. Home - Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, quoted and re-checked
  16. Local Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  17. tdlr.texas.gov (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. OSSF Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  19. Itasca: Getting a Permit for an OSSF (Hill County), quoted and re-checked
  20. OSSF Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  21. Hill County 911 Addressing & Signage (Support Services) (co.hill.tx.us)
  22. 911 Addressing & Signage, quoted and re-checked
  23. Hill County Texas home page, quoted and re-checked
  24. 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
  25. Chapter 285 — On-Site Sewage Facilities (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. 911 Addressing & Signage, quoted and re-checked
  27. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Hill County Subdivision Rules and Regulations 2025, quoted and re-checked
  29. OSSF Permits & Inspections, quoted and re-checked

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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Hill County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleHill CountyEllis CountyMcLennan CountyBosque CountyJohnson CountyNavarro CountySomervell County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedLimitedLimitedLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Development ServicesCounty Dept. of DevelopmentWaco-McLennan County Public Health DistrictCounty Env. OfficeCounty Public WorksCounty Env. Div.OSSF

County locator

Hill County in Texas

53
County map
Hill County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Hill County scores

Seclusion32100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency3999% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$236kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$3,494Land / acre
38.4"Annual rain
23.7% of yrsSevere drought
45.2 / yr (+29.6)Mid-century 100°F days
25.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.27" (+5.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,147Home insurance / yr
-0.3% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
33,309People within 30 min
10,158,034People within 2 hr
25,653Radius comparison (15 mi)
39.7People / sq mi
6.6%Federal land
99.5%Land at 15% slope or less
9.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
58,104 acWorkable land screen
16.2%Wooded land
13.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hill 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.

Abbott · Aquilla · Town of Blum · Town of Bynum · Town of Carl's Corner · Covington · Hillsboro · Hubbard · Itasca · Town of Malone · Town of Mertens · Mount Calm · Town of Penelope · Town of Whitney

Answers from the rulebook for Hill County

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

Hill County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning in Hill County, including municipal zoning administered by incorporated cities rather than by Hill County

    • The documented municipal zoning rule applies within the City of Hillsboro; it does not establish a countywide rule for unincorporated Hill County.
    • Other incorporated municipalities require separate municipal-source verification.
    “The City of Hillsboro Community Development Department is responsible for all aspects of land use and planning within the City of Hillsboro.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site sewage facility permitting and inspection administration in Hill County, Texas.

    • Effective January 1, 2026, Hill County Development Services administers the OSSF application process.
    • Commercial-use and RV-park septic permits must be approved by TCEQ as well as the OSSF Designated Representative.
    • Applications are paid at the Support Services Building; credit/debit card convenience fees apply.
    “The Hill County Development Services are over this process.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — OSSF/septic permitting and inspections in Hill County, including unincorporated areas; incorporated jurisdictions may have separate arrangements.
      “The Hill County Development Services are over this process.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or installation of an OSSF in Hill County.

    • Do not begin construction before application approval.
    • Commercial-use and RV-park applications also require TCEQ approval.
    • The county application lists standard conventional and non-standard system fees of $325 and $475, respectively; the form is revised 05/2011 and may not reflect current fees.

    standard conventional system fee: 325 USD · non-standard system fee: 475 USD (Includes, but is not limited to, aerobic, LPD, drip emitters, ET beds, holding tanks, commercial facilities, and multi-family residences.)

    “DO NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO APPLICATION APPROVAL.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction and operation of an on-site sewage facility in Hill County.
      “DO NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION PRIOR TO APPLICATION APPROVAL”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OSSF installations subject to Hill County permitting.

    • After fees are paid, inspections are coordinated by the Development Services OSSF Designated Representative.
    • The application provides for open inspection and final inspection/authorization to operate.
    • Commercial-use and RV-park permits also require TCEQ approval.
    “Once the fees have been paid, all OSSF inspections will be coordinated by the Development Services OSSF Designated Representative.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — OSSF construction and operation subject to Hill County's OSSF permitting process.
      “Once the fees have been paid, all OSSF inspections will be coordinated by the Development Services OSSF Designated Representative.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private, on-site sewage treatment or disposal serving property without municipal sewer service in Hill County.

    • Private sewage facilities are recognized as a sewage-disposal option in county subdivision rules.
    • The facility must satisfy Hill County OSSF Agent requirements and obtain the applicable OSSF authorization before construction and operation.
    • Commercial-use and RV-park systems additionally require TCEQ approval.
    “The plan for sewage disposal should be clearly indicated, i.e. municipal sewer service, privately owned/organized sewage disposal system, private sewage facilities, etc. If it is the Owner’s intent that each lot purchaser shall provide private sewage facilities, those facilities must meet the requirements of the Hill County On-site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) Agent.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater wells in Hill County within the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District, specifically non-exempt wells.

    • All non-exempt wells require a permit.
    • Existing non-exempt wells with approved registration before January 1, 2019 obtain a Historic Use Permit.
    • New non-exempt wells obtain an Operating Permit.
    • Operating Permit applicants must have a pre-application meeting, and administratively complete applications are scheduled for a public hearing.
    • Permitted wells must be metered before production and comply with production-reporting and fee-payment requirements.
    • The reviewed page does not determine which exemption applies to a specific parcel or domestic well.

    maximum annual authorized production: lesser of reasonable annual groundwater demand during permit term or 50,000 gallons per year per contiguous acre owned to well site · well completion period: 0–100 gallons per minute: 18 months; 101–299 gallons per minute: 24 months; 300+ gallons per minute: 36 months

    “All non-exempt wells must obtain a permit. Existing non-exempt wells (wells with an approved registration prior to January 1, 2019) will obtain a Historic Use Permit. New wells will obtain an Operating Permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Groundwater wells on the Hill County portion of the Prairielands Groundwater Conservation District.
      “All non-exempt wells must obtain a permit. Existing non-exempt wells (wells with an approved registration prior to January 1, 2019) will obtain a Historic Use Permit. New wells will obtain an Operating Permit.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Division of land outside incorporated city limits in Hill County where the tract is primarily used for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes.

    • The owner must not dedicate any area such as streets, parks, alleys, or parking lots for use by the public or lot owners.
    • The tract must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Sections 1-d and 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
    • Section I does not state a separate acreage threshold for the agricultural-use alternative; the same Exception A separately lists ten acres or more as an independent alternative.
    • If the described agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use ceases, the platting requirements of the order apply.
    • The 2025 rules were adopted effective March 4, 2025.

    separate non-agricultural acreage alternative: >= 10 acres (This is a separate Exception A(1) alternative, not an acreage threshold stated for the agricultural-use alternative.)

    “(2) the tract is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Sections 1-d, and 1-d1 Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution. If this described use ceases, the platting requirements of this order apply; or”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land outside the corporate limits of a city in Hill County into two or more parts for subdivision, lots, streets, alleys, parks, or other portions intended for public use or for purchasers or owners of lots.

    • A plat is required unless an applicable exception in Section I applies.
    • Exception A requires both that no areas such as streets, parks, alleys, or parking lots are dedicated for public or lot-owner use and that one listed condition applies, including lots of at least ten acres, qualifying agricultural or related production use, certain family transfers, Veterans’ Land Board sales, specified governmental ownership, specified transfers, or common ownership.
    • The 2025 rules were adopted effective March 4, 2025.
    • If the property is within a city or town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, the applicable city, town, or village must approve the plat before submission to the Commissioners Court.
    • The Commissioners Court approves or disapproves subdivision plats under the county rules.
    “The Hill County Commissioners Court adopted Subdivision Rules effective March 4, 2025. Click on the link below to download Subdivision Rules.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and development of land in unincorporated Hill County.
      “The Hill County Commissioners Court adopted Subdivision Rules effective March 4, 2025. Click on the link below to download Subdivision Rules.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and development of land in Hill County's unincorporated areas.
      “These regulations are intended to govern the subdivision and development of land in the unincorporated areas of Hill County, and they apply to all unincorporated areas of the County, except whereby written agreement between a city and the County has modified these Regulations within Extra Territorial Jurisdiction of that city, or delegated its responsibility for subdivision oversight to that city, or delegated its responsibility for subdivision oversight to that city.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    A new driveway associated with a Hill County new-address request when the property has no established driveway.

    • The source limits the staking requirement to properties without an established driveway.
    • The requirement appears in the county's new-address Development Permit instructions.
    “If there is not an established driveway into the property you will have to stake the new driveway. Once we have the Permit and payment confirmation in the Office, we will go out to take a GPS point for the 911 map and will contact you back with the new address.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Hill County Flood Plain Permits and 911 Address Signs.

    • The page states that online payment is available through the Hill County 911 Addressing & Signage page.
    • The page separately lists the 911 Address Sign fee as $25.00.

    Flood Plain Permit fee: 100 USD · 911 Address Sign fee: 25 USD

    “The cost for a Flood Plain Permit is $100.00. The cost for a 911 Address Sign is $25.00.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Hill County Development Permit process for obtaining a new address through 911 Addressing.

    • Section 1 must be completed.
    • The completed form may be returned by email or mail.
    • A $100.00 fee must be paid online or by check with the Development Permit.
    • If there is no established driveway, the new driveway must be staked.
    • After the permit and payment confirmation are received, Hill County will take a GPS point for the 911 map and contact the applicant with the new address.

    Development Permit fee: 100 USD

    “You may pay the $100.00 fee either online at the link below or mail a check in with the Development Permit.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally lack zoning authority in unincorporated areas; no county zoning ordinance was found on Hill County official sources.

    Hill County - OSSF Permits & 911 Signage ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.

    • A person purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for their own use or their company’s use may file for an installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • A person responsible for assembly, connection, and on-site construction for persons other than themselves must be registered as an industrialized builder.
    • Municipalities may require applicable local permits and licenses before construction begins when the municipality regulates the installation.
    “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.

    • Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
    • Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
    • Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
    • These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
    “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Penalty for failure to submit required residential-construction notices under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, where that subchapter applies.
      “An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection if: (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.

    • The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
    • The effective date is July 1, 2024.
    • The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
    • Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
    • Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
    • Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.

    effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Statewide Texas building-energy-code requirements applicable within Hill County; this claim concerns energy codes only, not adoption of a comprehensive building code by Hill County.
      “The minimum state-mandated code for single-family homes is Chapter 11 of the 2015 International Residential Code. The applicable code for other residences and commercial and industrial buildings is the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. These energy codes are effective statewide.”
    • 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:”
  • 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 — Residential building inspections administered by Hill County in unincorporated Hill County, Texas
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or equivalent occupancy approvals for residential buildings in unincorporated Hill County, Texas
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements in Hill County, Texas.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in flood hazard areas in Hill County, Texas.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Hill County, Texas.

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.

Water rights & wells in Hill County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Texas’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

Texas groundwater is governed by the rule of capture; a Groundwater Conservation District must exempt qualifying domestic/livestock wells and may not restrict their production, but well registration and spacing rules can still apply and the exemption does not cover wells serving a platted subdivision.

Limit: Domestic/livestock well exempt from GCD production permitting if on a tract >10 acres AND incapable of producing >25,000 gal/day (Tex. Water Code §36.117)

Texas Water Code §36.117 / TWDB ↗
  • Central Texas Trinity Aquifer Priority Groundwater Management Areapartial of county

    TCEQ-designated Trinity Aquifer critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply.

    TCEQ — Priority Groundwater Management Areas ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Texas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Hill County, Texas

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

Hill County scores 53/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 33,309 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (38.4″/yr rainfall).

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

Hill 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 Hill County Development Services / OSSF Designated Representative (authorized agent of TCEQ). 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 Hill County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Hill County is allowed: Unincorporated Hill County: no county rule sets this, because Hill County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.hill.tx.us. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Hill County, Texas?

Land in Hill County runs about $3,494 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hill County?

Hill County gets about 38.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 23.7% of years. On water rights, Hill County lies in the Central Texas Trinity Aquifer Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ-designated Trinity Aquifer critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply..

How remote is Hill County?

A representative private-land location has about 33,309 people within a 30-minute drive and 10,158,034 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.

How Hill compares in Texas

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