Bolthole Index

Navarro County, Texas

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

54Index Score / 100
#119 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Navarro County, Texas requires development permits, while residential building permits also apply in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area1. Qualifying new houses, duplexes and major additions must follow the county's adopted residential code and inspection rules23. Navarro County also requires permits for new, modified and repaired septic systems4.

At a glance

Building permit
Development permits apply in unincorporated areas; the lakeshore zoning area also requires a residential building permit1
Zoning
Nine zoning districts apply within 5,000 feet of the normal Richland Chambers Reservoir shoreline5
Septic permit
Required for new, modified or repaired systems; county approval and inspection are required46
Home inspections
At least three inspections for covered new homes, duplexes and major additions3
Owner-builder
Primary-residence owner-builders have a narrow notice-violation exemption, not a permit or code exemption7
RV living near the lake
Permanent RV living is prohibited; temporary stays require the applicable permit89
Lake-area home size
Detached-home minimums vary by zoning district from 640+ to 1,600 square feet10

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Navarro County Planning & Development

Zoning, building permits within the Richland Chambers Lake zoning jurisdiction, development permits elsewhere in the unincorporated county, and subdivision/plat review.

(903) 875-3311

601 N. 13th St., Suite 1, Corsicana, TX 75110

Floodplain permits

Navarro County Addressing Coordinator (911 Addressing / Floodplain Development Permits)

911 addressing and floodplain development permits for unincorporated areas of Navarro County.

(903) 875-3311

601 N. 13th St., Suite 1, Corsicana, TX 75110

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

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

Yes, but the permit type depends on location. Navarro County lists a development permit outside the Richland-Chambers Lake zoning area and a building permit within the lake area1. New single-family houses and duplexes on vacant lots must meet the International Residential Code published as of May 1, 2008; the order also covers additions that increase a residence's square footage or value by more than 50 percent2. Manufactured homes under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1201 and modular homes under Chapter 1202 are excluded from that construction order2. Inside the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area, the residential building-permit application requires ownership evidence, construction plans, a site or survey plan and the fee; separate trade permits may also be required11.

Who is the Navarro County building department, and how do you reach them?

Navarro County Planning & Development is at 601 N. 13th St., Suite 1, Corsicana, TX 75110, phone (903) 875-331112. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed for lunch from 12 to 112. For covered homes, duplexes and additions, the builder hires an eligible inspector for at least three stages: foundation before concrete, framing and mechanical systems before wall covering, and completion3. A lakeshore residential building needs all required inspection forms before the county issues its certificate of completion13. The county lists a $300 development-permit fee outside the lake zoning area and a lake-area building-permit fee of $0.50 per square foot of structural area1. Starting construction before permits are issued doubles the listed fees14.

Does Navarro County have zoning?

Navarro County's zoning ordinance establishes nine use districts in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area, and Planning & Development maintains the official zoning map5. For detached houses, the SF-1, SF-2 and SF-3 districts require at least 1,600, 1,200 and 1,000 square feet of floor area, respectively15. Those districts require lots of at least 1 acre, 0.75 acre and 0.5 acre, respectively, while the A district requires 3 acres excluding land below the 315-foot contour16. Maximum building coverage varies by district, including 25 percent in SF-1, 35 percent in SF-2 and 40 percent in SF-317. Each of those single-family districts permits up to 2.5 stories18. Other lake-area dwelling and district schedules differ, and countywide zoning beyond the lakeshore area could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Development for the parcel's mapped district before designing a home.

How do septic permits work in Navarro County?

Navarro County Planning & Development administers OSSF permitting and inspections through its authorized agent and designated representatives19. Every new, modified or repaired septic system in Navarro County requires a permit and must be installed by a licensed installer4. Mailed plans are reviewed within 10 working days, and approval produces an Authorization to Construct20. The owner or installer must arrange inspection when installation is ready, and the system cannot be covered before approval6. Only about 2.7% of Navarro County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency21.

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

In the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area, an RV cannot be a permanent living facility and no more than one RV may be stored on a lot8. Temporary occupancy is limited to 72 hours per permit and five permits in a six-month period; a specific-use permit during permanent-home construction can run 120 days, with discretionary 30-day extensions89. The county lists a $300 temporary RV use permit14. A lakeshore accessory building cannot serve as a residence22. A conventional tiny home must satisfy the applicable lakeshore district's dwelling-size and lot rules1023. We could not confirm countywide RV or tiny-home occupancy rules outside that area; give Planning & Development the parcel address and proposed unit before committing.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Development whether the parcel is in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area and which development or building-permit application applies1.
  2. Confirm the mapped district, allowed use, minimum home and lot size, setbacks, coverage and height before commissioning plans51023241718.
  3. Submit the OSSF plans early; mailed plans are reviewed within 10 working days20.
  4. Check flood status; floodplain development in unincorporated Navarro County needs a county permit25.
  5. Submit complete construction and septic materials before work begins114.
  6. Arrange foundation, framing/mechanical and completion inspections for covered residential construction3.
  7. For a lakeshore home, submit the inspection forms and obtain the certificate of completion13.

What to check before you buy land in Navarro County

Start with septic feasibility: only about 2.7% of Navarro County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field21. Verify the survey, flood status and lakeshore zoning district because district-specific lot size, setbacks, coverage and height can change the usable building envelope23241718. The subdivision manual sets a 1-acre net minimum lot size while directing applicants to use stricter septic requirements when they conflict26. We could not confirm a countywide private-well permit or utility-connection rule, so ask Planning & Development and the serving utility before closing. Navarro County averages about 41.2 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in about 16.3% of years2728.

Watch-outs

  • Navarro County doubles its listed fees when construction begins before permits are issued12.
  • The owner-builder provision only exempts a primary-residence owner-builder from referral for a notice-related misdemeanor; it does not waive building permits, inspections or code compliance7.
  • In the lakeshore zoning area, an accessory building cannot be used as a residence22.

Sources

  1. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  2. Order Requiring Application of Subchapter F, Chapter 233, Texas Local Government Code, quoted and re-checked
  3. Order of the Navarro County Commissioners Court Requiring Application of Subchapter F, Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Sewage Facility Permitting Procedures, quoted and re-checked
  5. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. On-Site Sewage Facility Permitting Procedures, quoted and re-checked
  7. Order of the Navarro County Commissioners Court Requiring Application of Subchapter F, Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  8. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Residential Building / Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  12. Navarro County Planning & Development (co.navarro.tx.us)
  13. Residential Building / Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  14. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  15. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  18. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning & Development, quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. Residential Building / Construction Permit, quoted and re-checked
  26. Navarro County Subdivision Manual, quoted and re-checked
  27. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 7, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Navarro County has countywide zoning.

RuleNavarro CountyEllis CountyFreestone CountyHill CountyLimestone CountyHenderson CountyKaufman County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredLimitedLimited
County zoningYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Env. Div.County Dept. of DevelopmentOSSFCounty Development ServicesCounty OSSFCounty Septic ServicesCounty Development Services

County locator

Navarro County in Texas

54
County map
Navarro County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Navarro County scores

Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency44100% ev.
Admin Boringness4490% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$233kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$3,770Land / acre
41.2"Annual rain
16.3% of yrsSevere drought
45.7 / yr (+30.9)Mid-century 100°F days
23.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.34" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.39×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,999Home insurance / yr
-0.5% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
32,006People within 30 min
9,439,308People within 2 hr
33,389Radius comparison (15 mi)
55.1People / sq mi
2.2%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
2.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
16,006 acWorkable land screen
22.3%Wooded land
13.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.4°FAvg temp

Scout Navarro County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Navarro County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Navarro 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: Angus · Barry · Town of Dawson · Town of Emhouse · Frost · Goodlow · Kerens · Town of Mildred · Town of Mustang · Town of Oak Valley · Town of Powell · Town of Retreat · Town of Richland · Town of Streetman

Answers from the rulebook for Navarro County

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

Navarro County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    County-listed development permits outside the Richland-Chambers Lake 5,000-foot zoning area and building permits in the lake area.

    • The county page separately lists a development permit outside the 5,000-foot lake zoning area and lake-area building permits.
    • The page states that all fees double if construction begins before permits are issued.

    development permit fee: 300 USD (outside the 5,000-foot zoning area of R/C Lake) · lake-area building permit fee: 0.5 USD per square foot of structural area

    “Development Permit $300.00 (outside of the 5,000 sqft zoning area of R/C Lake) [...] Lake area building permits $0.50 per sq. ft. (price per sq ft of structural area)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential building construction within the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area 5,000-foot zoning jurisdiction.
      “The following items are required to complete the Building Permit:”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Notice-related criminal-misdemeanor referral for qualifying owner-builders of new residential construction.

    • The individual must build the residence or act as the individual's own contractor.
    • The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
    • This is an exemption from referral for failure to provide notice, not a general exemption from building-code requirements.
    “An individual is exempted from the Class C misdemeanor referral for failure to provide notice if; (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or. the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and; (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Exemption from Class C misdemeanor referral for failure to provide residential-construction notice.
      “An individual is exempted from the Class C misdemeanor referral for failure to provide notice if; (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or. the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and; (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    New single-family houses or duplexes on vacant lots and qualifying additions in unincorporated Navarro County.

    • The order applies to new single-family houses or duplexes on vacant lots.
    • It also applies to additions increasing existing residential square footage or value by more than 50 percent.
    • Manufactured homes constructed under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1201 and modular homes under Chapter 1202 are excluded.
    • The required code is the International Residential Code published as of May 1, 2008.

    IRC edition date: May 1, 2008 · addition increase threshold: > 50 percent (square footage or value)

    “any construction of an addition to an existing single family house or duplex, if the addition will increase the square footage or value of the existing residential building by more than 50 percent, begun after the effective date of this order in the unincorporated areas of Navarro County must conform to the International Residential Code published as of May 1, 2008;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    New single-family houses or duplexes and qualifying additions in unincorporated Navarro County.

    • At least three inspections are required.
    • Inspections occur at foundation before concrete, framing and mechanical systems before drywall or interior wall covering, and completion.
    • For remodeling that increases square footage or value by more than 50 percent, inspections are based on the scope of work.
    • The builder must contract with one of the inspector types listed in the order.

    minimum inspections: >= 3 inspections

    “a minimum of three inspections must be performed to insure substantial building code compliance in the construction of a new single-family house or duplex or the construction of an addition to an existing single-family house or duplex begun after the effective date of this order in the unincorporated areas of Navarro County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New single-family houses or duplexes and qualifying additions in unincorporated Navarro County.
      “The three required inspections during the construction project, as applicable must be performed at (1) the foundation stage, before the placement of concrete; (2) the framing and mechanical systems stage, before covering with drywall or other interior wall covering; and (3) completion of construction of the residence.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential buildings covered by the Navarro County lake-area residential building permit.

    • The document calls this a certificate of completion rather than a certificate of occupancy.
    • Issuance is contingent on submission of all required inspection forms.
    “A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION MUST BE ISSUED”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within the Richland-Chambers Reservoir normal shoreline at 315 feet MSL and a line 5,000 feet from and following that shoreline, including applicable unincorporated land.

    • The ordinance applies only within the described 5,000-foot Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area.
    • A municipality whose territorial and extraterritorial jurisdiction is within the area and whose planning and zoning ordinances are less stringent may adopt and enforce this ordinance.

    shoreline elevation: 315 MSL · shoreline setback jurisdiction: 5000 feet (measured from and following the normal shoreline)

    “The area within 5000 feet of the normal shoreline (elev. 315 MSL) of Richland-Chambers Reservoir in the County of Navarro is hereby divided into nine (9) classes of Use Districts termed respectively:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area zoning districts.

    • The ordinance establishes nine use-district classes.
    • The official zoning map is maintained by the Navarro County Planning and Development Office and the original is kept in the County Clerk's office.

    number of zoning districts: 9 district classes

    “The area within 5000 feet of the normal shoreline (elev. 315 MSL) of Richland-Chambers Reservoir in the County of Navarro is hereby divided into nine (9) classes of Use Districts”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Detached single-family dwellings in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area zoning districts.

    • The schedule applies to the detached single-family dwelling category shown in Table B.
    • Land below the 315-foot MSL contour is excluded from computation of the minimum requirement.
    • Planned Development values are established by the site plan that is part of the amending ordinance.
    • The ordinance contains a separate dwelling-area schedule for other dwelling types.

    A district minimum floor area: >= 640 sq ft (table displays 640+) · SF-1 district minimum floor area: >= 1600 sq ft · SF-2 district minimum floor area: >= 1200 sq ft · SF-3 district minimum floor area: >= 1000 sq ft · MF district minimum floor area: >= 1000 sq ft · C district minimum floor area: >= 1000 sq ft · PD district minimum floor area: >= 640 sq ft (table displays 640+; other values established by site plan)

    “The minimum enclosed living area for a dwelling unit located in the various districts as hereinafter provided shall be in accordance with the following schedules.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential districts in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning area.
      “The minimum enclosed living area for a dwelling unit located in the various districts as hereinafter provided shall be in accordance with the following schedules.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family dwelling districts within the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning area.
      “MIN. FLOOR AREA (SQ. FT.) [...] SF-1 [...] 1600 [...] SF-2 [...] 1200 [...] SF-3 [...] 1000”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Detached single-family dwellings in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area zoning districts.

    • Land below the 315-foot MSL contour is excluded from computation of the minimum requirement.
    • Planned Development values are established by the site plan that is part of the amending ordinance.
    • The table is for detached single-family dwellings; other dwelling categories have separate schedules.
    • A pre-existing official lot of record may be used for a single-family dwelling even if it has less area, width, or depth than the schedule requires.

    A district minimum lot size: 130680 sq ft (3 acres; excludes land below 315-foot MSL contour) · SF-1 district minimum lot size: 43560 sq ft (1 acre; excludes land below 315-foot MSL contour) · SF-2 district minimum lot size: 32670 sq ft (3/4 acre; excludes land below 315-foot MSL contour) · SF-3 district minimum lot size: 21780 sq ft (1/2 acre; excludes land below 315-foot MSL contour) · MF district minimum lot size: 15000 sq ft (land below 315-foot MSL contour excluded) · C district minimum lot size: 15000 sq ft (land below 315-foot MSL contour excluded) · PD district minimum lot size: site-plan established

    “The minimum lot area, width, and depth for the various districts shall be In accordance with the following schedules, except that a residential lot having less area, width, or depth than herein required, which was an official "lot of record" prior to the adoption of this ordinance, may be used for a single family dwelling”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential districts in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning area.
      “The minimum lot area, width, and depth for the various districts shall be In accordance with the following schedules, except that a residential lot having less area, width, or depth than herein required, which was an official "lot of record" prior to the adoption of this ordinance, may be used for a single family dwelling”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential lots in Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning districts.
      “A 130,680 (3 ACRES)* [...] SF-1 43,560 (1 ACRE)* [...] SF-2 32,670 (3/4 ACRE)* [...] SF-3 21,780 (1/2 ACRE)*”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings and uses in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning districts.

    • Front, side, and rear yard requirements vary by district and use.
    • The most restrictive district setback applies to the entire block where frontage is zoned for two classes of districts.
    • Accessory-building side and rear setback exceptions are stated in the table footnotes.
    “No building, structure or use shall hereafter be located, erected, or altered so as to have a smaller front, side, or rear yard than hereinafter required. Where the frontage on side of a street in the same block is zoned for two classes of districts, the setback of the most restrictive district shall apply to the entire block.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Detached single-family dwellings in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area zoning districts.

    • Maximum lot coverage is shown in the Table B schedule by district.
    • Existing buildings that had greater coverage at the effective date of the ordinance may remain conforming uses.
    • For the table's 50-percent footnote, main and accessory buildings may not cover more than 50 percent of the lot area behind a line connecting the midpoints of the side lines.
    • Planned Development coverage is established by site plan.

    A district maximum building coverage: 100 percent (50-percent midpoint-line limitation in footnote) · SF-1 district maximum building coverage: 25 percent (50-percent midpoint-line limitation in footnote) · SF-2 district maximum building coverage: 35 percent (50-percent midpoint-line limitation in footnote) · SF-3 district maximum building coverage: 40 percent (50-percent midpoint-line limitation in footnote) · MF and C district maximum building coverage: 40 percent (50-percent midpoint-line limitation in footnote) · PD district maximum building coverage: site-plan established

    “The maximum percentage' of any area which may hereafter be covered by the main building and all accessory buildings and the maximum ratio of floor area to the total area of the lot or tract on which a building is located shall not exceed the following schedules”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings and accessory buildings in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning districts.
      “Main building and all accessory buildings may not cover more than 50% of lot area lying behind a line connecting the midpoint of side line to the midpoint of the other side line.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential development in Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning districts.

    • Height and stories vary by zoning district and dwelling type.
    • Planned Development standards are established by site plan.

    SF-1 maximum stories: 2.5 stories · SF-2 maximum stories: 2.5 stories · SF-3 maximum stories: 2.5 stories

    “HEIGHT STORIES [...] SF-1 [...] 2 1/2 [...] SF-2 [...] 2 1/2 [...] SF-3 [...] 2 1/2”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings and structures in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning districts.
      “No building or structure shall be located, erected or altered to exceed the maximum height limit specified for the district in which it is located, provided, however, non-habitable structures for utility and/or institutional uses may be erected up to thirty percent (30%) above the height limit established for the zoning district, consistent with the Federal Aviation Administration air space limitations and the Building Code if setbacks are provided in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    RV occupancy and storage in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning area.

    • RVs may not be used as permanent living facilities.
    • No more than one RV may be stored on one lot.
    • Specific Use Permits may be issued for up to 120 days during construction of a permanent dwelling, with discretionary 30-day extensions.
    • Specific Use Permits may be issued for up to one year when the use is not within 1,000 feet of a protected use.
    • Temporary Use Permits allow 72 hours of use and occupancy, limited to five permits in any six-month period, and are unavailable when conflicting with recorded deed restrictions.

    temporary use duration: 72 hours · temporary permits: 5 per six-month period · construction SUP duration: 120 days (30-day extensions may be issued)

    “RVs shall not be used as a permanent living facility. They shall have a current license as required by the State of Texas. No more than one RV may be stored on one lot.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary RV use and occupancy in the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore zoning area.

    • Temporary Use Permits may be issued only to the record owner.
    • Use is limited to 72 hours and no more than five permits in any six-month period.
    • Permits will not be issued when use conflicts with recorded deed restrictions.

    duration: 72 hours

    “Temporary Use Permits may be issued to record owner of property for 72 hours use and occupancy not to exceed five (5) permits in any six-month period. Permits will not be issued when said use conflicts with recorded deed restrictions.”
  • Accessory dwellingsProhibited

    Residential accessory buildings used as residences within the Richland-Chambers Lakeshore Area zoning jurisdiction.

    • Special-use permits for accessory buildings may be issued for up to 180 days.
    • Extensions may be issued at the administrator's discretion.
    • Accessory buildings may not exceed 120 square feet and may have no utilities except electricity.
    • The ordinance separately states that no accessory building may be used as a residence.

    maximum accessory-building area: <= 120 sq ft · special-use permit duration: <= 180 days (extensions may be issued at the administrator's discretion)

    “No accessory building shall at any time be used as a residence. Accessory buildings shall not exceed 120 sq. feet and shall have no utilities except electricity.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage facility permitting and inspection administered through Navarro County Planning & Development.

    • The county procedure refers to an Authorized Agent and Designated Representative.
    • TCEQ-approved OSSF systems and professional design requirements may apply.
    “OSSF Inspector Randall Blackwell [...] OSSF Permits [...] OSSF Application [...] OSSF Guidelines [...] OSSF Permit Procedures 2025”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site sewage facilities in Navarro County.

    • An application, verified 911 site address, technical information, planning materials, and site-and-soil evaluation are required.
    • Exceptions or variances must be prepared by a professional engineer or registered sanitarian, notarized, and submitted with the application.
    • Construction authorization is issued upon approval.
    “Submit the completed application including a verified 911 site address and all technical information (in property owner’s name) with all pages intact. Include the appropriate fee and the following original documents: [...] Upon approval, an Authorization to Construct will be issued.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Permitted OSSF installation before cover and operation.

    • The system must not be covered until approved.
    • An inspection must be arranged in advance when installation is ready.
    • A Notice of Approval is issued after approval.
    • Re-inspection due to improper or incomplete installation costs one-half of the permit amount and fees must be paid before a permit to operate is issued.
    “Begin construction of system. Do not cover system until approved. When system is installed and ready for inspection, contact the appropriate Designated Representative and arrange for an inspection in advance. The inspection will be conducted as arranged.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and re-plat activity subject to Navarro County subdivision requirements.

    • The subdivision manual contains lot, road, plat, drainage, and setback requirements.
    • OSSF lot-size requirements must follow current TCEQ regulations or Appendix D, using the most stringent requirement when requirements conflict.

    minimum net lot size: 1 acre (Appendix D and OSSF/TCEQ requirements may impose stricter requirements)

    “For determining the area required for an on-site sewage facility, the minimum lot size shall be in accordance with the current regulations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Appendix D. Always use most stringent requirement when requirements contradict. [...] Minimum Lot size is one acre, net.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in floodplains in unincorporated Navarro County.

    • Development in a floodplain requires a floodplain permit.
    • The residential lowest floor must be elevated to or above the expected 100-year flood level; nonresidential construction must be floodproofed or similarly elevated.

    flood standard: 100-year flood level (residential lowest floor elevation or nonresidential floodproofing/elevation)

    “I aware that development in a floodplain requires a floodplain permit.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County Planning & Development permit, zoning, subdivision, flood-study, OSSF, and copy fees.

    • The fee page states an effective date of May 26, 2026.
    • All fees double if construction begins before permits are issued.
    • Flood Study Review includes third-party review cost when needed.
    • Subdivision fees include per-lot additions where stated.

    OSSF single-family residence fee: 600 USD · zoning change fee: 500 USD · temporary RV use permit: 300 USD · subdivision of 5 lots or less: 1500 USD (plus $100 per lot)

    “Fees Effective May 26th, 2026 [...] Single Family Residence: $600.00 [...] Zoning Change $500.00 [...] Temporary Use Permit (RV) $300.00 [...] Subdivision of 5 lots or less $1,500.00 (plus $100.00 per lot)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County Planning & Development permit and OSSF application processes.

    • OSSF plans received by mail are reviewed within 10 working days.
    • Plan-review appointments must be scheduled and confirmed 24 hours in advance.
    • Upon approval, an Authorization to Construct is issued.
    • The system cannot be covered until approved.

    OSSF mailed-plan review time: <= 10 working days

    “Plans and Application received by mail will be reviewed within 10 working days of submission date. Appointments for plan review must be scheduled and confirmed 24 hours in advance. [...] Upon approval, an Authorization to Construct will be issued.”

Texas rules that apply here

  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

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

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

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

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

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

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

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

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

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

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

    “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by municipalities or other localities within Navarro County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Navarro County.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required water or sewer connections for residential development.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from county construction, zoning, or development requirements.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Navarro County, Texas

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

Navarro County scores 54/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 32,006 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Navarro County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Navarro County Environmental Division / Planning & Development (OSSF authorized agent under TCEQ). 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.

How much does land cost in Navarro County, Texas?

Land in Navarro County runs about $3,770 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Navarro County?

Navarro County gets about 41.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.3% of years.

How remote is Navarro County?

A representative private-land location has about 32,006 people within a 30-minute drive and 9,439,308 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 Navarro compares in Texas

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