Building permits, zoning and land rules in Midland County, Texas
39Index Score / 100 #220 of 254 in Texas
Midland County, Texas does not publish a general county building-permit requirement for homes in unincorporated areas, but driveway, septic, floodplain and fire-code requirements can still apply123. Unincorporated Midland County has no county zoning, though City of Midland rules may reach into its extraterritorial jurisdiction45. Septic permits for the whole county, city or not, come from the City of Midland Health Department under an interlocal agreement6.
At a glance
Building permit
No general county requirement is published; project-specific permits and state fire-code review may apply123
Zoning
None countywide; the City of Midland's rules may reach into its 5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction75
Septic permits
City of Midland Health Department, Environmental Section, under an interlocal agreement with the county86
RV / tiny home living
Unrestricted under county rules, since there is no zoning ordinance9
Minimum home size
No county zoning minimum in unincorporated areas; other rules may still apply10
Fire/life-safety rules
State fire-code standards apply in part; this is not a general county building code3
Certificate of occupancy
May apply through fire-code regulation; not established for every unincorporated home11
Driveway permit
Required for a driveway tying into a county road outside city limits12
OSSF (septic) permit applications, site/soil evaluation coordination, Authorizations to Construct, and installation inspections for Midland County, including unincorporated land
Building and fire-code permits, inspections, violations, and Certificates of Occupancy for addresses outside the City of Midland limits (District 12 covers Midland County)
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Do you need a building permit in Midland County, Texas?
Midland County does not publish a general county building-permit requirement for home construction in unincorporated areas; the county's published permit process instead covers public works, subdivisions, plats, driveways and right-of-way work12. Development in a mapped flood hazard area also needs a Midland County floodplain permit13. A driveway connecting to a county road outside Midland city limits does require a Public Works permit1412. Fire and life-safety regulation is separate: Midland County directs addresses outside city limits to the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office for building and fire-code permits, inspections, violations and certificates of occupancy1516. The State Fire Marshal uses state fire and life-safety inspection standards in unincorporated areas, but that partial fire-code coverage is not the same as Midland County adopting every model building code3. Ask the State Fire Marshal whether a particular project needs its review before treating the absence of a published general county permit as permission to build.
Who issues driveway, septic and fire-code permits in Midland County, Texas?
Midland County does not identify a single building department for every rural construction approval; responsibilities are split by subject12. Midland County Public Works issues driveway permits for a connection to a county road outside Midland city limits, charging $50 per tie-in, and lists its office at 500 N Loraine St., Suite 1100, Midland, TX 79701141217. Driveway applications are due by 3 p.m. on the Tuesday before a Commissioners Court meeting17. The City of Midland Health Department's Environmental Section permits and inspects OSSFs through an interlocal agreement with Midland County, for addresses in the city and outside it; its listed phone is (432) 681-7613186. Midland County directs building and fire-code questions for addresses outside city limits to the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office at 512-676-68001516. Start with the office tied to the work, and ask whether subdivision, plat, floodplain or right-of-way requirements also affect the parcel because the county's published process covers only part of the approvals a project may need2.
Does Midland County have zoning?
Unincorporated Midland County has no county planning-and-zoning requirements or published county zoning districts194. County zoning therefore does not set minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, or the occupancy of an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on unincorporated land9. Midland County also sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size there10. Those answers do not erase other controls: septic acreage, retention ponds, subdivisions, floodplains and state fire rules can still affect a project423. City of Midland regulations may also apply within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, so verify the parcel's jurisdiction before relying on the county answer5. If land is being divided for agricultural use, a platting exception may be available in some circumstances, but it is conditional rather than a blanket agricultural exemption20.
How do septic permits work in Midland County?
The City of Midland Health Department's Environmental Section permits and inspects OSSFs through an interlocal agreement with Midland County186. The residential OSSF application fee is $15021. An applicant generally needs a site and soil evaluation, planning materials, the appropriate fee and a Midland County floodplain permit application before receiving authorization to construct22. Private-well service is contemplated on the application, so an OSSF can support an off-grid sanitation plan, but the system still must follow its approved design, inspection and local health requirements23. Only 37.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making parcel-specific evaluation especially important24. Before covering an installation, contact the office at least four working days ahead for inspection1825. A state permit exemption may apply to a qualifying tract of at least 10 acres, but only when every condition is met, including the site evaluation, a single dwelling and required property-line separation; do not assume acreage alone creates an exemption26.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Midland County?
County zoning does not restrict RV living, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured homes or temporary camping on unincorporated Midland County land9. Midland County likewise has no zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated areas10. That answer is limited to county zoning: septic, floodplain, subdivision, access and fire-code requirements can still control how a site is developed42233. Certificates of occupancy are associated with the State Fire Marshal's building and fire-code work outside city limits, but the county source does not establish that every unincorporated residence needs one11. City regulations may apply in the City of Midland's extraterritorial jurisdiction5. Before moving an RV onto a parcel or ordering a tiny home, confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and ask the State Fire Marshal whether the proposed structure or use triggers fire-code or occupancy review.
Building a home in Midland County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the parcel is outside city limits and whether City of Midland extraterritorial-jurisdiction rules apply5.
Ask Midland County Public Works whether subdivision, plat, floodplain, right-of-way or driveway approvals affect the project; the published county process is partial and additional application requirements may apply2.
Ask the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office whether the proposed building needs fire-code, inspection or occupancy review15311.
Arrange a site and soil evaluation, then submit the OSSF application and required materials to the City of Midland Health Department's Environmental Section1822.
Obtain a Public Works permit for a driveway tying into a county road, or follow the separate TxDOT process for state-highway access141227.
Have the septic installation inspected before it is covered25.
What to check before you buy land in Midland County
Annual precipitation is about 14.5 inches, and severe drought occurs in 33.5% of years, so verify a private well's yield before depending on it2829. The septic application allows either a private well or public water source, but we could not confirm a general countywide rule requiring connection to public water or sewer; ask the City of Midland Health Department about the parcel's service plan23. Only 37.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and the OSSF process requires a site and soil evaluation2422. Check flood status, legal access and driveway jurisdiction before closing because floodplain and right-of-way approvals can be part of the county process2. Confirm whether city extraterritorial-jurisdiction rules apply, and review deed or subdivision restrictions separately from county zoning54. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, with a median annual bill near $3,6973031.
Watch-outs
Septic permits in Midland County are issued by the City of Midland's Midland Health Department, not a county health department, even though the application is hosted on the county's website and covers land countywide under an interlocal agreement; call the city department directly at (432) 681-7613186.
The State Fire Marshal handles fire-code permits, inspections and related certificates of occupancy outside Midland city limits, but the county source does not establish that every unincorporated home needs a certificate1511.
County zoning does not restrict RV or tiny-home occupancy, but City of Midland extraterritorial-jurisdiction rules and septic, access, floodplain or fire-code requirements may still apply9523.
Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Midland County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Midland County scores
Seclusion42100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness7490% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% 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 →
$333kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$1,618Land / acre
14.5"Annual rain
33.5% of yrsSevere drought
45.6 / yr (+33.2)Mid-century 100°F days
35.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.22" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.23×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,393Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
419,298People within 2 hr
111,652Radius comparison (15 mi)
196.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
37.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Midland County
Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Midland County rules
Building permitLimited
Driveway construction outside Midland city limits in Midland County; this source does not establish a general permit requirement for building construction.
A driveway permit is required through the Midland County Public Works office.
Permits must be submitted by 3pm on the Tuesday prior to a normal Commissioners Court meeting, which the page states falls on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.
The page lists additional county permits for road crossings, right-of-way use, pole setting, flood plains, and related matters.
Incorporated areas, including Midland city limits, are outside this claim’s scope.
“If you live outside of Midland city limits, in Midland County, and want to build a driveway, you need to come by the Public Works office to get a driveway permit.”
InspectionsLimited
Building and fire-code inspections for addresses outside the City of Midland limits in Midland County.
The Midland County page states that fire codes are enforced by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The page identifies building and fire-code permits and inspections as functions of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The City of Midland Fire Marshal’s Office may enforce regulations in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction depending on the subject address; the county directs users to verify current ETJ jurisdiction.
This claim does not establish a general county residential inspection program.
“Regulating agencies for Midland County (addresses outside of the City of Midland limits): [...] Fire codes are enforced by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. [...] Building and fire code permits, inspections, violations, and Certificate of Occupancy”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Certificates of occupancy associated with building and fire-code regulation for addresses outside the City of Midland limits in Midland County.
The Midland County page identifies the State Fire Marshal’s Office as responsible for building and fire-code permits, inspections, violations, and Certificate of Occupancy.
The City of Midland Fire Marshal’s Office may enforce Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction regulations depending on the subject address; the county directs users to verify current ETJ jurisdiction.
The source does not establish that every residential building in unincorporated Midland County requires a certificate of occupancy.
“State of Texas Fire Marshal’s Office Building and fire code permits, inspections, violations, and Certificate of Occupancy”
County-wide zoningAbsent
County planning and zoning requirements in unincorporated Midland County, excluding land subject to an incorporated municipality's or the City of Midland ETJ regulations.
The County requests that buildings and installations follow NFPA Life Safety Code 101 or greater.
Other restrictions may apply, including retention ponds and minimum acreage for septic systems.
The City of Midland ETJ is outside City limits; certain City regulations and ordinances apply there, and the ETJ extends five miles from City limits.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Absent — Specific county planning and zoning requirements in the unincorporated areas of Midland County, Texas.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater.”
Absent — County planning and zoning requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Countywide aggregate of land-use regulation: Midland County has no specific county planning and zoning requirements, while City of Midland regulations and ordinances apply to certain land in its ETJ and the City administers zoning-related applications.
This is an aggregate conclusion and does not mean Midland County administers municipal zoning.
The City of Midland ETJ is an area outside City limits in which certain City regulations and ordinances apply; in Midland County it extends five miles from City limits.
For land within the ETJ, the county directs users to the City of Midland Planning and Zoning department for an explanation of applicable City regulations and ordinances.
City planning materials state that proposals may require multiple approvals depending on the land-use issues and project location.
City of Midland ETJ extent from City limits: 5 miles (Applies in Midland County according to the County FAQ.)
“The ETJ is the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Midland. This is an area in Midland County outside of the city limits of the City of Midland in which certain regulations and ordinances of the City apply. In Midland County, the ETJ extends five miles from the city limits.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning and land-use controls across Midland County, including county unincorporated areas, the City of Midland's extraterritorial jurisdiction, and incorporated municipal areas.
“This Zoning Ordinance applies to all land, buildings, structures or appurtenances located within the City”
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of zoning within Midland County: no specific county zoning in unincorporated areas, while City of Midland zoning applies within the city and city regulations may apply in the ETJ.
“This Zoning Ordinance applies to all land, buildings, structures or appurtenances located within the City that are hereafter:”
Zoning districtsNot published
County zoning districts and county planning-and-zoning requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
The county requests that building and installations follow NFPA life-safety code 101 or greater.
Other restrictions may apply, including retention ponds and minimum acreage for septic systems.
Within the City of Midland extraterritorial jurisdiction, which the county FAQ states extends five miles from the city limits, City of Midland regulations and ordinances may apply.
This claim does not establish that every land use is approved or exempt from state, municipal, subdivision, septic, floodplain, or other applicable requirements.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater. Midland County does not maintain alleyways or have mandatory restrictions; however, other restrictions may apply, such as, retention ponds, minimum acreage for septics, etc.”
Minimum dwelling sizeNone
Minimum dwelling-size requirements arising from Midland County planning or zoning requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
Midland County states it has no specific planning and zoning requirements.
The County requests that building and installations follow NFPA life safety code 101 or greater.
Other non-zoning restrictions may apply, including retention ponds and minimum acreage for septic systems.
City of Midland regulations may apply in the City’s five-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
“does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements”
Minimum lot sizeNone
Minimum lot-size requirements arising from Midland County planning or zoning requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
Midland County states it has no specific planning and zoning requirements.
The FAQ separately states that platting may be required when land is divided and identifies a possible 10-acre exception only when there are no public or lot-owner streets, alleys, or parks.
City of Midland regulations may apply in the City’s five-mile ETJ.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater. Midland County does not maintain alleyways or have mandatory restrictions; however, other restrictions may apply, such as, retention ponds, minimum acreage for septics, etc.”
SetbacksNone
Zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
Midland County states it has no specific planning and zoning requirements.
Other restrictions may apply, including retention ponds and minimum acreage for septic systems.
City of Midland regulations may apply in the City’s five-mile ETJ.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater. Midland County does not maintain alleyways or have mandatory restrictions; however, other restrictions may apply, such as, retention ponds, minimum acreage for septics, etc.”
Lot coverageNone
Zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
Midland County states it has no specific planning and zoning requirements.
Other restrictions may apply, including retention ponds and minimum acreage for septic systems.
City of Midland regulations may apply in the City’s five-mile ETJ.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater. Midland County does not maintain alleyways or have mandatory restrictions; however, other restrictions may apply, such as, retention ponds, minimum acreage for septics, etc.”
Building heightNone
Zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Midland County.
Midland County states it has no specific planning and zoning requirements.
The County requests NFPA life safety code 101 or greater for building and installations.
Other restrictions may apply, including retention ponds and minimum acreage for septic systems.
City of Midland regulations may apply in the City’s five-mile ETJ.
“Although, Midland County does not have any specific planning and zoning requirements, the County requests that building and installations follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) life safety code 101 or greater. Midland County does not maintain alleyways or have mandatory restrictions; however, other restrictions may apply, such as, retention ponds, minimum acreage for septics, etc.”
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Midland County: no county rule sets this, because Midland County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Midland County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Midland County: no county rule sets this, because Midland County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Midland County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Midland County: no county rule sets this, because Midland County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Midland County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Midland County: no county rule sets this, because Midland County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Midland County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Midland County: no county rule sets this, because Midland County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Midland County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Who permits septicLocal
OSSF/septic regulation for Midland County, including the county function administered by the City of Midland Health Department under an interlocal agreement.
The City of Midland Health Department is identified as the local health entity for both the city and county.
The county stormwater plan states that the City of Midland Health Department administers permitting and inspection through an interlocal agreement.
“Currently, OSSFs are permitted and inspected by the City of Midland Health Department through an interlocal agreement.”
Septic permitRequired
Septic/OSSF installation or modification in Midland County.
An application is required for all septic system installations or modifications to an existing septic system.
A mandatory site/soil evaluation is required.
Plans and application are reviewed by Midland Health Department staff.
Upon approval, an Authorization to Construct is issued and is valid for one year.
The county page states septic permits are available through the City and County Health Department for any and all septic systems.
residential OSSF application fee: 150 USD (The source states this fee is as of June 1, 2018.) · commercial OSSF application fee: 210 USD (The source states this fee is as of June 1, 2018.) · Authorization to Construct validity: 1 year (From the date of issuance.)
“An application is required for all septic system installations or modifications to an existing septic system.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of an OSSF/septic system in Midland County.
Inspection of the installation is required before covering the system.
The office must be contacted at least 4 working days in advance to arrange an inspection.
After a successful inspection, a Notice of Approval is issued by the Midland Health Department OSSF Inspector.
The application states that an inspection by the Midland Health Department must be made before backfill.
advance inspection notice: >= 4 working days (The source says to contact the office at least 4 working days in advance.) · residential re-inspection fee: 50 USD (The application states a $50 re-inspection fee.)
“An inspection of the installation is required before covering of the system.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid sanitation using an onsite sewage facility/septic system in Midland County.
A septic permit is required for septic system installation or modification.
A mandatory site/soil evaluation and approved Authorization to Construct are required before construction.
Installation inspection is required before covering or backfill.
The source does not establish that every possible off-grid sanitation method is allowed.
Authorization to Construct validity: 1 year (From the date of issuance.)
Limited — Private on-site sanitation using an OSSF rather than a public sewer connection in Midland County
“Source of Water: private well public water__________________________________________________ Name of Supplier”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Possible exemption from Midland County platting requirements when land is divided for agricultural use in unincorporated Midland County outside the City of Midland ETJ.
The County FAQ says platting may not be required in some circumstances when land is divided for agricultural use.
The same FAQ states that City of Midland subdivision and platting regulations apply within the City’s ETJ.
The statement is an example of a possible exception and does not establish an unconditional exemption from every county requirement.
“There are certain exceptions to the platting requirement. For example, in some circumstances platting may not be required if the land is divided for agricultural use or for sale to a family member, or if all of the resulting lots are 10 acres or larger and there are no streets, alleys, or parks for the use of the public or the lot owners.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Land within Midland County and outside the City of Midland extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), including division of land into two or more parts for a subdivision, lots, streets, or alleys.
When land lies within the City of Midland ETJ, the City of Midland subdivision and platting regulations apply instead.
A plat may not be required in some circumstances when land is divided for agricultural use or for sale to a family member.
A plat may not be required in some circumstances when all resulting lots are 10 acres or larger and there are no streets, alleys, or parks for use of the public or lot owners.
If required, the plat must meet all Midland County requirements, be filed with the Midland County Clerk, and be approved by the Commissioners Court.
The platting process requires submission to the County Judge’s office with all dimensions, street width, and drainage information; two original mylars with original signatures and notaries; and certification by a Texas registered surveyor and/or engineering firm.
The right of way must be 60 feet; two points of ingress and egress must be approved by Emergency Management; there may be no low water crossings; and roadway material must be stated and built to county specifications for consideration of county acceptance.
At Commissioners Court presentation, the property owner must be present for questions.
The county recognizes original plats and re-plats where lot size or road width changes dimensions.
After court approval and County Judge signature, filing requires one fully signed mylar, four paper copies of the fully signed mylars, and current tax statements submitted within 30 days to the County Clerk with a zero balance.
The platting and re-platting fee is $61 for an 18-by-24-inch small plat or $81 for a 24-by-36-inch large plat; multi-page plats are charged per page, with the page-count example stated on the official page.
A plat must be registered to receive a 911 address, and a 911 address is required before applying for a driveway permit or onsite septic permit.
minimum resulting lot size exception: >= 10 acres (May apply only when there are no streets, alleys, or parks for public or lot-owner use.) · county right-of-way requirement: 60 feet · small plat fee: 61 USD (18 inches by 24 inches; multi-page plats are charged per page.) · large plat fee: 81 USD (24 inches by 36 inches; multi-page plats are charged per page.)
“When land lies within the boundaries of Midland County and outside of the ETJ, Midland County’s subdivision regulations determine whether you must plat your land. In general, a plat is required whenever land is divided into two or more parts for the purposes of laying out a subdivision, lots, or streets, or alleys.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Division of land into two or more parts for subdivisions, lots, streets, alleys, parks, or other portions intended for public use or for use by purchasers or adjacent lot owners, outside municipal corporate limits and outside municipal ETJs administered by a city.
“Every owner of any tract of land situated without the corporate limits of any city in Midland County, Texas, who divides the same into two (2) or more parts for the purpose of laying out any subdivision of any such tract of land, or an addition without the corporate limits of any town, or city, or for laying out suburban lots or building lots, and for the purpose of laying out streets, alleys, or parks, or other portions intended for public use, or the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting thereon or adjacent thereto, shall cause a plat to be made thereof”
Driveway accessRequired
Construction of a driveway connecting to a county road outside Midland city limits in Midland County.
A county driveway permit is required for property outside Midland city limits.
Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on the Tuesday before a normal Commissioners Court meeting, which the page states occurs on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
The county fee schedule lists a $50 fee per tie-in to a county road.
permit fee: per 50 USD per tie-in
“If you live outside of Midland city limits, in Midland County, and want to build a driveway, you need to come by the Public Works office to get a driveway permit.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction, location, extension, conversion, alteration, or other development in areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the Midland County Commissioners Court.
A Floodplain Permit is required for development subject to the order.
Development must comply with the Midland County floodplain management regulations and other applicable regulations.
For property in a regulatory floodway, the permit conditions state that no development restricting the flow of water is permitted, including structures, fill, and solid fences, among others.
Development in the 100-year floodplain must comply with the conditions stated on the attached permit, including applicable elevation, elevation-certificate, floodproofing, water-supply, sanitary-sewage, service-facility, mobile-home anchoring, and health-department requirements.
“Development of this property must be in accordance with the conditions set forth on the attached permit in order to minimize the chances of flood damage and to meet federal and local regulations.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
County-administered permitting within Midland County, including driveway, road bore, right-of-way use, vacation, and plat applications.
The published schedule covers the listed county permits and applications; it does not establish fees for every possible permit administered by another authority.
The county states that the City of Midland and State of Texas hold authority over their own assets within the county.
driveway permit: per 50 USD per tie-in · road bore permit: per 250 USD per road bore · right-of-way use permit: per 250 USD per partial mile of buried line · vacation application: 50 USD · plat application: 100 USD
“Fee Schedule for Permitting within Midland County
Drive Way Permits - $50.00 per tie in (drive way placed) to county roads
Road Bore Permit - $250.00 per Road Bore
Right of Way Use Permit - $250.00 per Partial mile of line placed (buried) in county right-of-way
Vacation Application - $50.00
Plat Application - $100.00”
Permit processPartial
County-administered public-works, subdivision, plat, driveway, and right-of-way permitting in Midland County.
Midland County Public Works states that its department is limited to the listed services.
The City of Midland and State of Texas hold authority over their own assets within the county.
Individual permit applications and subdivision regulations may impose additional requirements.
“Reference Subdivision Regulation for more information and requirements.
If you live outside of Midland city limits, in Midland County, and want to build a driveway, you need to come by the Public Works office to get a driveway permit.”
Texas rules that apply here
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A person who purchases industrialized housing or an industrialized building for the person's own use and assumes responsibility for all or part of the construction related to installation, including an industrialized house installed in Midland County.
The owner may file for a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
The installation permit applies only when the purchaser assumes responsibility for all or part of the installation construction.
The TDLR installation permit does not replace local building permits; local permits and inspections remain required where applicable.
For residential industrialized housing, the homeowner must complete and sign the application, the work must comply with mandatory building codes, engineered foundation documents, and approved manufacturer installation details, and the certification must be notarized.
The application cannot be used for non-code-compliant construction, construction that does not match approved documents, or work already completed.
The industrialized builder or its subcontractors may not perform work listed on the homeowner's installation permit.
Utility electrical connections must be completed by a Texas-licensed electrician.
The installation permit fee is $75 for each building containing industrialized modules or modular components.
installation permit fee: per 75 USD per building (Each building containing industrialized modules or modular components)
“The Residential Installation Permit only allows you, the homeowner, to complete this construction yourself without 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 — State Fire Marshal building and fire-code inspection standards applicable in unincorporated areas of Midland County, particularly fire and life-safety requirements; local jurisdictions may control where they have adopted local fire codes.
“The State Fire Marshal's Office uses the 2021 Editions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code and NFPA 1 Fire Code as its standards of inspection with an effective date of September 1, 2023.”
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:”
Well permitNot required
Drilling a private water well on property in Texas, including Midland County, where no separate local restriction or authorization applies.
The Texas Water Development Board states that local restrictions may apply, including a city ordinance or homeowner's-association restriction.
No cross-connection between a public drinking-water supply and a private water system is permitted.
A registered water-well driller, or a landowner drilling the landowner's own well, must submit a State of Texas Water Well Report for a new well.
If the property falls within a groundwater conservation district, that district's rules may require registration or permitting of the well.
A public water supply well must go through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approval process.
Water-well separation distances include 50 feet from a septic tank and 100 feet from drain fields or spray areas when minimum well-construction specifications are met, and 50 feet from an adjacent property line.
septic-tank separation: >= 50 feet (minimum well construction specifications must be met) · drain-field or spray-area separation: >= 100 feet (minimum well construction specifications must be met) · adjacent-property-line separation: >= 50 feet
“There is no state-wide regulation regarding drilling a water well on your property regardless of whether you are connected to a water utility or not. However, no cross-connection between the public drinking water supply and a private water system is permitted. Also, there may be restrictions at the local level, such as a homeowner's association or a city ordinance, and there may be costs involved to disconnect from the public water supply.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — 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.
“Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
county zoning authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.
Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
“As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
county building authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.
Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.
county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)
“The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
“The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code.”
Inside cities and towns in Midland County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Who permits septicLocal
OSSFs in Midland County administered under the City of Midland Health Department's interlocal arrangement with the County
The Midland County Storm Water Management Plan states that the City of Midland Health Department permits and inspects OSSFs through an interlocal agreement.
The Midland County FAQ directs applicants to the City and County Health Department.
“Currently, OSSFs are permitted and inspected by the City of Midland Health Department through an interlocal agreement.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs in Midland County under the local health-department program
The Midland County FAQ states that permits apply to any and all septic systems.
The county application requires an application, mandatory site/soil evaluation, planning materials, the appropriate fee, and a floodplain permit application for Midland County.
The application states that an Authorization to Construct is issued upon approval and is valid for one year.
TCEQ states that local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
Under TCEQ guidance, a possible 10-acre exemption applies only when all listed conditions are met, including a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres, a qualifying site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line, on-property effluent disposal, and no other dwelling on the tract; emergency repairs are separately exempt if reported in writing within 72 hours.
residential application fee: 150 USD (County application states this fee is as of June 1, 2018 and fees are non-refundable as of January 1, 2015.) · commercial application fee: 210 USD (County application states this fee is as of June 1, 2018 and fees are non-refundable as of January 1, 2015.) · re-inspection fee: 50 USD (County application states this fee is as of June 1, 2018.) · Authorization to Construct validity: 1 year (From date of issuance.)
“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.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation inspection of OSSFs in Midland County under the Midland Health Department program
Inspection is required before the system is covered or backfilled.
The applicant must contact the office at least four working days in advance to arrange an inspection.
After a successful inspection, the Midland Health Department OSSF Inspector issues a Notice of Approval.
The application states that no inspection will be scheduled for 24 hours following receipt of the application to allow review time.
Decisions and inspections may be appealed by Administrative Hearing.
inspection notice: >= 4 working days (Advance notice to arrange the inspection.)
“An inspection of the installation is required before covering of the system. Contact our office at least 4 working days in advance to arrange an inspection.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Whether private property in Midland County must connect to public water, public sewer, both, or neither
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Midland County.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Water rights & wells in Midland County
Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Texas’s water agency.
Actively managed
This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.
Household wellExempt up to a limit
Texas groundwater is governed by the rule of capture; a Groundwater Conservation District must exempt qualifying domestic/livestock wells and may not restrict their production, but well registration and spacing rules can still apply and the exemption does not cover wells serving a platted subdivision.
Limit: Domestic/livestock well exempt from GCD production permitting if on a tract >10 acres AND incapable of producing >25,000 gal/day (Tex. Water Code §36.117)
Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Texas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.
Living off-grid in Midland County, Texas
Is Midland County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Midland County scores 39/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.5″ of rain a year, in severe drought 33.5% of years.
Do you need a building permit in Midland County, Texas?
Midland 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 Midland County Health Department (TCEQ Authorized Agent). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Midland County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Midland County is allowed: Unincorporated Midland County: no county rule sets this, because Midland County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Midland County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Midland County, Texas?
Land in Midland County runs about $1,618 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Midland County?
Midland County gets about 14.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 33.5% of years. On water rights, Midland County lies in the Reagan, Upton & Midland Counties Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ-designated critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply..
How remote is Midland County?
A typical private-land location has about 111,652 people within 15 miles and 592,320 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
