Bolthole Index

Irion County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and land-development rules in Irion County, Texas

42Index Score / 100
#183 of 254 in Texas

For an ordinary home in unincorporated Irion County, Texas, the state residential-code framework does not require prior county building approval, though we could not confirm that Irion County adopted that framework1. Irion County has no zoning ordinance and no general zoning authority23, but it does regulate subdivisions and Manufactured Home Rental Communities (MHRCs)45. Septic permits come directly from TCEQ, not the county6.

At a glance

Building permit
No prior county approval under the state residential framework; MHRC construction needs County plan approval17
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas23
Septic (OSSF)
Permit and construction inspection through TCEQ unless the narrow statewide exemption applies869
Water well
District registration and approval before drilling; a production permit applies to non-exempt wells10
Single RV or tiny home
One lodging space may avoid the development rules, but residential occupancy remains unconfirmed1112
Multi-space lodging development
A qualifying RV park, trailer park, tiny-home site or campground needs subdivision review1314
Owner-builder
The state penalty exception is narrow and does not waive inspections or code standards15

Who to call

Also useful

Irion County District-County Clerk

Keeps the official record of Irion County's adopted Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations, available for inspection, review and copying at the courthouse

325-835-2421

Irion County Courthouse, 209 North Park View Street, Mertzon, TX 76941

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

For an ordinary single-family house or duplex, the Texas residential-code framework does not require prior county approval before construction begins.1 We could not confirm that Irion County adopted the resolution needed to apply that framework locally, so ask the County Clerk whether residential inspection notices apply to your project.16 If the framework does apply, the builder—not the county—contracts with an authorized inspector for the required construction-stage inspections.17 An owner-builder intending to use the house as a primary residence receives only a narrow exception from one penalty; that exception does not waive inspections or construction standards.15 Different rules apply to a Manufactured Home Rental Community: its infrastructure plan must receive County approval before construction or tenant occupancy, and the County may inspect the infrastructure and issue a Certificate of Compliance after compliant work.71819

Who handles permits and development review in Irion County?

The Irion County District-County Clerk is the starting point for subdivision plats and Manufactured Home Rental Community plans in unincorporated Irion County.16 A subdivision application goes to Commissioners Court, while an MHRC plan goes through the County Clerk for a written decision by the County Judge.2021 Published subdivision charges include a $3,000 base application fee plus $300 per lot, space or divided part; confirm current filing and recording charges with the Clerk.22 The Clerk is at Irion County Courthouse, 209 North Park View Street, Mertzon, TX 76941, and the phone number is 325-835-2421.16 TCEQ, not the county, handles septic permits in Irion County; the county's regulations send applicants to TCEQ Region 8 in San Angelo at 325-655-9479.6 Inside a city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, ask the city about building permits and zoning, because the county's answer covers only unincorporated land; septic permits still come from TCEQ. Water-well registration, drilling approval and non-exempt production permits fall to the Irion County Water Conservation District.10

Does Irion County have zoning?

Unincorporated Irion County has no county zoning ordinance, and Irion County lacks general county zoning authority.23 County zoning therefore does not set general minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height on unincorporated land.3 That is not the same as having no land-development rules: Irion County regulates plats and subdivisions in its unincorporated area, with statutory plat exceptions where applicable.423 Qualifying RV parks, trailer parks, tiny-home developments and campgrounds are treated as subdivisions.1112 Land inside a municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction may follow a different allocation of authority, so ask the relevant city before relying on the unincorporated-county answer; city zoning does not change that septic permits come from TCEQ.236

How do septic permits work in Irion County?

TCEQ directly administers OSSF permits in Irion County because the county is not the local authorized agent, and the county could become one in the future only by obtaining permitting authority from TCEQ.624 A permit and approved plan are normally required before constructing, installing, altering, extending, repairing or operating a septic system.9 Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting but must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.25 The narrow exemption for a single-family home on at least 10 acres also requires a licensed site evaluation, every OSSF component at least 100 feet from the property line, no other dwelling on the tract, and no nuisance or groundwater pollution.9 When inspection applies, the installer must notify the permitting authority at least 5 working days before the system is ready, and a failed system cannot be used until it passes.26 Boreholes, cesspools and seepage pits are prohibited for sewage treatment or disposal.27 Only 2.7% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase condition.28

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

Irion County's development regulations do not confirm whether a person may occupy a single RV, trailer or tiny home full-time. A developer accommodating no more than one non-MHRC lodging space at a time falls outside these development rules, but that exception is not an occupancy approval.1112 Ask the County Clerk about occupancy and wastewater before moving onto the parcel.16 A qualifying multi-space RV park, trailer park, tiny-home development or campground is regulated as a subdivision and needs final-plat approval before construction.111214 An MHRC needs an approved infrastructure plan before construction or tenant occupancy and may need a County infrastructure inspection and Certificate of Compliance before utilities can serve it.1819

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits and ask the County Clerk whether residential inspection notices apply.16
  2. Determine whether the project divides land, creates a multi-space lodging development or qualifies as an MHRC; those projects trigger county review.47
  3. If subdividing, submit the executed plat, deed, tax-clearance evidence and supporting material; do not sell lots before the final plat is approved and filed.20
  4. If building an MHRC, meet with county officials before submission, obtain written plan approval, and complete any required infrastructure inspection.2119
  5. Apply to TCEQ for septic approval and schedule the construction inspection unless the narrow exemption applies.8926
  6. File a Notice of Intent to Drill with the water district before drilling a well; obtain a production permit if the well is non-exempt.10
  7. Obtain a TxDOT permit before constructing or changing access on state-highway right of way.29

What should you check before buying land in Irion County?

Make septic suitability and cost an early contract condition because only 2.7% of Irion County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.28 For a well, verify district registration, preregistration approval, exemption status and spacing before choosing a homesite; even exempt wells must be registered and approved before drilling.10 Before buying land to divide, confirm plat exceptions, fees, access, drainage, floodplain, utility and wastewater requirements with the County Clerk.2322 The county regulations require at least 100 feet of frontage on a county or other public road for regulated subdivisions unless other law requires otherwise.13 If a regulated development contains mapped floodplain, its plan must show the flood areas and structures must have finished floors at least 1 foot above base flood elevation.30

Watch-outs

  • No prior county approval for ordinary residential construction does not answer whether Irion County requires inspection notices under the state residential-code framework; ask the County Clerk before work begins.116
  • A one-space exception from Irion County's development regulations is not approval for full-time RV or tiny-home occupancy.1112
  • Cesspools, seepage pits and boreholes cannot substitute for an approved sewage-disposal system in Irion County.27
  • The county's Subdivision and MHRC Regulations are posted by the county in a version labeled as a proposed public-hearing draft, so confirm the adopted text and effective date with the County Clerk before relying on its fees or approvals516.

Sources

  1. Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  2. Irion County Subdivision/MHRC Regulations (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Approval of 2025 Subdivision/Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  5. Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Irion County, Texas, quoted and re-checked
  6. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Irion County, Texas, quoted and re-checked
  8. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations (2026 county census)
  9. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  10. Rules - Irion County Water Conservation District, quoted and re-checked
  11. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision/MHRC Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  12. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision/MHRC Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  13. Approval of 2025 Subdivision/Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision/MHRC Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  16. Irion County District-County Clerk (co.irion.tx.us)
  17. Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  18. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision/MHRC Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Irion County, Texas, quoted and re-checked
  20. Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Irion County, Texas, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Irion County, Texas, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Irion County, Texas, quoted and re-checked
  23. Irion County, Texas -- Proposed 2025 Subdivision, quoted and re-checked
  24. Irion County, Texas — Proposed 2025 Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  26. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  27. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Irion County, Texas -- Proposed 2025 Subdivision/MHRC Regulations, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Irion County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleIrion CountyReagan CountyTom Green CountySchleicher CountySterling CountyCoke CountyCrockett County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTCEQTCEQCounty Env. HealthSchleicher CountyTCEQ Region 8County On-Site Sewage Dept.TCEQ

County locator

Irion County in Texas

42
County map
Irion County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Irion County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1496% ev.
Admin Boringness7290% ev.
Durability36100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost7896% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$262kTypical home
1%Property tax
$1,345Land / acre
20.6"Annual rain
18% of yrsSevere drought
49.1 / yr (+34.8)Mid-century 100°F days
34.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.63" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,519Home insurance / yr
0% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
33,736People within 2 hr
1,117Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
2.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
17,933 acWorkable land screen
2.2%Wooded land
3.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Irion 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.

Mertzon

Answers from the rulebook for Irion County

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

Irion County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction and occupancy of a manufactured home rental community in the unincorporated area of Irion County

    • The cited county document is labeled a proposed public-hearing draft and its effective and adoption dates are blank; current enforceability should be confirmed against the County Clerk’s official minutes.
    • The MHRC plan must be approved by the County before construction begins.
    • The rule concerns MHRC infrastructure and development approval, not a general county building permit for all construction.
    • If approved, required fees and any delinquent ad valorem tax liability must be resolved.
    “Construction of the MHRC may not begin (and the MHRC may not be occupied by tenants or lessees) before the date the plan is approved by the County. The County may require inspection of the infrastructure during or on completion of construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured home rental community construction in the unincorporated area of Irion County; the source establishes County plan approval before MHRC construction, not a general building permit requirement for ordinary buildings.
      “Construction of the MHRC may not begin (and the MHRC may not be occupied by tenants or lessees) before the date the plan is approved by the County.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Proposed or active development projects, including MHRC infrastructure, in the unincorporated area of Irion County

    • Inspection authority is limited to determining compliance with the cited county regulations and applicable land-development authority.
    • For an MHRC, the County may require infrastructure inspection during or on completion of construction.
    • The cited document is a proposed public-hearing draft with blank effective and adoption dates.
    “The County’s officers, employees, agents, or consultants, as determined by the Commissioners Court, are authorized to: inspect proposed or active development projects in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas to determine compliance with these Regulations; and make recommendations to the Commissioners Court regarding violations or threatened violations of the Regulations or other applicable authority pertaining to land development in the unincorporated area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Infrastructure inspection for manufactured home rental communities in the unincorporated area of Irion County.
      “The County may require inspection of the infrastructure during or on completion of construction. If the inspector determines that the infrastructure complies with the plan, the County shall issue the MHRC Certificate of Compliance in accordance with § 232.007 of the Texas Local Government Code.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    RV parks and other non-MHRC development projects in unincorporated Irion County that qualify for regulation as subdivision projects.

    • The project must be created after the effective date of the Regulations.
    • The project must not qualify as a Manufactured Home Rental Community but must qualify as a subdivision under the Regulations.
    • A final plat must be prepared and approved by the Commissioners Court before construction.
    • Before construction, the developer must consult the County Commissioner having jurisdiction.
    • The Regulations do not apply to a developer accommodating no more than one non-MHRC development-project lodging space on the property at any one time.
    • The document is labeled a proposed public-hearing draft and leaves the 2025 effective-date day blank; current enforceability and the exact effective date require confirmation.
    “Development projects in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas which do not qualify for regulation as MHRC development pursuant to these Regulations (such as trailer parks, RV parks, Tiny Home sites, and Man Camps) -- but do qualify for regulation as subdivision development projects under these Regulations -- will be regulated by the County as subdivisions pursuant to these Regulations, including the applicable provisions of this Exhibit J.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds and other non-MHRC development projects in unincorporated Irion County that qualify as subdivisions.

    • The project must be created after the effective date of the Regulations.
    • The project must not qualify as a Manufactured Home Rental Community but must qualify as a subdivision.
    • A final plat must be approved by the Commissioners Court before construction.
    • The one-lodging-space exception and pre-construction County Commissioner consultation requirement apply.
    • The document leaves the specific 2025 effective date blank and is labeled proposed/public-hearing draft.
    “As used in this Exhibit J, a “Non-MHRC Development Project” shall mean an RV Park, trailer park, Tiny Home development, Man Camp, or campground, created after the effective date of these Regulations, and which: (a) does not qualify for regulation as a Manufactured Home Rental Community (MHRC) pursuant to these Regulations; but (b) does qualify for regulation as a subdivision pursuant to these Regulations.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny Home developments in unincorporated Irion County that qualify as non-MHRC subdivision development.

    • The project must be created after the effective date of the Regulations.
    • The project must not qualify as an MHRC but must qualify as a subdivision.
    • A final plat must be prepared and approved by the Commissioners Court.
    • No more than one non-MHRC development-project lodging space is exempted from these Regulations at any one time.
    • The document defines a Tiny Home as typically no larger than 600 square feet excluding lofts, towed on a trailer or placed on land, and designed for dwelling or temporary, permanent, or overnight accommodation.
    • The document is a proposed/public-hearing draft with a blank specific effective date.

    typical total floorspace excluding lofts: <= 600 square feet (The source says “typically described,” not an absolute dimensional limit.)

    ““Tiny Home” shall mean any structure (typically described as having a total floorspace, excluding lofts, no larger than 600 square feet) towed on a trailer with wheels or placed on land, and being designed for, used, or intended to be used as a dwelling of a person, or for the temporary, permanent, or overnight accommodation or lodging of a person -- but specifically excluding a Manufactured Home defined by these Regulations.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured Home Rental Communities in unincorporated Irion County.

    • The MHRC must be located in the unincorporated area of the county.
    • A completed infrastructure development plan and required application materials must be submitted.
    • Construction and occupancy may not begin before the County approves the infrastructure development plan.
    • The plan must address drainage, water, sewer/septic/OSSF, survey, and roads.
    • The document leaves the specific 2025 effective date blank and is labeled proposed/public-hearing draft.
    “The Regulations contain standards, requirements, provisions, and procedure for subdivision plats and MHRCs in the unincorporated area of the county relating, among other things, to: [...] MHRC infrastructure development plan standards, requirements, and procedure, including restrictions on MHRC construction and occupancy unless approved by the County;”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Irion County: no county rule sets this, because Irion 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 newtools.cira.state.tx.us.

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

    OSSF/septic permitting for development in the unincorporated area of Irion County.

    • As of the regulations' effective date, Irion County does not serve as TCEQ's authorized agent.
    • The county regulations state that, until the county obtains permitting authority from TCEQ, permits must be obtained directly from TCEQ Region 8 at 622 South Oakes Street, Suite K, San Angelo, Texas 76903-7035, telephone 325-655-9479.
    • The county may serve as an agent in the future if it obtains permitting authority from TCEQ.
    “As of the Effective Date of these Regulations, the County does not serve (but may in the future serve) as the agent for the State of Texas, by and through TCEQ, regarding the OSSF/septic system permitting in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas; therefore, until the County obtains the permitting authority from TCEQ, if ever, please take notice that permits for OSSF/septic systems for development located in the unincorporated area of Irion County must be obtained directly from TCEQ.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water wells within the Irion County Water Conservation District, which covers Irion County and portions of Tom Green County.

    • Registration is required for all existing and future wells, whether exempt or non-exempt.
    • A preregistration application, identified as a Notice of Intent to Drill, must be filed with and approved by the District before drilling any well.
    • A permit is required to produce groundwater from a non-exempt well.
    • Exempt wells are not subject to the stated production-permit requirement but remain subject to registration, preregistration approval, and spacing/location rules.
    • All new wells must comply with applicable TDLR and TCEQ spacing and location requirements.
    • Exempt wells may not be drilled closer than 10 feet to a property line.
    • Additional non-exempt well spacing limits apply by aquifer.

    exempt-well minimum property-line spacing: >= 10 feet (under District Rule 5.102(b)) · non-exempt well minimum property-line spacing in Edwards/Trinity or Lipan aquifers: >= 330 feet (also 660 feet from existing or proposed exempt or non-exempt wells in those aquifers) · non-exempt well minimum property-line spacing in Dockum aquifer: >= 660 feet (also 1320 feet from existing exempt or non-exempt wells in the Dockum Aquifer)

    “produce groundwater from a non-exempt well that has not been issued a permit.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land and subdivision plats in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas, outside municipal limits.

    • The Commissioners Court must approve the subdivision plat before the division is authorized under the county regulations.
    • The rule applies when an owner divides a tract into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, lots, or streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use.
    • The regulations cover divisions made by metes and bounds, deed or contract, or any other method, and for residential, business, commercial, industrial, private, or other development, including homes, residences, businesses, apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, RV parks, trailer parks, campgrounds, Tiny Homes, Man Camps, and restaurants.
    • The county notice states that the regulations include subdivision-plat procedures and review, recordation requirements, exceptions or exemptions, variances, revisions, vacations, amendments, and subdivision regulation in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of an incorporated municipality.
    • The regulations incorporate applicable active county and state floodplain, sewer, septic/OSSF, and other development regulations.
    • For subdivisions not served by fire hydrants through a TCEQ-certified centralized water system, fewer-than-50-house subdivisions require a limited fire-suppression system with either 2,500 gallons in a centralized water system or 2,500 gallons in one or more above-ground water tanks, with sufficient emergency-service-provider access and plat depiction.
    • For subdivisions of 50 or more houses, the limited fire-suppression system requires either 2,500 gallons of storage with a centralized water system, 5,000 gallons of storage with a centralized water system, or 5,000 gallons in one or more above-ground water tanks, with sufficient emergency-service-provider access and plat depiction.
    • The source document leaves the regulations' Effective Date blank; June 24, 2025 is the Commissioners Court adoption and enactment date stated in the county's post-enactment notice.

    minimum lot frontage on county or other public roads: >= 100 feet (unless otherwise required by state or federal law) · fire-suppression storage for subdivision with fewer than 50 houses: 2500 gallons (centralized water system or one or more above-ground water tanks; applies where the subdivision is not served by qualifying fire hydrants) · fire-suppression storage for subdivision of 50 or more houses: 2500 gallons (centralized water system alternative; the same provision also states 5,000 gallons with a centralized water system or 5,000 gallons in one or more above-ground water tanks) · adoption/enactment date: 2025-06-24

    “The Regulations are designed to govern plats, subdivisions of land, and manufactured home rental communities (“MHRCs”) in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plats and subdivisions of land in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas.
      “The Regulations are designed to govern plats, subdivisions of land, and manufactured home rental communities (“MHRCs”) in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plats and subdivisions of land in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas.
      “The Regulations are designed to govern plats, subdivisions of land, and manufactured home rental communities (“MHRCs”) in the unincorporated area of Irion County, Texas”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Subdivision and manufactured home rental community development containing designated floodplain land in unincorporated Irion County.

    • The floodplain requirements apply when the proposed development area contains land designated as a floodplain.
    • The plat or plan must depict all floodplain, flood-zone, and floodway locations.
    • Any structure constructed in the floodplain must have a finished-floor elevation at least one foot above base flood elevation.
    • The structure must also comply with the NFIP, state law, and the County's active flood-damage-prevention order or other floodplain-management regulations.

    minimum finished-floor elevation above base flood elevation: >= 1 foot

    “minimum of 1 foot above the base flood elevation”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Subdivision plat applications and manufactured home rental community development in the unincorporated area of Irion County, including certificates, variances, filing, recording, and County review-related fees.

    • Subdivision plat application fees are due when the application is submitted.
    • Plat application fees must be paid in full by cashier’s check or money order payable to Irion County, Texas and delivered to the Irion County Clerk.
    • Filing and recording fees for an approved subdivision plat or MHRC infrastructure development plan are due when the approved plat or plan is filed and recorded and must be paid by cashier’s check or money order.
    • The subdivision plat application fee includes full reimbursement of engineering and/or technical consultant fees, if any, incurred by the County for plat review.
    • The published filing and recording amounts may change; the regulations advise the Developer to contact the Irion County Clerk to determine the active amounts at the time of filing.
    • Subsection (c) of the fee schedule is intentionally blank.
    • The source is a 2025 public-hearing/adoption document whose effective-date and adoption-date fields are blank; no effective date is asserted.

    subdivision plat application base fee: 3000 USD · subdivision plat application fee per lot, space, or divided part: per 300 USD · certificate of approved plat fee: per 50 USD (each requested certificate) · subdivision variance review fee: 250 USD (total fee for all requested variances, whether one or more) · approved subdivision plat or MHRC plan Mylar filing fee: per 75 USD (each page) · approved subdivision plat or MHRC plan paper filing fee: 25 USD (first page) · approved subdivision plat or MHRC plan paper filing fee after first page: per 4 USD (each following page)

    “(b) Regarding the issuance of a Certificate of Approved Plat, a fee of $50.00 is required for each requested certificate. (c) [Intentionally blank]. (d) Regarding a variance request relating to a proposed subdivision plat or subdivision development, a total review fee of $250.00 is required for all requested variances, whether one or more. (e) Regarding the Irion County Clerk filing and recording fees required for an approved subdivision plat or MHRC infrastructure development plan (including an original or revised instrument), the active fees are as follows; however, those fees may change and it is suggested that the Developer first contact the Irion County Clerk to determine the active fee amounts in effect at the time of instrument filing: (i) Approved Subdivision Plats. Regarding an approved plat, the following fees are required: (a) a fee of $75.00 for each page for the filed/recorded plat submitted in Mylar format; and (b) a fee of $25.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each following page for the plat or supporting plat documents submitted in paper format. (ii) Approved MHRC Infrastructure Development Plans. Regarding an approved plan, the following fees are required: (a) a fee of $75.00 for each page for the filed/recorded plan submitted in Mylar format; and (b) a fee of $25.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each following page for the plan or supporting plan documents submitted in paper format.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Manufactured Home Rental Community applications and infrastructure development plans in the unincorporated area of Irion County.

    • The MHRC application must include the executed infrastructure development plan, six conformed paper copies, required documents, tax-clearance evidence, and complete electronic copies on a USB flash drive.
    • The owner/developer must request in writing a meeting with the County Clerk and County Judge at least 15 days before submission; the application and plan must be signed and acknowledged by the owner/developer and signed and stamped by the engineer and surveyor.
    • The original and two copies of the complete MHRC application and plan, required fees if any, and tax-clearance evidence must be submitted to the County Clerk for review and decision by the County Judge.
    • The County Judge reviews and approves or rejects the plan in writing; denial may be based on regulatory noncompliance, unpaid required fees, or delinquent ad valorem taxes, and a written rejection must specify the reasons.
    • If approved, the plan must be filed and recorded in the County Clerk’s official public records within 30 days.
    • Construction and tenant occupancy may not begin before County approval; the County may inspect infrastructure, and if it complies with the plan, the County issues an MHRC Certificate of Compliance.
    • Utilities may not serve the MHRC or manufactured home without the County-issued Certificate of Compliance.
    • The Commissioners Court may grant an MHRC variance under the variance procedures in § 4.3.

    pre-submission County Judge meeting request: >= 15 days before submission · post-approval MHRC plan filing deadline: 30 days from plan approval

    “at least fifteen (15) days prior to submission”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Subdivision plat applications for tracts outside incorporated municipality limits in Irion County.
      “Pursuant to § 232.001 of the Texas Local Government Code, the owner of a tract of land in Irion County, Texas located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared, and thereafter approved by the Commissioners Court, if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: (1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition; (2) lots; or (3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicated to public use.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties cannot adopt zoning in unincorporated areas; Irion County regulates only subdivision platting and related water/sewer/OSSF disclosures, not land-use zoning.

    Irion County Subdivision/MHRC Regulations ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

    • Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
    • Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
    • Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
    • These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
    “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An individual subject to Chapter 233, Subchapter F notice requirements who builds the new residential construction or acts as the individual's own contractor and intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
      “the individual's own contractor; and [...] the individual's primary residence.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Irion County.
      “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF, including septic systems, serving development in unincorporated Irion County.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF/septic system in Irion County, subject to stated exemptions and emergency-repair exceptions.
      “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 an OSSF in Irion County where the state OSSF inspection rules apply.

    • The installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the OSSF will be ready for inspection.
    • The permitting authority must conduct a construction inspection.
    • If the OSSF fails, it cannot be used until it passes inspection.
    • No inspection is required for a qualifying single-family dwelling OSSF on a tract of at least 10 acres when all listed exemption conditions are satisfied.
    • Reinspection fees may be assessed and must be paid before reinspection.

    inspection notice lead time: >= 5 working days (before the OSSF will be ready for inspection) · authorization-to-construct validity: 1 calendar year (if no construction inspection is requested within that period, the authorization expires) · reinspection fee payment timing: before reinspection

    “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”:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Prohibited — Installation or use of boreholes, cesspools, and seepage pits for sewage treatment or disposal in Irion 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.”
  • 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”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.

    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    • Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
    • The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.

    Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)

    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
      “As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.

    • Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
    • Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
    • The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
    • A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
    • The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
    • Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
    • Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
    • A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
    • Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.

    county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)

    “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
      “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Buildings and development in unincorporated Irion County
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local-zoning status across municipalities and other local jurisdictions in Irion County; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to the county.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for development or residences in Irion County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Irion County subdivision or other requested development controls in unincorporated Irion County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Irion County.

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 Irion County, Texas

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

Irion County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,117 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Irion County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) - On-Site Sewage Facilities program. 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 Irion County, Texas?

Land in Irion County runs about $1,345 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Irion County?

Irion County gets about 20.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18% of years.

How remote is Irion County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,117 people within 15 miles and 514,236 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Irion compares in Texas

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