Bolthole Index

King County, Texas

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

37Index Score / 100
#237 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated King County, Texas does not require a general county building permit for a home and has no county zoning ordinance12. State requirements still apply to industrialized housing, including mandatory codes, installation permitting or builder registration, site inspections and limits on occupancy before code violations are corrected345. Septic systems generally need a permit through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's regional office67.

At a glance

Building permit
No general county permit; state rules apply to industrialized housing14
Zoning
None; the county has no zoning ordinance or planning department2
Septic permit
Required; TCEQ's regional office is the permitting authority67
RV / tiny home living
No county zoning restriction; industrialized tiny homes face state rules83
Minimum lot size / setbacks
None set by the county8
Owner-builder exemption
For own-use industrialized housing, an installation permit can replace builder registration9
Driveway onto a state highway
Needs a TxDOT permit before work in the state right-of-way10

Who to call

Also useful

King County Judge

County administration; the office to start with for questions unincorporated King County's website does not otherwise answer, such as floodplain status, road access, or whether any county rule has changed

806.596.4411

P.O. Box 127, Guthrie, Texas 79236

Also useful

King County Clerk

Records deeds, plats and other real-property documents for land in King County

806.596.4412

800 South Baker, P.O. Box 135, Guthrie, Texas 79236

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in King County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Unincorporated King County, Texas does not require a general county building permit for ordinary residential construction1. Industrialized housing and buildings are the important state-regulated exception: covered modules and modular components must meet the Texas code editions effective in 20243. A buyer taking responsibility for installation of an industrialized home for personal use may obtain a $75 state installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder9. The first installation of industrialized housing or a permanent industrialized building outside a municipality requires inspections at the foundation, set and final stages11. The installer may not release the industrialized home or building for occupancy while mandatory-code violations remain, although the state material does not establish that King County issues a certificate of occupancy5.

Who handles county business in King County, and how do you reach them?

King County does not list a building, planning or zoning department, so start with the King County Judge for county questions that are not answered elsewhere1212. Ask that office to confirm floodplain administration, county-road access and whether any residential-code order has been adopted; those points could not be confirmed from the available county material12. The King County Clerk records deeds, plats and other real-property documents and is the records contact after a land purchase closes13. State-regulated industrialized housing does not go through a King County building office: the owner either works through a registered industrialized builder or, when eligible, obtains a state installation permit49.

Does King County have zoning?

King County has no zoning ordinance and no zoning or planning department listed on its official website2. Texas gives county zoning power only in specific, narrowly defined circumstances written into state law, and King County does not fall into any of them, so the default rule for a general-law county without zoning applies here814. That means King County sets no minimum lot size, no setbacks, no building-height limit and no lot-coverage rule for unincorporated land8. The same lack of zoning power means King County places no restriction on manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, or where you park an RV8. Confirm nothing has changed with the King County Judge's office directly before you build, since the county publishes no ordinance either way12.

How do septic permits work in King County, Texas?

Every onsite sewage facility (OSSF) in Texas needs a permit and an approved plan before you build, alter, extend or repair it, and the state requires the permitting authority to approve or deny a complete application within 30 days1516. King County has no local health department or authorized agent listed for OSSF permitting, so the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's regional office is the default permitting authority here, though a local agent would change that and King County's assignment could not be confirmed617. Where no local agent exists, the state application fee is $200 for a single-family home and $400 for any other system, plus a $10 state fee per permit18. A statewide exception exists for tracts of 10 acres or more: if a licensed site evaluator or engineer signs off, the home is the only dwelling on the tract, every part of the system sits at least 100 feet from the property line, and effluent stays on the property, no permit is needed16. Large-acreage buyers, where farmland has recently valued around $1,130 an acre, should ask whether their tract and plan qualify before assuming a permit is mandatory1916. Soils matter too: only about 18.5% of King County's land is rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so plan on a site evaluation and possibly an engineered or alternative system20.

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

King County sets no county zoning restriction on RV or tiny-home occupancy on unincorporated private land8. That does not eliminate septic requirements or establish that every structure sold as a tiny home may be occupied immediately7. A tiny home governed as industrialized housing must follow the state industrialized-building codes and first-installation inspection process311. An industrialized home may not be released for occupancy until mandatory-code violations are corrected, even though the state material does not establish a King County certificate-of-occupancy process5. Ask the King County Judge whether any county rule has changed before committing to full-time RV occupancy12.

What are the steps to build a home in King County, Texas?

  1. Identify the structure type: ordinary site-built residential work has no general King County permit, while industrialized housing follows state codes and installation rules13.
  2. If you will install industrialized housing for your own use, decide whether to use a registered builder or obtain the $75 state installation permit available to a qualifying owner-installer9.
  3. Arrange septic early with TCEQ's regional office and obtain a site evaluation, and expect the $200 single-family application fee if TCEQ is the permitting authority, because only about 18.5% of King County land is rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field61820.
  4. Ask whether a single-home tract of at least 10 acres meets every condition of the state septic-permit exemption16.
  5. If access will connect to a state highway, contact the local TxDOT district office, obtain the permit and give the required 24-hour notice before work begins in the right-of-way10.
  6. Ask the King County Judge about floodplain status, county-road access and drainage conditions that could not be confirmed here12.
  7. For industrialized housing, schedule the required site inspections and do not occupy the unit while mandatory-code violations remain115.

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

Water deserves early attention in King County: annual precipitation averages 23.5 inches, and severe drought has occurred in about 43.7% of years2122. Only 18.5% of King County land is rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and possibly an alternative system20. About 86.2% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, but gentle terrain alone does not settle drainage, floodplain or septic suitability23. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 86 miles from the county center, so price contractor travel and material delivery before buying24. Confirm state-highway access with TxDOT before altering a driveway, and ask the King County Judge about parcel-specific floodplain and county-road issues that could not be confirmed here1012.

Watch-outs

  • King County does not require a general residential building permit, but industrialized housing remains subject to state codes, installation permitting or builder registration, inspection and occupancy-release rules135.
  • Floodplain administration in King County is not confirmed by any official source found; ask the King County Judge's office before building near a draw or creek12.
  • TCEQ's regional office being the default OSSF authority does not mean every Texas county works this way; some counties have a local authorized agent, so confirm directly with TCEQ for your specific site before assuming which office issues your septic permit617.

Sources

  1. King County TX official website (department directory) (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas (2026 county census)
  3. Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions, quoted and re-checked
  4. Installation Permit Information Packet, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Site Inspection Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. TCEQ - Getting a Permit for an OSSF (Septic System) (2026 county census)
  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. Installation Permit Information Packet, quoted and re-checked
  10. Access Management Manual: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Site Inspection Program, quoted and re-checked
  12. King County Judge (co.king.tx.us)
  13. King County Clerk (co.king.tx.us)
  14. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  16. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  17. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  19. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  20. 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
  21. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, King County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleKing CountyCottle CountyDickens CountyStonewall CountyKnox CountyFoard CountyMotley County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTX Commission on Env. QualityTCEQTCEQ Region 2TCEQTCEQTX Commission on Env. QualityNot published

County locator

King County in Texas

37
County map
King County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How King County scores

Seclusion91100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness8490% ev.
Durability21100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8094% 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 →

$54kTypical home
$1,130Land / acre
23.5"Annual rain
43.7% of yrsSevere drought
59 / yr (+32.8)Mid-century 100°F days
31.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.81" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.3×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
181,587People within 2 hr
225Radius comparison (15 mi)
0.2People / sq mi
0%Federal land
86.2%Land at 15% slope or less
18.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
105,266 acWorkable land screen
14%Wooded land
2.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for King County

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

King County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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 King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas general-law counties have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas, and King County lists no zoning or planning department.

    Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas when a person is responsible for installation construction and is not acting as a registered industrialized builder

    • The installation permit applies to industrialized housing and buildings covered by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
    • A person purchasing industrialized housing or buildings for their own use and assuming responsibility for all or part of the installation construction may file an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • The installation permit fee is $75 for each building containing industrialized modules or modular components.
    • This state installation permit does not establish whether a separate local building permit is required in King County.

    installation permit fee: 75 USD per building

    “Manufacturers cannot release an industrialized house or building to a person who does not have either an industrialized builder registration or an installation permit issued by the Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.
      “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person purchasing Texas industrialized housing or an industrialized building for the person's own use, including applicable installations in King County.

    • The purchaser must purchase the industrialized housing or building for the purchaser's own use.
    • The purchaser must assume responsibility for all or part of the construction relating to installation.
    • The purchaser may file for an installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • A person purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for the person's own use or company's use may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • The installation permit fee is $75 for each building containing industrialized modules or modular components.
    • The installation permit is not a general exemption from applicable state licensing requirements for electricians, HVAC contractors, or plumbers.
    • The cited sources do not establish that an installation permit may be obtained after the housing or building has already been constructed.

    installation permit fee: 75 USD per building

    “purchases industrialized housing and buildings for his/her own use [...] to file for a permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

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

    First installation of industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings outside a municipality or within a jurisdiction without a building inspection department, including applicable installations in unincorporated King County

    • Site inspections are required for the first installation of all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings.
    • Exception: site inspections are not required for unoccupied industrialized buildings not open to the public, such as communication equipment shelters, that are not also classified as a hazardous occupancy by the mandatory building code.
    • Inspections must be performed by a Council-approved inspector.
    • The builder or installation permit holder must provide at least 48 hours’ notice.
    • Minimum phases are foundation, set, and final inspection.
    • The final inspection must be completed within 180 days of the start of construction, subject to a possible extension upon written request demonstrating justifiable cause.
    • Final inspections require utilities to be connected and required tests performed.
    • Occupancy may be permitted with outstanding items only when the items are not violations of the mandatory building codes.

    inspection notice: >= 48 hours minimum · final inspection deadline: <= 180 days from start of construction (The Department may grant an extension upon written request demonstrating a justifiable cause.)

    “Site inspections are required for the first installation of all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings. Exception: Site inspections are not required for the installation of unoccupied industrialized buildings not open to the public, such as communication equipment shelters, that are not also classified as a hazardous occupancy by the mandatory building code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    First installation of industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings outside the jurisdiction of a municipality or within a jurisdiction without a building inspection department, including such installations in applicable unincorporated areas of King County.

    • Site inspections are required for the first installation of all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings.
    • Site inspections are not required for unoccupied industrialized buildings not open to the public, such as communication equipment shelters, that are not also classified as a hazardous occupancy by the mandatory building code.
    • The industrialized builder or installation permit holder must schedule inspections with at least 48 hours' notice.
    • Minimum inspections include foundation, set, and final inspection; final inspection occurs when utility services are connected and tests are performed.
    • The industrialized builder or installation permit holder may not permit occupancy or release the house or building for occupancy until all violations are corrected, except that occupancy may be permitted with outstanding items if the items are not violations of the mandatory building codes.
    • The cited state material establishes inspection and occupancy-release requirements but does not establish that a county or municipality must issue a certificate of occupancy or a record of final inspection for this countywide jurisdiction.
    “Site inspections are required for the first installation of all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Texas, including King County.
      “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting”
    • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

    “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction of or changes to a driveway serving property from a state highway right-of-way in King County, Texas.
      “No construction work on the driveway shall be undertaken on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit has been received by the applicant and the applicant has given 24-hour notification to TxDOT.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    On-site sewage facility permits issued under TCEQ commission administration in areas where no authorized agent exists, potentially including locations in King County if no local authorized OSSF program applies.

    • The rule applies under Subchapter C only where no authorized agent exists.
    • The application fee is $200 for an OSSF serving a single-family dwelling and $400 for all other types of OSSFs.
    • A $10 fee is also collected for each OSSF permit for the commission under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 367.
    • Fees are payable when the owner or owner's agent applies to the executive director; payment must be submitted to the appropriate regional office by money order or check payable to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
    • The re-inspection fee equals one-half of the permit fee in effect when the original application was submitted to the regional office.
    • Application-fee refunds are not granted.
    • The cited rule states an effective date of August 16, 2012.

    single-family-dwelling OSSF application fee: 200 USD · other OSSF application fee: 400 USD · commission fee per OSSF permit: 10 USD (Required by Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 367) · re-inspection fee: one-half of the permit fee in effect at original application USD

    “The application fee for an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) permit is: (1) $200 for an OSSF serving a single family dwelling”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of on-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, in King County and elsewhere in Texas.

    • A permit and approved plan are required for OSSF construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation.
    • The applicant must check with the local permitting authority because local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    • An OSSF may be exempt under the 10-acre rule only if it complies with all other requirements, including 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation standards; receives a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer; serves a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; is not causing a nuisance or polluting groundwater; all OSSF parts are at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent is disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is 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; emergency repairs are defined in 30 TAC Subchapter D, Section 285.35.
    • A grandfathered OSSF might not need a permit if it was installed before a local program had an authorized program or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier; is not creating a nuisance; is not in need of repair; and has had no significant increase in use or otherwise been altered.
    • Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority. The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny the planning materials and permit application within 30 days of receipt and provide a written explanation if denied.

    minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (The exemption also requires all other stated conditions.) · minimum setback of all OSSF parts under 10-acre rule: >= 100 feet from property line · emergency-repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours after repairs begin (Written report to the permitting authority required.) · permit application review deadline: <= 30 days from receipt (Applies to approval or denial of planning materials and permit application.) · grandfathering cutoff: September 1, 1989 (The applicable installation date is before a local program had an authorized program or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier.)

    “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.
      “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Zoning within incorporated municipalities or other local jurisdictions in King County, Texas.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Connection to public water or sewer utilities in King County, Texas.
  • Building in a floodplain — Floodplain development in King County, Texas, including the identity of the local floodplain administrator and any county permit requirement.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental operation in King County, Texas.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in King County, Texas

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

King County scores 37/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 225 people within 15 miles and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (23.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

King County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (OSSF program) - regional office as permitting authority. 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 King County?

Living in an RV on your own land in King County is allowed: Unincorporated King County: no county rule sets this, because King 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 trerc.tamu.edu. 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 King County, Texas?

Land in King County runs about $1,130 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in King County?

King County gets about 23.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 43.7% of years.

How remote is King County?

A typical private-land location has about 225 people within 15 miles and 614,770 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How King compares in Texas

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