Bolthole Index

McMullen County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in McMullen County, Texas

51Index Score / 100
#136 of 254 in Texas

McMullen County, Texas publishes no general building permit for a home, but new construction in or next to a mapped flood hazard area needs a floodplain development permit from the County Judge's office12. The county has adopted no zoning ordinance, so no county rule sets lot size, setbacks, RV living or tiny homes on unincorporated land3. Septic permits come from the county's OSSF program, and the 10-acre rule can exempt a larger tract45.

At a glance

Building permit
No general home permit published; floodplain development permit applies in mapped flood hazard areas12
Zoning
None adopted by the county63
Septic permit
Required for new OSSF systems, through the county's OSSF program457
RV / tiny home living
No county zoning rule restricts it on private unincorporated land3
Setbacks / minimum lot size
None set by the county; subdivision regulations apply to land splits38
Well permit
Exempt under the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District if production stays under 25,000 gallons a day9
Driveway onto a highway or FM road
TxDOT permit (Form 1058) required; the county page does not require a permit for driveways onto county or private roads10

Who to call

Floodplain permits

McMullen County Judge's Office (County Court)

Floodplain development permit applications for McMullen County, and general county administration

361-274-3900

countycourt@mcmullencounty.org

501 River Street, Tilden, Texas 78072

Septic permits

McMullen County OSSF Program

On-site sewage facility (OSSF / septic) permit applications and inspections for McMullen County

361-449-8043

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

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

McMullen County's published permit materials do not establish a general countywide building permit for a home1. New construction, additions, relocations, demolitions, replacements and manufactured-home placement within, partially within, or adjacent to a mapped area of special flood hazard do need a floodplain development permit, returned to the County Judge's office2. The application fee is printed on the county's current floodplain form, so check the amount there before filing11. The same application asks for plans drawn to scale and, near a flood hazard area, certifications from a Texas registered engineer, architect or surveyor12.

Outside a mapped flood hazard area, Texas law does not give most counties general building-code authority: only a county with a population over 250,000, or one adjacent to such a county, may adopt a fire code covering commercial buildings and larger residential buildings13. McMullen County's population is about 568 people, far below that threshold, so this state authority does not reach it14. We could not confirm whether the county runs building inspections or issues certificates of occupancy; ask the County Judge's office.

Who handles floodplain and permit questions in McMullen County?

The McMullen County Judge's office administers floodplain development permits, and the county's own materials name this office as where a flood-zone application is returned1115. Reach the office at 361-274-3900, 501 River Street, Tilden, Texas 7807211. McMullen County has no separate building, zoning or planning department -- for anything outside floodplain development and OSSF (septic) permitting, ask the County Judge's office directly, since county materials do not name a different permitting office11.

Does McMullen County have zoning?

McMullen County has adopted no zoning ordinance, and no county rule sets minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or accessory dwellings for unincorporated land3. The county does regulate subdivisions: its permits page links to the county Subdivision Regulations, so check them before dividing a tract into smaller lots8. The county page does not summarize those standards, so ask the County Judge's office for the current document.

How do septic permits work in McMullen County?

McMullen County requires a permit to construct, install, alter, extend or repair an on-site sewage facility (OSSF), administered through the county's OSSF program5. Septic permits are separate from floodplain permits and come from the OSSF program, not the County Judge's floodplain review16. The permitting authority may enter the property to evaluate the lot and inspect the system, and a permit to operate is granted only after a successful inspection7. Reach the McMullen County OSSF program at 361-449-804317. Texas's statewide 10-acre rule can remove the permit requirement for a single-family home, but it requires a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer, the tract must be 10 acres or larger, every part of the OSSF must sit at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent must stay on the property, and the home must be the only dwelling on the tract5. An emergency repair, such as replacing a tank lid or an inlet or outlet device, does not need a permit but must be reported in writing within 72 hours after the repair begins5. About 33.3% of McMullen County's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, better odds than many rural Texas counties, but still worth a site evaluation before you buy18.

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

Because McMullen County has adopted no zoning, no county zoning rule restricts RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, temporary camping or accessory dwellings on private unincorporated land3. The state camping prohibition applies to public places, not private land19. One statewide rule still applies: an uninstalled manufactured home may not be occupied for any purpose other than viewing it on a retailer's sales lot, so a manufactured home has to be installed on its site before anyone lives in it20. Any home still needs a lawful septic system5, and a manufactured home within, partially within, or adjacent to a mapped flood hazard area needs a floodplain development permit from the County Judge's office before placement2111.

Building on land in McMullen County: the steps, in order

  1. Check whether your parcel sits in a mapped flood hazard area using the FEMA floodplain maps on the county's website; if it does, file a floodplain development permit with the County Judge's office before you build211.
  2. Apply for an OSSF (septic) permit through the county's OSSF program before installing a system, unless your tract qualifies for the state's 10-acre exemption517.
  3. If you will drill or expand a well, check the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District's rules: a well expected to produce more than 25,000 gallons a day needs a district permit with a $100 application fee, while smaller exempt wells must still be registered9.
  4. If your driveway will connect to a state highway or farm-to-market road, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and give TxDOT 24-hour notice before construction begins on the right of way1022.
  5. Because McMullen County has adopted no zoning, there is no county setback, lot-size or building-height review to clear; if you are splitting a tract, check the county Subdivision Regulations first38.

What to check before you buy land in McMullen County

McMullen County averages 24.7 inches of rain a year and has spent roughly 16.3% of years in severe drought, so confirm well capacity or another water source before closing2324. About 33.3% of the county's soils are free of severe septic limitations, and all of the county's land sits at 15% slope or less, so terrain rarely limits building here -- soil type and depth to groundwater matter more1825. Federal land covers only 1.5% of the county, so most of McMullen County is private -- confirm mineral and surface ownership separately, since this is active oil and gas country26. The county's effective property tax rate is about 2%, with a median property tax bill of $2,167 a year2728. McMullen County sits roughly 73 miles from the nearest metro area, with a population density of 0.5 people per square mile, so plan on long drives for services, hardware and emergency response2930.

Watch-outs

  • McMullen County publishes no general building permit and has adopted no zoning, but skipping the floodplain permit in a mapped flood hazard area is a real risk, so confirm your parcel's flood status with the County Judge's office before you build112.
  • An uninstalled manufactured home cannot legally be occupied anywhere in Texas except to view it on a retailer's lot, so plan for it to be fully installed on site before anyone moves in20.
  • McMullen County's own pages do not state whether an owner-builder exemption, a certificate of occupancy, or a short-term-rental rule exists here -- ask the County Judge's office directly rather than assume either way11.
  • Splitting a tract triggers the county Subdivision Regulations, whose standards we could not read on the county page; ask the County Judge's office before you buy a parcel meant for division811.

Sources

  1. How do I request or apply for permits? (2026 county census)
  2. Welcome to McMullen County, quoted and re-checked
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. How do I request or apply for permits? – McMullen County (2026 county census)
  5. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  6. McMullen County - Permits (2026 county census)
  7. McMullen County OSSF Application, quoted and re-checked
  8. How do I request or apply for permits? – McMullen County, quoted and re-checked
  9. McMullen Groundwater Conservation District Rules, quoted and re-checked
  10. 911 Address, quoted and re-checked
  11. McMullen County Judge's Office (County Court) (mcmullencounty.org)
  12. How do I request or apply for permits? – McMullen County, quoted and re-checked
  13. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  15. How do I request or apply for permits?, quoted and re-checked
  16. How do I request or apply for permits? – McMullen County, quoted and re-checked
  17. McMullen County OSSF Program (mcmullencounty.org)
  18. 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
  19. Texas Penal Code Chapter 48, Section 48.05, quoted and re-checked
  20. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1201, quoted and re-checked
  21. Flood Plain Development Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  22. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Population density: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, McMullen County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleMcMullen CountyLive Oak CountyLa Salle CountyAtascosa CountyFrio CountyDuval CountyBee County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsMcMullen CountyLive Oak CountyLa Salle CountyCounty Health Dept.Frio CountyDuval CountyCounty Community Affairs

County locator

McMullen County in Texas

51
County map
McMullen County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How McMullen County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2396% ev.
Admin Boringness7290% ev.
Durability30100% 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 →

$109kTypical home
2%Property tax
$1,940Land / acre
24.7"Annual rain
16.3% of yrsSevere drought
77 / yr (+41.3)Mid-century 100°F days
31.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.19" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
75People within 30 min
2,040,080People within 2 hr
467Radius comparison (15 mi)
0.5People / sq mi
1.5%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
33.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
202,911 acWorkable land screen
23.1%Wooded land
4.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
71.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for McMullen County

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

McMullen County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Certain development and residential construction activities in McMullen County flood hazard areas, including new structures, additions, relocations, demolitions, replacements, manufactured homes, and related development activity.

    • The county's published permit materials identify a floodplain development permit process, but do not establish a general countywide residential building permit requirement.
    • The floodplain application lists a $50.00 application fee for a single-family residence and $300.00 for commercial, industrial, or other activity.
    • Applicants must submit scaled plans showing locations, dimensions, and elevations of proposed alterations and structures.
    • If structures are within, partially within, or adjacent to areas of special flood hazard, certifications under Article 5, Section B of the County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance are required from a Texas registered professional engineer, architect, or surveyor.
    • Watercourse or natural-drainage alterations or relocations require site plans and a hydrologic and hydraulic study certified by a registered Texas professional engineer.

    single-family application fee: 50 USD · commercial, industrial, or other activity application fee: 300 USD

    “If you are in a flood zone you will be required to complete a permit application and return it to the County Judge’s office.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

    • 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 homesLimited

    Placement and related development of manufactured homes in or adjacent to McMullen County areas of special flood hazard.

    • A floodplain development permit application is required for the described development process.
    • The applicant must submit plans drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and elevations of proposed alterations and existing and proposed structures, including placement of manufactured homes.
    • If structures are located within, partially, or adjacent to areas of special flood hazard, certifications are required in accordance with Article 5, Section B, Specific Standards, of the County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    • Certifications must be provided by a Texas Registered Professional Engineer, Architect, or Surveyor.
    • The application fee is $50.00 for a single-family residence and $300.00 for commercial, industrial, or other activity.
    • The source addresses floodplain development and does not establish a countywide manufactured-home occupancy rule outside those areas.

    single-family residence application fee: 50 USD · commercial, industrial, or other activity application fee: 300 USD

    “including the placement of manufactured homes, and the location of these improvements or structures in relation to the current effective floodplain or areas special flood hazard.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org.

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

    On-site sewage facility permitting and inspection in McMullen County.

    • McMullen County provides the OSSF application and permit materials.
    • The local program operates within Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285.
    • Local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    “Authorization is hereby granted for the Permitting Authority to enter the above described property for the purpose of lot evaluation and inspection of on-site sewage facility and related activities. A permit to operate the facility will be granted following a successful inspection of the system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    OSSF systems using the McMullen County OSSF application and permit process.

    • The permit to operate is granted only following a successful inspection.
    • The permitting authority is authorized to enter the described property for lot evaluation and inspection.
    • The county application also includes an on-site final construction inspection field.
    “A permit to operate the facility will be granted following a successful inspection of the system.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water wells within the McMullen Groundwater Conservation District, whose documented district extent corresponds to McMullen County.

    • A permit is required before drilling or producing a well, or increasing well size or capacity so it could reasonably be expected to produce more than 25,000 gallons per day.
    • A permit is not required for drilling exempt wells listed in Rule 3(b), but exempt wells must be registered before drilling.
    • Exempt wells are defined as artificial excavations constructed, fitted, or equipped to produce less than 25,000 gallons per day.
    • The exemption does not apply when groundwater is used to supply a subdivision for which plat approval is required under Local Government Code Chapter 232.
    • Each permit application requires a $100 application fee; a drilling-permit application also requires a $100 deposit.
    • The rules state an effective date of September 26, 2012.

    exempt-well production threshold: < 25000 gallons per day (Exempt wells must still be registered.) · permit application fee: 100 USD (Permit renewals do not require the application fee unless permit amendments are sought with renewal.) · drilling permit deposit: 100 USD (Deposit is subject to the return conditions and the 180-day deadline stated in Rule 4(b).)

    “A permit is required prior to drilling or producing a well, or increasing the size or capacity of a well such that the well could reasonably be expected to produce in excess of 25,000 gallons of water per day. A permit is not required for drilling exempt wells, as listed in Rule 3(b).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting matters in McMullen County; the county's official permits page identifies subdivision regulations as county permit information.

    • The official county page links to subdivision regulations but does not state the operative minimum lot sizes, road standards, platting procedures, exceptions, or variance provisions on the page itself.
    • The linked Subdivision Regulations PDF should be consulted for detailed local standards and procedures.
    “The following downloads and links are available information about permits in McMullen County. Downloads: Subdivision Regulations”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a flood zone or area of special flood hazard in McMullen County.

    • A permit application must be completed and returned to the County Judge’s office for property in a flood zone.
    • The application covers structures and other development activities including clearing, filling, grading, mining, drilling, excavation, subdivision, waterway or drainage alteration, road or bridge construction, and utility work.
    • If structures are within, partially within, or adjacent to areas of special flood hazard, certifications under Article 5, Section B of the County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance are required from a Texas registered professional engineer, architect, or surveyor.
    • Watercourse or natural-drainage alterations require a hydrologic and hydraulic study certified by a registered Texas professional engineer.
    • Applicants must obtain other required federal, state, or local permits, including potential Section 404 approval.

    single-family residence application fee: 50 USD · commercial, industrial, or other activity application fee: 300 USD

    “If you are in a flood zone you will be required to complete a permit application and return it to the County Judge’s office.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    McMullen County flood plain development permit applications covered by the county-posted application form.

    • Payment must be made by cash, check, or money order payable to McMullen County.
    • The fee is $50.00 for a single-family residence.
    • The fee is $300.00 for commercial, industrial, or other activity.
    • Applicants must submit plans drawn to scale showing proposed landscape alterations, existing and proposed structures, including manufactured-home placement, and their relation to the current effective floodplain or areas of special flood hazard.
    • For structures within, partially within, or adjacent to areas of special flood hazard, certifications are required under Article 5, Section B, Specific Standards, from a Texas Registered Professional Engineer, Architect, or Surveyor.
    • Alteration or relocation of a watercourse or natural drainage requires a hydrologic and hydraulic study certified by a Registered Texas Professional Engineer.
    • The applicant must obtain all other required federal, state, or local permits, including any prior approval required under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334.
    • The currently linked county application is identified on the county website as updated in 2026; the September 15, 2026 PDF could not be opened, so current applicability of these amounts is not independently confirmed.

    single-family residence application fee: 50 USD · commercial, industrial, or other activity application fee: 300 USD · payment method: cash, check, or money order (made out to McMullen County)

    “CASH/CHECK/MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO "McMULLEN COUNTY": $50.00 for Single-Family residence $300.00 for Commercial, Industrial, or other activity”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — McMullen County floodplain development permit applications.
      “CASH/CHECK/MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO "McMULLEN COUNTY": $50.00 for Single-Family residence $300.00 for Commercial, Industrial, or other activity”
    • Published (with conditions) — Pipeline or road-crossing permit applications involving lands or roads under McMullen County jurisdiction.
      “In consideration of the $500.00 application fee, the undersigned Company agrees that such use shall be subject to the following terms, covenants and conditions, to-wit:”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Permit information published by McMullen County for subdivision regulations, pipeline/road crossing permits, OSSF applications, floodplain development, drilling permit inquiries, and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission licensing.

    • The page publishes downloads and links for the listed permit categories; it does not state that this list is exhaustive.
    • The page provides permit information but does not itself state a single general permit procedure applicable to every type of development.
    • The page lists county contact information at (361) 274-3900, with office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
    “The following downloads and links are available information about permits in McMullen County. Downloads: Subdivision Regulations Pipeline/Road Crossing Permit OSSF Application McMullen Floodplain Development Process Links: Drilling Permit Inquiry License & Permit Description Authorized by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county regulates only subdivisions and floodplain development, not land-use zoning; Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas.

    McMullen County - Permits ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

    • Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
    • Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
    • Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
    • These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
    “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    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”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

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

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

    “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — On-site or off-grid sewage disposal through an OSSF in McMullen County.
      “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    • Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
      “Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

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

    “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New or modified driveway access from a property in McMullen County onto a state highway or FM roadway right-of-way.
      “If your driveway will be coming off of a Highway or FM you will need to contact TX Dot at the below number for a permit. Once the permit is issued you will be given an address.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary camping in a public place in Texas, including McMullen County.

    • The prohibition applies when a person intentionally or knowingly camps in a public place without the effective consent of the officer or agency having the legal duty or authority to manage that public place.
    • The statute defines camping as residing temporarily in a place with shelter.
    • The source does not establish a rule for camping on private land.
    “camps in a public place without the effective consent of the officer or agency having the legal duty or authority to manage the public place.”
  • 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 — Building inspections for residential or other structures in McMullen County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in McMullen County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning status within McMullen County, including municipal or other subordinate local zoning authorities.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Requirements to connect to public water or sewer systems, or permission to use no utility connection, in McMullen County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions or agricultural-development exemptions in McMullen County.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in McMullen County, Texas

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

McMullen County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 75 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (24.7″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

McMullen 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 McMullen County (OSSF authorized agent, per TCEQ Ch. 366). 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 McMullen County?

Living in an RV on your own land in McMullen County is allowed: Unincorporated McMullen County: no county rule sets this, because McMullen 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 mcmullencounty.org. 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 McMullen County, Texas?

Land in McMullen County runs about $1,940 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McMullen County?

McMullen County gets about 24.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.3% of years.

How remote is McMullen County?

A representative private-land location has about 75 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,040,080 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How McMullen compares in Texas

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