Bolthole Index

Houston County, Texas

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

82Index Score / 100
#13 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Houston County, Texas does not require a building permit for a home and has no county zoning12. No county rule sets minimum lot size, setbacks, or occupancy limits for an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on unincorporated land3. The City of Kennard enforces its own zoning inside city limits4, but septic permits for unincorporated Houston County and the City of Crockett come from the county's OSSF office, which acts for TCEQ5.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Houston County1
Zoning
No countywide zoning; Texas gives counties no general zoning power26
Septic permit
Issued by Houston County's own OSSF office, TCEQ's authorized agent for the county57
RV, tiny home & manufactured home living
Unrestricted by county rule, since Houston County has no zoning authority3
Minimum lot size, setbacks & dwelling size
None set by the county3
Septic soil suitability
Only 5.3% of soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field8
Driveway onto a state highway
Needs a TxDOT Form 1058 permit before any work starts910

Who to call

Septic permits

Houston County OSSF Authorized Agent

TCEQ-authorized OSSF (septic) permitting agent for unincorporated Houston County and the City of Crockett

(936) 544-7608

houstoncountyossdr@gmail.com

1212 E Houston Ave, Crockett, TX 75835

Also useful

Houston County Judge

Chief executive of county government and head of emergency management; the office to start with for any land-use question, since Houston County has no building, planning or zoning department

936-544-3255, ext. 221

401 East Goliad Avenue, Suite 201, Crockett, TX 75835

Roads & driveways

Houston County Commissioners Court (Road Precincts)

County roads are maintained by four numbered precincts, each with its own commissioner; call the courthouse number and ask for your precinct's road department

936-544-3255

401 East Goliad Avenue, Suite 202, Crockett, TX 75835

Also useful

Houston County Office of Emergency Management / Fire Marshal

Coordinates disaster response and investigates fires in Houston County and the cities of Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo and Lovelady; no county floodplain administrator was identified on the county's site, so this office is the closest confirmed contact for a flood or burn-permit question

936-544-3255

401 East Houston Avenue, Crockett, TX 75835

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Houston 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 Houston County, Texas?

No general building permit is required to build a home on unincorporated land in Houston County; Texas law gives counties no authority to require one outside a few narrow exceptions1. Those exceptions reach only counties with more than 250,000 people, or a county next to one, which may adopt a fire code covering commercial buildings, public buildings and multifamily buildings of four units or more in unincorporated areas, or an optional residential construction standard; no official Houston County resolution or order adopting either was found11. Texas also lets a county that opts in require inspections of new homes, at least 3 on a vacant lot, but that applies only if the county adopted an order for it, and we found no such order for Houston County12. Factory-built housing is different: the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program sets mandatory statewide codes for manufactured and modular structures, requiring the 2021-edition International codes as of July 1, 2024, regardless of county13. No official source confirms an owner-builder exemption specific to Houston County, because there's no general county building permit for one to exempt you from14.

Who handles zoning and land use in Houston County?

Houston County does not administer zoning on unincorporated land2. Because the county has no zoning authority there, it sets no minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit, building-height limit or zoning district for unincorporated parcels3. City limits change the answer: the City of Kennard's Planning & Inspection Department enforces zoning regulations, although the available material does not establish Kennard's districts, allowed uses or dimensional standards4. We could not confirm the zoning status of Crockett, Grapeland, Latexo or Lovelady, so ask the relevant city before relying on the county rule. For an unincorporated parcel, the Houston County Judge's office is the starting point for a land-use question that does not belong with the septic office or a road precinct15.

How do septic permits work in Houston County?

A permit and approved plan are generally required before constructing, installing, altering, extending or repairing an on-site sewage facility in Houston County16. Houston County is TCEQ's authorized agent for unincorporated Houston County and the City of Crockett, so submit the application and planning materials to the county OSSF office; the permitting authority must approve or deny an application within 30 days of receipt and explain a denial in writing1718. Once installed, the installer must give at least five working days' notice before the system is ready for construction inspection, and the system cannot be used until it passes19. A qualifying single-family home on at least 10 acres can avoid the permit and inspection only when every listed condition is met, including a licensed site evaluation, a 100-foot property-line setback for every system part, on-site effluent disposal and no other dwelling on the tract18. Cesspools, boreholes and seepage pits are prohibited for new installation or use, so plan on a permitted OSSF design20. Only about 5.3% of Houston County soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, so get the site evaluation before choosing a house or system location8.

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

On unincorporated land, Houston County has no zoning rule restricting RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy and sets no minimum dwelling size3. Temporary camping is also unrestricted by county zoning on unincorporated land3. Septic rules still apply when a dwelling or RV uses an on-site sewage system, and the county OSSF office handles permits for unincorporated Houston County and the City of Crockett1617. Municipal rules are different: Kennard enforces zoning within its city limits, so ask its Planning & Inspection Department about an RV or tiny home before placing one there4. We could not confirm comparable occupancy rules for Crockett, Grapeland, Latexo or Lovelady; ask the city directly if the parcel is incorporated.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated; the county does not require a home-building permit there, but Kennard enforces zoning within its city limits14.
  2. Get a septic site evaluation before buying or siting the house because only about 5.3% of county soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field8.
  3. Submit the OSSF application and planning materials to Houston County's OSSF office and wait for approval before construction; the authority has 30 days after receipt to approve or deny the application1718.
  4. Have the installer arrange the required inspection and do not use the system until it passes19.
  5. For a driveway onto a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and receive the executed permit before work begins in the right-of-way10.
  6. Ask the Houston County Judge's office who handles any unresolved floodplain or county land-use question15.

What should you check before buying land in Houston County?

Soils and septic: with only 5.3% of the county's soils carrying no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, get a site evaluation before you commit to a parcel, and ask whether it qualifies for the 10-acre no-permit exception821. Water: a private well owner doesn't have to register with the state unless the parcel falls inside a groundwater conservation district, so confirm whether one covers your specific tract22. Access: a driveway onto a state highway needs a TxDOT permit and inspection before you touch the right-of-way, and the maximum width for a private residential driveway is 24 feet9. Land and climate: Houston County farmland has averaged about $3,488 an acre in the USDA census, the county gets roughly 47 inches of rain a year with severe drought in about 16% of recent years, and 56% of the land is wooded23242526. Taxes and location: the county's effective property tax rate runs about 0.9%, the median property tax bill is roughly $1,429 a year, and Houston County sits about 61 miles from the nearest metro area with a population density of about 18 people per square mile27282930.

Watch-outs

  • No official Houston County source identifies a floodplain administrator or a county floodplain-development process; ask the County Judge's office who handles flood review locally before you buy near water15.
  • Kennard enforces municipal zoning, while we could not confirm zoning rules for Crockett, Grapeland, Latexo or Lovelady; ask the relevant city before buying incorporated land4.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 (statutes.capitol.texas.gov) (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 231 (statutes.capitol.texas.gov) (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Planning & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  5. TCEQ OSSF Authorized Agent search (OARS) (2026 county census)
  6. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  8. 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
  9. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 PDF, quoted and re-checked
  13. Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (2026 county census)
  15. Houston County Judge (co.houston.tx.us)
  16. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  17. Houston County OSSF Authorized Agent (www6.tceq.texas.gov)
  18. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  19. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  20. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  21. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  22. General Groundwater and Private Water Well FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  23. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  24. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Population density: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Houston County has no countywide zoning.

RuleHouston CountyTrinity CountyLeon CountyMadison CountyWalker CountyCherokee CountyAnderson County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsHouston CountyTrinity CountyCounty OSSF Compliance ProgramMadison CountyCounty On-Site WastewaterCounty Health Dept.County OSSF Program

County locator

Houston County in Texas

82
County map
Houston County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Houston County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness8790% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$216kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$3,488Land / acre
47.3"Annual rain
15.6% of yrsSevere drought
32.6 / yr (+24.6)Mid-century 100°F days
20.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.54" (+5.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.42×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,846Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
10,247People within 30 min
3,545,391People within 2 hr
13,957Radius comparison (15 mi)
17.9People / sq mi
12.4%Federal land
99.6%Land at 15% slope or less
5.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
41,019 acWorkable land screen
55.8%Wooded land
45.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Houston 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: Grapeland · Kennard · Latexo · Lovelady

Answers from the rulebook for Houston County

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

Houston County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Plat requirements for daughter tracts created by subdivision in unincorporated Houston County.

    • Every daughter tract must be used primarily for agricultural use, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production as specified in the regulation.
    • If a tract ceases to be used primarily for those purposes, the owner must comply with the subdivision regulations as with any newly divided tract.
    “A plat is not required if every daughter tract is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Art. VII, Sec. 1d, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Art. VIII, Sec. 1-d-1, Texas Constitution. If a tract of land ceases to be used primarily for these uses, the owner will be required to comply with these regulations on the same basis as any newly divided tract.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas (limited to a few legislatively named counties, which does not include Houston County).

    Texas Local Government Code Chapter 231 (statutes.capitol.texas.gov) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

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

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

    An individual building new residential construction in a Texas county to which Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F applies, where the individual fails to provide required construction-notice information.

    • The subchapter applies only to a county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring its application.
    • The exemption is from the penalty under Section 233.157 for failure to provide proper notice; it is not an express exemption from building-code standards or inspection requirements.
    • The new residential construction must be built by the individual or the individual must act as the individual's own contractor.
    • The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
    • The statute also provides an affirmative defense when the inspector failed to provide appropriate documentation for submission to the county.
    “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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An individual who builds the individual's own new residential construction or acts as the individual's own contractor under Chapter 233, Subchapter F.
      “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 — An individual building new residential construction covered by Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, in a county that has adopted the required resolution or order.
      “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 — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New residential construction described by Texas Local Government Code § 233.153 in an unincorporated area of a county to which Chapter 233, Subchapter F applies.

    • For construction on a vacant lot, at least three inspections are required: foundation before concrete placement; framing and mechanical systems before drywall or other interior wall covering; and completion of construction.
    • For an addition increasing an existing single-family house or duplex's square footage or value by more than 50 percent, inspections are performed as necessary based on the scope of work.
    • The builder contracts with an authorized inspector category listed in § 233.154(a)(3), including a licensed engineer, registered architect, TREC professional inspector, qualifying municipal plumbing inspector, political-subdivision building inspector, or ICC residential combination inspector.
    • Before construction, the county may require notice identifying the location, approximate commencement date, and IRC version; after final inspection, the county may require notice within 10 days stating whether the inspection showed compliance.
    • The subchapter applies only if the county adopted a resolution or order requiring its application.

    minimum inspections for vacant-lot construction: >= 3 inspections (As applicable at the statutory foundation, framing/mechanical, and completion stages.) · post-final-inspection notice deadline: <= 10 days (Only if required by the county.)

    “A person who builds new residential construction described by Section 233.153 shall have the construction inspected to ensure building code compliance in accordance with this section as follows: (1) for new residential construction on a vacant lot, a minimum of three inspections must be performed during the construction project to ensure code compliance, as applicable, at the following stages of construction:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    OSSF permitting, inspection, and administration throughout Texas.

    • TCEQ administers the program in areas where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • A local governmental entity may administer the program only after an order, ordinance, or resolution is approved by TCEQ.
    • The authorized agent administers the program within its approved area of jurisdiction.
    • Local programs may adopt requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    “The authorized agent is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, including reviewing OSSF permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and more.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage facilities in Houston County and elsewhere in Texas.
      “The executive director is the permitting authority unless a local governmental entity has an OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution approved by the executive director.”
    • Mixed — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
      “TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs in Texas, subject to stated exemptions and local requirements.

    • A permit and approved plan are required for construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF.
    • A permit is generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.
    • A local permitting authority must be checked because local programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation standards; a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; service to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; on-site effluent disposal; and the single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the local program was authorized or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny planning materials and the permit application within 30 days of receipt.

    minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other stated conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun) · permit application decision deadline: <= 30 days (from receipt by permitting authority)

    “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation of an OSSF, including septic systems, in Houston County.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction inspection of permitted OSSFs in Houston County.

    • The installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days, Monday through Friday excluding holidays, before the OSSF is ready for inspection.
    • The permitting authority must conduct a construction inspection.
    • If the OSSF fails inspection, it cannot be used until it passes inspection.
    • A reinspection fee may be assessed and must be paid before reinspection.
    • No inspection is required for the listed grandfathered systems or the qualifying 10-acre single-family-dwelling exception.
    • A written notice of approval must issue within seven calendar days after the OSSF passes construction inspection.

    inspection notice lead time: >= 5 working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) · notice of approval deadline after passing inspection: <= 7 calendar days

    “The installer shall notify the permitting authority at least five working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) before the date the OSSF will be ready for inspection. (3) The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
      “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    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”:”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid residential sewage disposal through an OSSF on property in Houston County.
      “No planning materials, permit, or inspection are required for an OSSF for a single family dwelling located on a tract of land that is ten acres or larger and:”
    • Prohibited — Installation or use of boreholes, cesspools, and seepage pits for sewage treatment or disposal in Houston County.
      “Boreholes, cesspools, and seepage pits are prohibited for installation or use.”
    • 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.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.

    • A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
    • A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
    • Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
    • Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private water wells in Houston County, Texas, subject to any applicable groundwater conservation district rules.
      “Private water well owners in Texas do not need to register their well unless the property falls within the jurisdiction of a groundwater conservation district (GCD).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.

    • A local public agency may receive access driveway permitting authority for state highways, but TxDOT approval remains required for drainage impacts on the state highway system before local approval.
    • No access driveway is permitted within a flared or widened right-of-way section at an intersection of a state highway with another highway, road, or street.
    • All entrances and exits, including radii, must be confined within the permittee's property frontage.
    • One-way 45-to-90-degree driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane-divided highways; otherwise the driveway angle must be 75 to 90 degrees.
    • ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards apply.

    private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · driveway-to-pavement radius: >= 15 feet

    “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New driveways and revisions to existing driveways connecting property in Houston County to a highway on the Texas state highway system, including state-highway right-of-way work.
      “No construction work on the driveway shall be undertaken on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit has been received by the applicant and the applicant has given 24-hour notification to TxDOT.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Fees that a Texas county may establish under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter C, for fire-code inspections, building permits, and final certificates of compliance in the covered unincorporated-area buildings.

    • The authority is in Subchapter C, not Subchapter B.
    • The county commissioners court must be in a county with a population over 250,000 or in a county adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000 before it may adopt and enforce a fire code under Section 233.061.
    • 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 of the county.
    • The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
    • The commissioners court may develop a fee schedule based on building type and may set fees for inspection, building-permit issuance, and final certificates of compliance.
    • Fees must be necessary to cover administration and enforcement costs; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect the approximate cost of inspection personnel, materials, and administrative overhead.
    • The statute does not establish a dollar amount and does not establish that Houston County has adopted a fee schedule.
    “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. [...] The fee for a fire code inspection under this subchapter must be reasonable and reflect the approximate cost of the inspection personnel, materials, and administrative overhead.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.

    • The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
    • The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
    • No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
    • Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
    • Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.

    required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet

    “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — On-site sewage facility permitting in Texas, including Houston County when no local jurisdiction has an authorized permitting program.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
  • 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 Houston County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations administered by the City of Kennard within the City of Kennard.

    • The City of Kennard Planning & Inspection Department enforces zoning regulations and city ordinances.
    • Geographic applicability is limited to the City of Kennard; this claim does not establish countywide or unincorporated-county zoning.
    “The City of Kennard's Planning & Inspection Department is responsible for the following: Enforcing building codes Enforcing zoning regulations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation within the incorporated City of Kennard, Houston County, Texas.
      “The City of Kennard's Planning & Inspection Department is responsible for the following: * Enforcing building codes * Enforcing zoning regulations * Administering ordinances for permits and inspections”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance for construction in unincorporated Houston County, Texas.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Utility connection requirements for subdivided land and residential property in Houston County, Texas.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in flood hazard areas within Houston County, Texas, including unincorporated areas.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Houston 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.

Living off-grid in Houston County, Texas

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

Houston County scores 82/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Houston 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 Houston County (TCEQ authorized agent for on-site sewage). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Houston County is allowed: Unincorporated Houston County: no county rule sets this, because Houston 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov. 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 Houston County, Texas?

Land in Houston County runs about $3,488 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Houston County?

Houston County gets about 47.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.6% of years.

How remote is Houston County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,247 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,545,391 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 Houston compares in Texas

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