Bolthole Index

Kendall County, Texas

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

58Index Score / 100
#101 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Kendall County, Texas requires a Development Permit for property development but has not adopted single-family residential building codes12. Kendall County has no zoning in unincorporated areas, while Fair Oaks Ranch sets zoning within its city limits34. Septic applications for unincorporated land go to the Kendall County Engineer's Office, with addressing and applicable driveway approval ahead of the Development Permit561.

At a glance

Building permit
Development Permit required; no county single-family building codes12
Zoning
No county zoning in unincorporated Kendall County3
Septic permit
Required, through the County Engineer's Office (TCEQ authorized agent)57
RV / tiny home living
No county zoning restriction; development and wastewater requirements still apply819
Minimum home size / setbacks
No county zoning minimum or setback rule8
Owner-builder exemption
Conditional state trade-license exemptions; county development exemption unconfirmed101
Septic soils
No soils rated “not limited” for conventional drain fields; site evaluation still determines feasibility11
Driveway on a state highway
TxDOT Form 1058 permit required12

Who to call

Building permits

Kendall County Engineer's Office (Development)

Issues the county Development Permit required for any property development in unincorporated Kendall County, including the lighting permit issued alongside it

830-249-9343

development@kendallcountytx.gov

400 E Blanco Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Septic permits

Kendall County Engineer's Office (Onsite Sewage / OSSF)

Reviews and approves OSSF (septic) permit applications for unincorporated Kendall County as TCEQ's authorized agent

830-249-9343

development@kendallcountytx.gov

400 E Blanco Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Floodplain permits

Kendall County Engineer's Office / Floodplain Administrator

Administers Kendall County's Flood Damage Prevention Order as the county's floodplain administrator

830-249-9343

development@kendallcountytx.gov

400 E Blanco Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Roads & driveways

Kendall County Engineer's Office (Access/Driveway Permit)

Issues access (driveway) permits for connections to public county roads, required before development, septic and well permits

830-249-9343

development@kendallcountytx.gov

400 E Blanco Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Also useful

Kendall County Engineer's Office (911 Rural Addressing)

Assigns 911 rural addresses for new construction in unincorporated Kendall County, ahead of the Development Permit

830-249-9343

development@kendallcountytx.gov

400 E Blanco Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Also useful

Kendall County Clerk's Office

Records deed restrictions for unincorporated Kendall County land and the Affidavit to the Public required for aerobic septic systems

830-331-8233

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

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

Unincorporated Kendall County has not adopted building codes for single-family residential development, but a county Development Permit is required before property development and issuance of septic or well permits21. County development requirements cover driveways, outdoor lighting, on-site sewage facilities and site improvements inside or outside the floodplain13. New commercial construction and projects involving substantial site improvements require a Building Permit from the County Fire Marshal after the Development Permit; certain multi-family and non-residential developments also require Fire Marshal Certificates of Occupancy1415. We could not confirm a general county building-inspection requirement for single-family homes; ask the County Engineer's Office what review applies to your project1.

Who issues development and septic permits in Kendall County?

The Kendall County Engineer's Office handles Development Permits, unincorporated-area septic applications, driveway access and rural addressing, and administers the Flood Damage Prevention Order15161718. Contact the office at 400 E Blanco Road, Boerne, TX 78006, at 830-249-9343 or development@kendallcountytx.gov1. The County Fire Marshal handles Building Permits for covered projects and Certificates of Occupancy for certain multi-family and non-residential developments1415. Recorded property restrictions can be checked with the Kendall County Clerk's Office at 830-331-823319.

Does Kendall County, Texas have zoning?

Kendall County does not regulate land use or have zoning in unincorporated areas3. No county zoning rule sets minimum home size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, or restricts accessory dwellings, RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or temporary camping on unincorporated land8. Fair Oaks Ranch, a city mainly in Bexar County that reaches into Kendall County, administers its own zoning inside city limits4. For unincorporated Kendall County, septic applications remain with the County Engineer's Office520. Municipal requirements, subdivision conditions, deed restrictions and homeowners association rules may still apply21. Required subdivision plats outside city limits and municipal extraterritorial jurisdictions need Commissioners Court approval; within those jurisdictions, applicable development or interlocal agreements govern plat applications22.

How do septic permits work in Kendall County, Texas?

Kendall County is the TCEQ authorized agent for septic (OSSF) applications on unincorporated land; apply through the County Engineer's Office520. An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, alteration, repair, extension or operation9. The published County Engineer fee schedule lists $300 for systems under 500 gallons per day and $600 for systems at least 500 gallons per day, due at application23. The county must approve or deny an application within 30 days, and aerobic systems require an Affidavit to the Public recorded at the County Clerk's Office20. Texas's 10-acre exemption requires compliant planning, construction and installation, a licensed site evaluation, only a single-family dwelling on the tract, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, on-site effluent disposal and all system parts at least 100 feet from property lines; ask the County Engineer's Office whether local requirements allow the exemption92420. None of Kendall County's soils are rated “not limited” for conventional drain fields; a site evaluation determines feasibility and whether an engineered system is needed11.

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

The absence of zoning in unincorporated Kendall County does not remove the county's Development Permit requirement or private deed restrictions3121. Plan wastewater disposal for an RV or tiny home with the County Engineer's Office: an OSSF generally needs a permit and approved plan209. A composting toilet must have state approval and the required certification; that approval does not replace applicable OSSF permitting25. Ask the County Engineer's Office about floodplain requirements before placing the home18. Texas conditionally exempts owners from state electrical licensing for work on a dwelling they own and occupy, plumbing licensing for their homestead, and air-conditioning registration for their solely owned home; these are not blanket construction exemptions10. We could not confirm an owner-builder exemption from Kendall County development requirements; ask the County Engineer's Office before relying on one1.

How do you build a home in Kendall County, Texas, step by step?

  1. Check recorded deed restrictions with the County Clerk at 830-331-8233 and ask the County Engineer's Office about floodplain requirements1918.
  2. Request rural addressing and obtain an Access/Driveway Permit for a new or modified driveway connecting to a public county road; private-road frontage needs an address request but no county Access Permit6.
  3. For state-highway access, contact TxDOT at 830-249-226216.
  4. Ask the County Engineer whether a preapplication meeting is required, then submit the Development Permit application, fee, ownership materials, project description and site plan; the lighting permit is submitted and issued concurrently26.
  5. Arrange a septic site evaluation and OSSF application with the County Engineer's Office; record the Affidavit to the Public if installing an aerobic system1120.
  6. Confirm well requirements with the County Engineer's Office before drilling; the county requires a Development Permit before issuance of well permits, but we could not confirm the underlying local well-permit conditions1.

What should you check before buying land in Kendall County, Texas?

Kendall County averages 32.9 inches of precipitation annually and severe drought in about 48.1% of years, making dry-year water supply worth checking before buying2728. Texas groundwater conservation districts generally require well permits subject to exemptions; ask the County Engineer's Office which authority and rules apply to your parcel291. The countywide soil rating is a reason to get a septic site evaluation, not a finding that a particular parcel cannot support septic11. Typical home insurance is about $2,493 annually, the effective property tax rate is about 1.2%, and the median property tax bill is about $5,890; these county figures are starting points for a parcel-specific budget303132. The Development Permit authorizes only approved plans, excludes separate driveway and on-site sewer construction approval, and expires after 1 year unless renewed under county conditions26.

Watch-outs

  • Kendall County addressing and applicable driveway approval precede the Development Permit, which precedes issuance of septic or well permits61.
  • Kendall County's conventional drain-field soil ratings call for a site evaluation and may mean an engineered system; the ratings do not establish that septic is impossible11.
  • Texas owner trade-license exemptions do not waive Kendall County's Development Permit requirement; ask the County Engineer's Office about any project-specific exemption101.
  • We could not confirm a general agricultural exemption from Kendall County development requirements; ask the County Engineer's Office before assuming a barn or ranch project is exempt1.

Sources

  1. Kendall County Engineer's Office (Development) (kendallcountytx.gov)
  2. Permits Required, Building Codes, Certificates of Occupancy, and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Permits Required, Building Codes, Certificates of Occupancy, and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Fair Oaks Ranch: Unified Development Code (Kendall County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Kendall County - Development Information (2026 county census)
  6. Access/Driveway Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  9. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 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
  12. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Permits Required, Building Codes, Certificates of Occupancy, and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Kendall County Development Rules, quoted and re-checked
  15. Permits Required, Building Codes, Certificates of Occupancy, and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Kendall County Engineer's Office (Access/Driveway Permit) (kendallcountytx.gov)
  17. Kendall County Engineer's Office (911 Rural Addressing) (kendallcountytx.gov)
  18. Kendall County Engineer's Office / Floodplain Administrator (kendallcountytx.gov)
  19. Kendall County Clerk's Office (kendallcountytx.gov)
  20. Kendall County Engineer's Office (Onsite Sewage / OSSF) (kendallcountytx.gov)
  21. Permits Required, Building Codes, Certificates of Occupancy, and Zoning Regulations Verification Letter, quoted and re-checked
  22. Kendall County Development Rules, quoted and re-checked
  23. Kendall County Engineer’s Office Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  24. How to Become a Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Authorized Agent (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Chapter 285 — On-Site Sewage Facilities (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Kendall County Development Rules, quoted and re-checked
  27. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Water Code Chapter 36 — Groundwater Conservation Districts (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleKendall CountyComal CountyBandera CountyBlanco CountyKerr CountyBexar CountyGillespie County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredLimitedLimitedLimitedNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty DevelopmentCounty Env. HealthCounty OSSF InspectorCounty OSSF ProgramCounty Env. Health Dept.County Env. ServicesCounty Sanitation

County locator

Kendall County in Texas

58
County map
Kendall County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Kendall County scores

Seclusion43100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4896% ev.
Admin Boringness7490% ev.
Durability35100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost62100% 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 →

$593kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$4,256Land / acre
32.9"Annual rain
48.1% of yrsSevere drought
22.3 / yr (+18.4)Mid-century 100°F days
26.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.69" (+10.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.41×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,493Home insurance / yr
3% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
5,246,441People within 2 hr
41,856Radius comparison (15 mi)
76.3People / sq mi
0%Federal land
79.7%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
44.6%Wooded land
11.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Kendall 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Kendall County

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

Kendall County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New commercial construction and projects involving substantial improvements in Kendall County.

    • A Development Permit must be granted before a Building Permit may be obtained.
    • The County Fire Marshal grants Building Permits.
    • The cited rule applies to new commercial construction and substantial improvements; it does not establish a conventional county building-permit requirement for all single-family residential construction.
    “All new commercial construction projects and projects involving substantial improvements to a site are required to first obtain a Building Permit.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    County-administered building and fire-code requirements in Kendall County.

    • Kendall County has not adopted building codes for single-family residential developments.
    • The county has adopted a Fire Code administered by the Kendall County Fire Marshal.
    “While Kendall County has not adopted building codes for single family residential developments, the County has adopted a Fire Code administered by the Kendall County Fire Marshal”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certain multi-family and non-residential developments subject to the Kendall County Fire Code.

    • Certificates of Occupancy are issued by the Kendall County Fire Marshal's Office.
    • The source limits the statement to certain multi-family and non-residential developments.
    “that office issues Certificates of Compliance and Certificates of Occupancy for certain multi-family and non-residential developments.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Kendall County.

    • Area municipalities may have requirements within their city limits and extraterritorial jurisdictions.
    • Subdivision conditions, covenants, restrictions, deed restrictions, and homeowners association requirements may still apply.
    “Kendall County does not regulate land use and has not adopted zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Local zoningAbsent

    County land-use regulation and zoning in Kendall County's unincorporated areas.

    • Area municipalities may have requirements within their city limits and extraterritorial jurisdictions and should be consulted separately.
    • Subdivision conditions, covenants, restrictions, deed restrictions, and homeowners association requirements may still apply.
    “has not adopted zoning regulations in the unincorporated areas of the County.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land subdivision outside incorporated municipality boundaries and municipal extraterritorial jurisdictions.

    • Within an incorporated municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, plat applications are governed by applicable development or interlocal agreements between the municipality and County.
    • Specified statutory and rule-based exemptions may apply, including agricultural, family-division, large-tract, veterans' land board, state-owned, floodplain, and other listed exceptions.
    • The Commissioners Court must approve a required plat, and a plat may be refused for failure to meet applicable requirements or provide required bonds.
    “The Commissioners Court of the County must approve, by an order entered in the minutes of the court, a required plat. The Commissioners Court may refuse to approve a plat if it does not meet the requirements prescribed by or under Local Government Code, Chapter 232, or if any bond required under Chapter 232 is not filed with the County.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of driveways connecting to public county roads.

    • No Access Permit is required for driveways fronting a private roadway, but an address request form remains required to obtain an address.
    • State Highway access requires contacting TxDOT.
    • An address and access permit must be issued before applying for Development, Septic, or Well Permits.
    • The permit application requires documents and a permit fee.
    “An Access (Driveway) Permit is required before the construction or modification of a driveway that connects to a public county road.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities in or outside the floodplain that are regulated by Kendall County.

    • The county requires permits for all development, including site improvements within or outside the floodplain.
    • Floodplain minor and major residential development permits have different published fees.
    • Additional floodplain submittals may be required depending on project location and proximity to the floodplain.

    minor residential floodplain development permit fee: 200 USD · major residential floodplain development permit fee: 300 USD

    “Permits are required for all development including placement or modification of driveways, any work within County-maintained right of way, outdoor lighting, on-site sewage facilities, and any site improvements whether within or outside of the floodplain for land improvement and residential and commercial development.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Kendall County Engineer development, OSSF, right-of-way, platting, relief, and related review permits.

    • The schedule was approved August 28, 2023 and effective September 1, 2023.
    • OSSF permits are listed at $300 for systems under 500 gpd and $600 for systems at least 500 gpd; corresponding reinspection fees are $150 and $300.
    • All fees are due at application or re-review except consultant review fees, which are invoiced and due before plat or permit approval.
    • County Clerk plat-recording fees are separate and paid to the County Clerk at recording.
    • The county forms page lists a separate 2026 Fee Schedule under Fire Marshal permits; the cited County Engineer schedule remains the published development-fee schedule located in the county development documents.

    OSSF permit, system under 500 gpd: 300 USD · OSSF permit, system at least 500 gpd: 600 USD · commercial development permit: 1000 USD · residential access permit: 100 USD

    “All fees to be paid at time of application or re-review except for the consultant review fee. An invoice will be provided for the consultant review fee and is to be paid prior to plat or permit approval. Fees do not include the County Clerk plat recording fees. Those will be paid with the County Clerk’s Office at the time of recording.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Kendall County Development Permit applications and associated development permitting procedures.

    • A preapplication meeting with the County Engineer is generally required at least 7 days and no more than 3 months before application submission, but it may be waived based on project scope and complexity and is not required for a minor residential development permit.
    • Commercial, major residential, and minor residential applications have specified submittal requirements, including application, fee, ownership proof, deed or plat/survey/affidavit materials, project description, and site plan; additional floodplain materials may be required.
    • The County Engineer grants Development Permits and may issue conditional approvals; noncompliance may result in revocation.
    • A Development Permit authorizes development only according to approved plans and does not authorize driveway construction, public-right-of-way construction, on-site sewer construction, or activity prohibited by law.
    • The permit expires one year after approval; renewal must be requested 30 days before expiration and is generally limited to one year, subject to stated conditions.
    • The county's public Development Information page states that the 911 Rural Address and Access Permit must be issued before a Development Permit can be obtained, and that lighting and development permits are issued concurrently.

    development permit validity: 1 year (Renewal subject to county conditions.) · resubmittal period without new preapplication meeting: <= 6 months (If resubmitted more than 6 months after denial notice, a new preapplication meeting is required.)

    “A Development Permit is required to proceed with any property development”

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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

    • Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
    • Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
    • Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
    • Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.

    reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)

    “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

    • An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
    • A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    • Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF)

    “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
      “Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
  • 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.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Inspections — County building inspections in Kendall County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connections in Kendall County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural activities and possible exemptions from Kendall County development requirements.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Kendall 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.

Water rights & wells in Kendall County

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

Actively managed

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

Household wellExempt up to a limit

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

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

Texas Water Code §36.117 / TWDB ↗
  • Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Areapartial of county

    TCEQ PGMA identifying existing or anticipated critical groundwater problems; drives GCD coverage and heightened management. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt from GCD permits but spacing/registration may apply.

    TCEQ — Priority Groundwater Management Areas ↗

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

Living off-grid in Kendall County, Texas

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

Kendall County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Kendall 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 Kendall County Development / Environmental Health (TCEQ OSSF authorized agent). 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 Kendall County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Kendall County is allowed: Unincorporated Kendall County: no county rule sets this, because Kendall County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Kendall County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning. 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 Kendall County, Texas?

Land in Kendall County runs about $4,256 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kendall County?

Kendall County gets about 32.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 48.1% of years. On water rights, Kendall County lies in the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ PGMA identifying existing or anticipated critical groundwater problems; drives GCD coverage and heightened management. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt from GCD permits but spacing/registration may apply..

How remote is Kendall County?

A typical private-land location has about 41,856 people within 15 miles and 5,775,269 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Kendall compares in Texas

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