Bolthole Index

Mitchell County, Texas

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

42Index Score / 100
#184 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Mitchell County, Texas has no county building-permit requirement or county zoning ordinance123. Septic systems generally require a permit and approved plan; Mitchell County is the authorized agent outside Colorado City, while TCEQ's regional office handles the city45. Colorado City has its own zoning ordinance within city limits6.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Mitchell County1
Zoning
No county zoning in unincorporated areas; Colorado City has zoning within city limits26
Septic
Permit and approved plan generally required; Mitchell County is the authorized agent outside Colorado City54
RV, tiny home or manufactured home
Not restricted by any county zoning rule, because the county has none3
Owner-builder exemption
Not documented; the county has no building-permit program to exempt from7
Minimum lot size / setbacks
None set by the county; Mitchell County has no zoning authority to set them3
County building/fire-code authority
Limited to counties over 250,000 people; Mitchell County's population of 9,075 falls far short89

Who to call

Also useful

Mitchell County Judge's Office

County administration and the Commissioners Court; the general starting point for anything not posted online, including floodplain questions and who administers septic applications

(325) 728-8439

mredwine@co.mitchell.tx.us

349 Oak Street, Colorado City, TX 79512

Also useful

Mitchell County Clerk's Office

Land records, plat filing and elections; where a subdivision plat is recorded

(325) 728-3481

jlemons@co.mitchell.tx.us

349 Oak Street, Room 103, Colorado City, TX 79512

Roads & driveways

Mitchell County Commissioners Court (Precinct Roads)

County roads are maintained precinct by precinct under four elected commissioners rather than one countywide road department; the County Judge's Office can identify which precinct covers a given parcel

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

Unincorporated Mitchell County has no county building-permit requirement1. Texas law gives building- and fire-code authority to counties only above a 250,000-population threshold, or to a county adjacent to one; Mitchell County's population of 9,075 is far below that mark, so the county has no general building-permit program89. The county's own website lists the County Judge, County Clerk, Commissioners Court and several other offices, with no building department or code-enforcement office among them1011. Separate permits still apply to septic work and to new or modified driveways connecting to a state highway412.

Who do you call in Mitchell County if there's no building department?

Mitchell County has no building or planning department, so there's no single permit office to call before you build1. The County Judge's Office, at the courthouse in Colorado City, oversees county administration and the Commissioners Court, and is the right place to start for anything not posted on the county's website, including floodplain questions10. The County Clerk's Office, also at the courthouse, handles land records, plat filings and elections, and is where an approved subdivision plat gets recorded11. County roads are maintained precinct by precinct rather than by a single road department; the County Judge's Office can point you to the commissioner whose precinct covers your parcel1310.

Does Mitchell County have zoning?

Unincorporated Mitchell County has no county zoning ordinance2. As a result, the county sets no zoning-based minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or accessory-dwelling limits on unincorporated land, and no county zoning rule restricts an RV, tiny home or manufactured home there3. Colorado City is different: the city divides its corporate limits into eight zoning districts under its own zoning ordinance, which the city administers and enforces6. A Colorado City parcel therefore needs a city zoning check before construction or a change in land use, while septic permits for that parcel are a separate matter handled through TCEQ5, while we could not confirm comparable municipal rules for Loraine or Westbrook6.

How do septic permits work in Mitchell County?

A permit and approved plan are generally required to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate a septic system or holding tank in Mitchell County4. Mitchell County is the TCEQ-authorized agent outside Colorado City, while TCEQ Region 03 in Abilene handles permits inside Colorado City5. A narrow exemption may apply to a single-family home on at least 10 acres only when every state condition is met, including a licensed site evaluation, at least 100 feet between every system component and the property line, on-site effluent disposal, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, and no other dwelling on the tract4. The county website does not identify the office that accepts applications, so ask the County Judge's Office for the current process and fee before commissioning a design10.

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

On unincorporated land, Mitchell County has no zoning rule restricting RV living, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy3. Septic remains a separate issue: an OSSF permit and approved plan are generally required even when the dwelling is not a conventional site-built house4. Inside Colorado City, the city's zoning ordinance applies, so the unincorporated-county answer cannot be used to approve an RV, tiny home or manufactured home within city limits6. We could not confirm comparable municipal rules for Loraine or Westbrook; ask the relevant city before relying on the county rule.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside Colorado City, because Colorado City has city zoning and a different septic authority65.
  2. Ask the Mitchell County Judge's Office about floodplain requirements and who currently accepts septic applications10.
  3. Obtain the required septic permit and approved plan before construction, alteration, repair or extension of the system; ask about the narrow exemption only if the tract has at least 10 acres and one single-family dwelling4.
  4. For a new or modified driveway onto a state highway, submit Permit Form 1058 and satisfy TxDOT's design, drainage and safety requirements12.
  5. If you plan to divide a tract outside Colorado City, Texas law generally requires a subdivision plat approved by the Mitchell County Commissioners Court by order, with exceptions such as divisions where all lots exceed 10 acres14. Plats are recorded with the Mitchell County Clerk's Office11.

What to check before you buy land in Mitchell County, Texas

Mitchell County averages 20.5 inches of rain a year, with severe drought in 28.9% of recent years, and summers trending hotter, with a projected 51.2 days a year at or above 100°F by mid-century151617. Only 29% of the county's soils avoid severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so test the parcel before choosing a system18. The land is mostly flat, with 96.3% at 15% slope or less and just 2.6% wooded1920. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 70 miles from the county center, while the effective property-tax rate is around 2% and the median annual bill is about $1,680212223. Before closing, determine whether access meets a county road or a state highway, because a new or modified state-highway driveway requires Permit Form 105812. Farm and ranch land can qualify for agricultural special appraisal if it has been in agricultural use for at least 5 of the past 7 years, and a change to non-agricultural use triggers rollback tax for each of the prior 3 years24.

Watch-outs

  • Mitchell County's own website doesn't name a septic or environmental office, even though the county itself is TCEQ's authorized OSSF agent; confirm the current application process with the County Judge's Office rather than assuming a specific department exists105.
  • Inside Colorado City, city zoning applies and septic permits go through TCEQ's regional office rather than Mitchell County; locate the parcel against the city limits before planning the project65.
  • A new or modified driveway onto a state highway requires TxDOT Permit Form 1058; county-road access follows a different path12.
  • County roads in Mitchell County are split across four precinct commissioners rather than one road department; the commissioner covering your parcel depends on where it sits, so confirm with the County Judge's Office before assuming who to call1310.
  • Dividing land outside Colorado City requires a plat approved by the Mitchell County Commissioners Court unless an exception applies; ask the County Judge's Office before selling off a piece1410.

Sources

  1. Mitchell County, Texas official website (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 231 (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  5. TCEQ OSSF Authorized Agent search (OARS) (2026 county census)
  6. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (2026 county census)
  8. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Mitchell County Judge's Office (co.mitchell.tx.us)
  11. Mitchell County Clerk's Office (co.mitchell.tx.us)
  12. General Access Driveway Policy, quoted and re-checked
  13. Mitchell County Commissioners Court (Precinct Roads) (co.mitchell.tx.us)
  14. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232: County Regulation of Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  15. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  16. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Projected mid-century days at or above 100°F: Bolthole Index county data
  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. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Agricultural, Timberland and Wildlife Management Use Special Appraisal, quoted and re-checked

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleMitchell CountySterling CountyHoward CountyNolan CountyScurry CountyCoke CountyBorden County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsMitchell CountyTCEQ Region 8County OSSF OfficeTCEQScurry CountyCounty On-Site Sewage Dept.TCEQ

County locator

Mitchell County in Texas

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

How Mitchell County scores

Seclusion70100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1496% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8196% 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 →

$97kTypical home
2%Property tax
$1,428Land / acre
20.5"Annual rain
28.9% of yrsSevere drought
51.2 / yr (+32.6)Mid-century 100°F days
32.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.61" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,387Home insurance / yr
-2.5% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
10,516People within 30 min
958,355People within 2 hr
7,518Radius comparison (15 mi)
10People / sq mi
0%Federal land
96.3%Land at 15% slope or less
29%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
167,420 acWorkable land screen
2.6%Wooded land
2.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.6°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Mitchell 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.

Not yet researched: Town of Loraine · Westbrook

Answers from the rulebook for Mitchell County

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

Mitchell County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • 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 Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Texas counties lack general zoning authority in unincorporated areas; only cities such as Colorado City administer zoning, and Mitchell County publishes no planning/zoning department.

    Texas Local Government Code Ch. 231 ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.

    • A person purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for their own use or their company’s use may file for an installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • A person responsible for assembly, connection, and on-site construction for persons other than themselves must be registered as an industrialized builder.
    • Municipalities may require applicable local permits and licenses before construction begins when the municipality regulates the installation.
    “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder 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:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    OSSF permitting, inspection, and administration throughout Texas.

    • TCEQ administers the program in areas where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • A local governmental entity may administer the program only after an order, ordinance, or resolution is approved by TCEQ.
    • The authorized agent administers the program within its approved area of jurisdiction.
    • Local programs may adopt requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    “The authorized agent is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, including reviewing OSSF permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and more.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
      “TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
  • Septic permitRequired

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

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

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

    “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation of an on-site sewage facility in Texas, including Mitchell County unless an applicable exception applies.
      “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

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

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

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

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

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

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

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

    Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.

    • A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
    • A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
    • Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
    • Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm and ranch land in Texas, including qualifying land in Mitchell County, seeking agricultural special appraisal based on productivity value rather than market value.

    • Land must be currently devoted principally to agricultural use.
    • Agricultural use must be to the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area.
    • The land must have been devoted to agricultural or timber production for at least five of the past seven years.
    • For land within an incorporated city or town, the stated general-service or continuous-five-year-use criteria also apply.
    • A landowner applies for the applicable special appraisal; the Comptroller identifies Form 50-129 for 1-d-1 open-space agricultural use and Form 50-165 for 1-d agricultural appraisal.
    • If land receiving agricultural appraisal changes to non-agricultural use, the owner who changes the use owes rollback tax for each of the prior three years receiving the lower appraisal; 1-d land also incurs interest upon sale or discontinued agricultural use.
    • The Comptroller lists possible rollback-tax exceptions, subject to their criteria, including right-of-way sale, condemnation, certain public-purpose or economic-development transfers, timberland, cemeteries, religious or certain charitable organizations, schools, and oil-and-gas operations.

    prior agricultural or timber production period: >= 5 years of the past 7 years (Land within an incorporated city or town must also meet the additional city-or-town criteria stated by the Comptroller.) · rollback-tax lookback: per 3 previous years (Applies when land receiving agricultural appraisal changes to non-agricultural use; listed exceptions may apply if their criteria are met.)

    “The land must have been devoted to agricultural or timber production for at least five of the past seven years.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision platting in Mitchell County outside the limits of a municipality, including land subject to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232.

    • The owner must prepare a subdivision plat when dividing a tract outside municipal limits into two or more parts for the purposes described in Section 232.001.
    • The commissioners court of the county where the land is located must approve a required plat by an order entered in the court minutes and may refuse approval if statutory requirements are unmet or a required bond is not filed.
    • A county may define and classify divisions and need not require platting for every division otherwise within the chapter.
    • Exceptions and limitations include land governed by Chapter 232 Subchapters B or G; qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production land when the statutory conditions are met; certain divisions of four or fewer lots transferred to relatives within the third degree; divisions where all lots exceed 10 acres; certain veterans' land-board sales; qualifying state-owned land; and certain political-subdivision floodplain land sold to adjoining landowners.
    • The rule applies outside municipal limits; incorporated municipalities and applicable municipal extraterritorial-jurisdiction arrangements may have separate plat-approval authority under state law.
    “The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out:”
  • 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
    • Required — Property access from a state highway in Mitchell County.
      “the department will issue access driveway permits to owners of property abutting state highways. [...] A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction of a new driveway or revision of an existing driveway on state highway right-of-way serving property in Mitchell County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated areas where the state-highway access process has not been transferred to a local public agency.

    • Applicant must contact the local District TxDOT office and complete and submit TxDOT Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • Form 1058 must include the proposed-work description, applicant name, mailing address, telephone number, and proposed-driveway location.
    • The application must be made by the property owner or an authorized representative representing all parties in interest.
    • The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not for parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights-of-way.
    • No driveway construction may begin on the right-of-way until the applicant receives a fully executed driveway permit and gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The driveway must be constructed according to the fully executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection determines acceptability or required modifications, and the installation is authorized only after satisfactory completion.
    • If a local public agency has been granted access-driveway permitting authority, that does not eliminate the need for properly engineered access driveways.
    • Any drainage impacts to the state highway system must be coordinated with and approved by TxDOT before local approval.
    • The process must account for driveway geometrics, utility location or relocation, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations when appropriate, applicable state and federal laws, ADAAG, and Texas Accessibility Standards.
    • The TxDOT Abilene District lists the Mitchell County maintenance contact as Eric Boone, 2332 N. SH 208, Colorado City, TX 79512, telephone 325-728-2609.
    • The source does not state a permit fee or effective date.
    “To obtain a permit to construct a driveway or to revise any existing driveway, the applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office. The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way, which must include a description of the proposed work, the applicant's name, mailing address, telephone number and location of the proposed driveway. [...] No construction work on the driveway shall be undertaken on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit has been received by the applicant and the applicant has given 24-hour notification to TxDOT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.
      “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Mitchell County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land, buildings, and uses within the City of Colorado City, Mitchell County, Texas.

    • The City ordinance establishes comprehensive zoning regulations and provides for their administration, enforcement, and amendment.
    • This claim is limited to Colorado City and does not determine zoning rules for Loraine, Westbrook, or unincorporated Mitchell County.
    “That there be enacted the following Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Colorado City, together with a map creating and delineating the following districts.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the corporate limits of Colorado City, Mitchell County, Texas.
      “SEC. 3. ZONING DISTRICTS: The City of Colorado City, Mitchell County, Texas, is hereby divided into eight (8) zoning districts, as follows:”

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 construction in Mitchell County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or equivalent certificates of compliance for buildings in Mitchell County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility-connection requirements for property in Mitchell County.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in flood hazard areas, including Special Flood Hazard Areas, in Mitchell County, Texas.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Mitchell County, including unincorporated areas.
1 more unanswered
  • Permit fees

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 Mitchell County, Texas

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

Mitchell County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Mitchell County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Mitchell County (TCEQ authorized agent for on-site sewage). 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 Mitchell County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Mitchell County is allowed: Unincorporated Mitchell County: no county rule sets this, because Mitchell 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov. 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 Mitchell County, Texas?

Land in Mitchell County runs about $1,428 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Mitchell County?

Mitchell County gets about 20.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28.9% of years.

How remote is Mitchell County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,516 people within a 30-minute drive and 958,355 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 Mitchell compares in Texas

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