Building permits, zoning and land rules in Hood County, Texas
57Index Score / 100 #109 of 254 in Texas
Unincorporated Hood County, Texas does not require a county building permit for a house, but a septic permit and Road Access Permit are required1. Floodplain approval may also apply, and a new well must be registered before drilling23. Hood County has special authority to regulate development outside city limits, while Granbury applies its own zoning and building codes inside the city45.
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Do you need a building permit in Hood County, Texas?
A house on a lot in unincorporated Hood County does not need a Hood County building permit11. That narrow answer does not eliminate the other approvals tied to the site: Hood County requires a septic permit from Environmental Health and a Road Access Permit from Road Operations1. If any part of the property lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the Floodplain Administrator may require a floodplain development permit before construction or excavation2. A new water well must be registered with the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District before drilling, and district rules determine whether additional approval applies3. An owner-builder may build a home because there is no county building permit to obtain, although state trade-licensing requirements may still apply10.
Who handles building and site permits in Hood County?
For an unincorporated house, there is no Hood County building permit to apply for11. Hood County Development handles floodplain administration at 1402 W Pearl Street, Suite 2, Granbury, TX 76048, phone 817-408-251512. Hood County Environmental Health handles OSSF septic permits at 5417 Acton Hwy, Granbury, TX, phone 817-579-3288 and email Environmental@hoodcounty.texas.gov13. Hood County Road Operations issues the required Road Access Permit and can be reached at 3640 W Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048, phone 817-579-3304149. The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District handles new-well registration at 1859 W Hwy 199, Springtown, Texas 76082, phone 817-523-5200153. Inside Granbury, the city requires construction permits and enforces its adopted building codes; county septic authority remains with Hood County Environmental Health58.
Does Hood County have zoning?
Hood County has special statutory authority to regulate development in its unincorporated areas, including building size, density, roads, water, wastewater and drainage4. The available county material does not establish the complete set of regulations Hood County has adopted, so ask Hood County Development about the parcel's setbacks, minimum home size, allowed uses and district-specific requirements before designing a project4. Rules also change by jurisdiction: a Hood County city may impose additional requirements in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Granbury's subdivision ordinance extends into its ETJ7. Inside Granbury, city zoning regulates uses, setbacks, parking, exterior materials, landscaping, trees and lot sizes16. Combining or dividing lots is regulated as well; Hood County directs applicants to replat under its development regulations and submit the required forms to the Development Office17.
How do septic permits work in Hood County?
Every OSSF installation, modification or replacement in Hood County requires a septic permit from Hood County Environmental Health188. Permit and inspection fees are payable to Hood County, which also collects a $10 state pass-through charge for each OSSF permit19. Only 19.1% of Hood County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work20. Texas provides a narrow permitting exemption for a single-family home on at least 10 acres only when all conditions are met, including a licensed site evaluation, at least 100 feet between every system component and the property line, on-site effluent disposal, no nuisance or groundwater threat, and no other dwelling on the tract21. Hood County is the local septic authority even for addresses inside a city8.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Hood County?
We could not confirm a Hood County rule that permits or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping on unincorporated private land. Hood County has statutory power to regulate development outside city limits, so the absence of a county building permit is not proof that every residential use is allowed4. Ask Hood County Development about the specific parcel and proposed use before buying or placing a unit. A mobile home brought to unincorporated property still follows the house site-permit process: septic and road-access approvals are required, while floodplain and well requirements depend on the site1. Near a city, additional ETJ rules may apply, and Granbury has its own zoning within city limits722.
Building a home in Hood County: the steps, in order
Verify that the site is unincorporated; Hood County does not require a county building permit for a house there, while Granbury requires city construction permits15.
Ask Hood County Development which adopted development, subdivision, floodplain or ETJ rules apply to the parcel47.
Apply to Hood County Environmental Health for the OSSF septic permit and complete its site process1813.
Obtain the Road Access Permit from Hood County Road Operations914.
If any portion is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, ask the Floodplain Administrator whether a development permit is required before construction or excavation212.
Register a new well with the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District before drilling and confirm any additional district requirements315.
Complete any required replat before dividing or combining lots17.
What to check before you buy land in Hood County
Check wastewater first: only 19.1% of Hood County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field20. Check water next: a new well must be registered before drilling, and the district's published standards generally call for at least 2 acres, 50 feet from the nearest property line and 150 feet from another registered well unless a variance applies3. Check the flood map because any portion of the parcel in a Special Flood Hazard Area can trigger county review before construction or excavation2. Confirm driveway jurisdiction: a house in unincorporated Hood County requires a county Road Access Permit, while access to a state highway requires state approval923. Finally, verify subdivision history and jurisdiction; Hood County regulates replats, Granbury regulates land use within the city, and city ETJ requirements may also affect a parcel177.
Watch-outs
No county building permit is required for an unincorporated house, but we could not confirm the county's building-inspection or certificate-of-occupancy rules; ask Hood County Development before work begins1112.
Hood County has special development-regulation authority outside city limits, and city or ETJ rules can add another layer, so do not treat rural land as unrestricted47.
We could not confirm county rules for RV residence, tiny-home occupancy, temporary camping, short-term rentals or agricultural exemptions; ask Hood County Development about the exact parcel and use412.
Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Hood County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Hood County scores
Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4896% ev.
Admin Boringness90100% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost64100% ev.
Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$383kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$5,910Land / acre
35.1"Annual rain
28.1% of yrsSevere drought
50 / yr (+29.6)Mid-century 100°F days
24.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.09" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,746Home insurance / yr
2.6% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
39,374People within 30 min
8,292,077People within 2 hr
59,555Radius comparison (15 mi)
161.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
91.4%Land at 15% slope or less
19.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Hood 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.
Not yet researched: DeCordova · Lipan · Stockton Bend · Tolar
Answers from the rulebook for Hood County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Hood County rules
Building permitNot required
Building a house on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County, Texas.
A septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department is required.
A Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department is required.
A Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District is required if needed.
If any portion of the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator may be required before construction or excavation.
“You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed
Unincorporated Hood County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.
A septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department is required.
A Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department is required.
“You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Special statutory county zoning/development-regulation authority in the unincorporated areas of Hood County, Texas.
The authority applies only to unincorporated areas of Hood County.
The Commissioners Court may regulate lot occupancy or development percentage, population density, building size, streets and roads, water and wastewater facilities, drainage and other public facilities, parks and recreational areas, and harm from inadequate water or wastewater facilities.
Development regulations must be adopted in accordance with a county growth-and-development plan and coordinated with municipal comprehensive plans.
The Commissioners Court may divide the unincorporated area into districts, and regulations may vary by district.
A regulation is not effective until adopted by the Commissioners Court after a public hearing; notice must be published at least 15 days before the hearing.
The statutory authority was added effective June 18, 1999.
“Sec. 231.222. AREAS SUBJECT TO REGULATION. This subchapter applies only to the unincorporated areas of Hood County. [...] Sec. 231.223. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS GENERALLY. The Commissioners Court of Hood County may regulate:”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate zoning and zoning-like land-use controls across Hood County, including Hood County regulations in unincorporated areas and municipal zoning within incorporated jurisdictions.
The aggregate conclusion does not mean Hood County administers municipal zoning ordinances.
Hood County's special statutory development-regulation authority applies only to unincorporated areas.
The county FAQ states that additional regulations imposed by a Hood County city may apply in that city's ETJ.
The City of Granbury administers its own zoning ordinance within the City of Granbury; its ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements, including setbacks and lot sizes.
Granbury's subdivision ordinance also applies within its ETJ, described by the city as land within one mile of the incorporated boundary.
Granbury ETJ extent: 1 mile from incorporated boundary (This parameter concerns the City of Granbury subdivision ordinance, not necessarily the zoning ordinance.)
“The City of Granbury Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local-zoning status across Hood County: municipal zoning is documented within the City of Granbury, while the county FAQ states that additional city regulations may apply in a city's ETJ; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to Hood County.
“However, if your location is in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of a Hood County city then additional regulations imposed by that city may apply.”
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
On-site sewage facility permitting and regulation throughout Hood County, Texas, including unincorporated areas, except areas regulated under an existing order, ordinance, or resolution.
Hood County is the authorized local governmental entity that implements the OSSF order and administers permit applications, inspections, and enforcement within its jurisdiction.
The order applies to all areas lying within Hood County, Texas, except for areas regulated under an existing Order, Ordinance or Resolution.
All on-site sewage disposal systems installed in the jurisdictional area must comply with the order.
Regardless of lot or tract size, a permit is required before construction or installation of an OSSF.
A permit may not be issued for new construction or development in a FEMA-identified special flood hazard area unless the applicant demonstrates compliance with all applicable flood-damage-prevention regulations; the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate compliance or that the regulations are not applicable.
For property, subdivisions, manufactured-housing communities, multiunit residential development, business parks, and similar uses served by OSSFs, the order states that facilities may not be installed within a FEMA-delineated floodplain or within 200 feet of the normal pool elevation of Lake Granbury and the centerlines of its tributaries, and within 200 feet of the centerline of the Brazos River and its tributaries, whichever is greater; the provision covers individual lots or tracts created after February 25, 2014.
Hood County requires site evaluation by a Licensed Site Evaluator or Licensed Professional Engineer; a Licensed Site Evaluator in Hood County must hold a Texas Professional Sanitarian License.
For an OSSF in or adjoining a FEMA special flood-hazard area, the order requires professional design by a Registered Professional Sanitarian or licensed Professional Engineer.
TCEQ states that OSSF installers, apprentices, maintenance providers, and maintenance technicians must be licensed or registered by TCEQ; TCEQ also states that a Site Evaluator must be TCEQ-licensed or hold a Texas Professional Engineer license.
The published Hood County order states that all permit and inspection fees are payable to Hood County, Texas and that an additional $10 is collected for each OSSF permit for the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account. The county permit or inspection fee amount is not stated in the opened order.
TCEQ OSSF fee: 10 USD per permit (Additional fee paid to the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account; the county permit or inspection fee amount is not stated in the opened order.) · minimum setback from Lake Granbury normal pool elevation and tributary centerlines: >= 200 feet (For specified properties and developments served by OSSFs; applies with the Brazos River setback and whichever applicable distance is greater.) · minimum setback from Brazos River and tributary centerlines: >= 200 feet (For specified properties and developments served by OSSFs; whichever applicable distance is greater.)
“Hood County is hereby authorized to implement its new Order regulating on-site sewage facilities. [...] This Order shall apply to all the areas lying within Hood County, Texas, except for areas regulated under an existing Order, Ordinance or Resolution. All on-site sewage disposal systems installed in the jurisdictional area of Hood County must comply with this Order.”
Well permitLimited
Water wells in Hood County within the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
Hood County directs applicants to the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District for a water-well permit, if needed.
A new well must be registered with the District before drilling.
The District states that water wells drilled on or after January 1, 2009 must be registered.
The District states that wells not used for domestic, agricultural, or irrigation purposes are non-exempt and are required to meter and pay fees on groundwater withdrawal.
The official materials reviewed do not establish that every Hood County domestic well requires a permit rather than registration.
minimum tract size for new well under UTGCD FAQ: >= 2 acres (The FAQ states new wells must comply with or obtain a variance from this rule) · minimum distance from nearest property line: >= 50 feet (The FAQ states new wells must comply with or obtain a variance from this rule) · minimum distance from other registered wells: >= 150 feet (The FAQ states new wells must comply with or obtain a variance from this rule)
“What if I need to drill a new well? You must register your new well PRIOR to drilling.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and replatting activity administered through the Hood County Development Department.
Hood County publishes a dedicated Section 2 Subdivision Regulations and a Subdivision Review Process.
Combining or dividing lots requires replatting in accordance with Section IV of the Hood County Development Regulations.
The cited county pages do not state the complete numeric standards, fees, or all geographic exceptions.
“You must replat the lots in accordance with Section IV of the Hood County Development Regulations. This section explains the procedures you must follow and contains the necessary forms that must be submitted to the Development Office.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Combining two lots into one lot or dividing one lot into two lots in unincorporated Hood County.
“You must replat the lots in accordance with Section IV of the Hood County Development Regulations. This section explains the procedures you must follow and contains the necessary forms that must be submitted to the Development Office.”
Driveway accessRequired
House construction on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County.
A Road Access Permit must be obtained from the Hood County Road Operations Department.
The FAQ states this requirement in the context of building a house in the unincorporated area.
“However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed).”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — House construction on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County when access is through a county road right-of-way.
“You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed).”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction or excavation on property in the unincorporated area of Hood County when any portion of the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
A floodplain development permit may be required from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator.
The requirement applies if any portion of the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
The permit may be required prior to any construction or excavating.
“If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction or excavation on property in the unincorporated area of Hood County where any portion of the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
“If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Fees for Hood County on-site sewage facility permits and inspections.
All permit and inspection fees are payable to Hood County, Texas.
An additional $10 is collected for each on-site sewage facility permit and paid to the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 367.
“All fees collected for permits and/or inspections shall be made payable to Hood County, Texas. A fee of $10 will also be collected for each on-site sewage facility permit to be paid to the credit of the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account as required by the THSC Chapter 367.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Installation, modification, and replacement of on-site sewage facilities in Hood County.
An OSSF permit must be obtained for installation, modification, or replacement work.
“An On-Site Sewage Facility permit is required for all installation, modification, and replacement of On-Site Sewage Facilities.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Building a house on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County.
“You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
Published (with conditions) — House construction on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County.
“You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
Texas rules that apply here
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 permitRequired
Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs in Texas, subject to stated exemptions and local requirements.
A permit and approved plan are required for construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF.
A permit is generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.
A local permitting authority must be checked because local programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation standards; a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; service to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; on-site effluent disposal; and the single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the local program was authorized or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
The permitting authority must approve or deny planning materials and the permit application within 30 days of receipt.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other stated conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun) · permit application decision deadline: <= 30 days (from receipt by permitting authority)
“A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
Septic inspectionLimited
OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.
reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)
“Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
“A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.
An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF)
“An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
“Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
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 Hood County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Residential and commercial construction within the City of Granbury, Hood County, Texas.
Effective July 21, 2026, projects submitted on or after that date are permitted in accordance with the updated codes.
The City adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code and 2024 International Codes.
The Building Inspections, Permits, & Code Enforcement Department enforces the applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, municipal, and state codes.
Both new and remodel work is inspected for compliance with adopted codes.
Construction permits are required; plans are reviewed and permits are issued by the division.
effective date: 2026-07-21 · adopted electrical code: 2023 NEC · adopted International Codes: 2024 I-Codes
“Effective July 21, 2026, the City adopted the 2023 NEC and 2024 I-Codes”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land uses and development within the incorporated City of Granbury, Hood County, Texas.
The City of Granbury Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury.
Requirements include landscaping, parking, exterior construction materials, lighting, land uses, building setbacks, tree preservation and lot sizes.
A change of zoning may require a City Council-approved application.
A Specific Use Permit is required for certain uses and must be approved by the City Council before the use is permitted.
A site plan is required for a Specific Use Permit.
“The City of Granbury Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury. Requirements related to landscaping, parking, exterior construction materials, lighting, land uses, building setbacks, tree preservation and lot sizes are defined in the ordinance.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Land uses and development within the incorporated City of Granbury, Hood County, Texas.
“The City of Granbury Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury. Requirements related to landscaping, parking, exterior construction materials, lighting, land uses, building setbacks, tree preservation, and lot sizes are defined in the ordinance.”
Present (with conditions) — Land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury, Hood County, Texas.
“The City of Granbury Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury. Requirements related to landscaping, parking, exterior construction materials, lighting, land uses, building setbacks, tree preservation, and lot sizes are defined in the ordinance.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Inspections — Building inspections for residential construction in the unincorporated area of Hood County, Texas.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential construction in the unincorporated area of Hood County, Texas.
Zoning districts — Zoning districts in Hood County, with emphasis on unincorporated county land.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential construction in unincorporated Hood County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Hood County.
11 more unanswered
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Short-term rentals
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 Hood 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)
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 Hood County, Texas
Is Hood County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Hood County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 39,374 people within a 30-minute drive.
Do you need a building permit in Hood County, Texas?
Hood County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Hood County Environmental Health Department. 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.
How much does land cost in Hood County, Texas?
Land in Hood County runs about $5,910 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Hood County?
Hood County gets about 35.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28.1% of years. On water rights, Hood County lies in the North-Central Texas Trinity & Woodbine Aquifers Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ-designated DFW-region Trinity/Woodbine critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply..
How remote is Hood County?
A representative private-land location has about 39,374 people within a 30-minute drive and 8,292,077 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.
