Bolthole Index

Presidio County, Texas

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

42Index Score / 100
#190 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Presidio County, Texas has no confirmed general building-permit requirement for a home; the one county development permit we found is for floodplain construction12. Presidio County has no zoning ordinance, so no county rule sets minimum lot size, setbacks or building use on unincorporated land3. Septic permits come from the county's own on-site sewage facility program, and utilities outside Marfa and Presidio need a county Certificate of Compliance45.

At a glance

Building permit
No general county building permit confirmed; a $50.00 floodplain development permit applies in flood hazard areas12
Zoning
None — Presidio County has no zoning authority under Texas law3
Septic (OSSF) permit
Required through the county's OSSF program; $250.00 for a single-family system, $450.00 for any other system4
RV, tiny home, manufactured home
Unrestricted by county rule on unincorporated land, since there is no zoning to regulate them3
Owner-builder exemption
Statewide, owners may do their own electrical and plumbing work on their homestead without a trade license; county permits and septic rules still apply6
Water well
Every well must be registered, and a nonexempt new or reworked well needs a $100.00 district drilling permit7
Driveway onto a state highway
Requires a TxDOT permit (Form 1058) before construction8

Who to call

Also useful

Presidio County Judge's Office

The county's central contact for permitting matters, since Presidio County has no separate building or zoning department; OSSF and floodplain permit applications are mailed to this office

(432) 729-4452

countyjudge@co.presidio.tx.us

300 N. Highland Avenue, Presidio County Courthouse, 1st Floor, Marfa, TX 79843

Septic permits

Presidio County OSSF Program (County Judge's Office)

On-site sewage facility (OSSF/septic) permit applications, review and inspection for Presidio County

(432) 729-4452

300 N. Highland, P.O. Box 606, Marfa, TX 79843

Well permits

Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District

Registration of all wells and drilling permits for nonexempt wells within the district

432-295-2568

cmacpcuwcd@gmail.com

300 N. Highland Street, Presidio County Courthouse, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 606, Marfa, TX 79843

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 Presidio 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 Presidio County, Texas?

We could not confirm a general building-permit requirement for a single-family home in unincorporated Presidio County; the county's only construction permit we found is a floodplain development permit application, not a general building-permit ordinance1. Texas gives counties building-permit authority only in narrow cases, such as a fire-code permit for commercial, public and large multifamily buildings in counties with more than 250,000 people or adjacent to one9. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F allows qualifying counties to require inspections of new residential construction only after the commissioners court adopts a resolution or order; ask the Presidio County Judge's Office whether such an order affects your project1011. Where Subchapter F applies, an owner who builds a primary residence or acts as the owner's contractor is exempt from the penalty for missing an inspection notice, not from the inspection requirement or other approvals12. Statewide, industrialized housing, modules and modular components must meet mandatory codes effective July 2024, while non-exempt electrical work is subject to the statewide electrical code13.

Who issues building permits in Presidio County, Texas, and how do you reach them?

We found no Presidio County building or zoning department, so there is no building-permit office to name1. The Presidio County Judge's Office is the county's central permitting contact, including for on-site sewage facility (OSSF) applications and floodplain development permits11. OSSF (septic) applications go to the county's OSSF program: a single-family system permit costs $250.00, and any other system, including commercial or multifamily, costs $450.004. A floodplain development permit application costs $50.00, requires plans and specifications when the property is in a flood plain, and is valid for one year from issuance; the Floodplain Administrator checks the flood hazard maps before the application is approved, denied or given a variance214. Outside the city limits of Presidio and Marfa, a utility cannot connect service until you obtain a Certificate of Compliance from Presidio County, and a parcel of 10 acres or less needs a permitted water well or city water system and a certified septic or city sewer system5. Water wells go through a separate special district, the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District, not the county government15. A driveway connecting to a state highway needs a TxDOT permit instead of a county permit8.

Does Presidio County have zoning?

Presidio County has no zoning authority under Texas law and no zoning ordinance3. Texas grants county zoning power only in narrow, specifically defined areas, and unincorporated Presidio County is outside those grants16. No Presidio County rule therefore sets a minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit for unincorporated land3. An accessory dwelling unit, manufactured home, RV, tiny home or temporary campsite on your own unincorporated land is likewise unrestricted by county zoning3. City rules are different: before buying inside Marfa or Presidio, ask the relevant city planning office about its zoning, setbacks and occupancy requirements. The county answer applies only outside incorporated city limits17.

How do septic and water-well permits work in Presidio County, Texas?

Texas requires a permit to construct, install, alter, extend or repair an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) anywhere in the state18. In Presidio County, that permit is issued by the county through its own OSSF program rather than by mail to a distant state office4. A single-family system permit costs $250.00; any other system, including commercial or multifamily, costs $450.004. Before the system is covered, an inspection is required, and you must contact the county's office at least 7 working days in advance to schedule it; a re-inspection costs half the original permit fee19. A property on at least 10 acres may qualify for Texas's '10-acre rule' exemption from OSSF permitting if a licensed site evaluator confirms the system will sit at least 100 feet from every property line, serves a single dwelling that is the only one on the tract, and creates no nuisance or groundwater pollution18. Water wells are regulated separately: every well in the county must be registered with the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District, and drilling, reworking or re-equipping a nonexempt well needs a $100.00 district drilling permit that expires after 120 calendar days unless extended207.

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

Presidio County has no zoning ordinance, so RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and manufactured-home occupancy on your own unincorporated land are unrestricted by county zoning3. Temporary camping on your own unincorporated property is unrestricted by county zoning for the same reason3. Texas grants county zoning authority only in limited, specifically defined areas, and unincorporated Presidio County is outside those grants16. Inside Marfa or Presidio city limits, ask the relevant city planning office about municipal zoning and occupancy rules before moving an RV or tiny home onto a parcel17. County zoning freedom does not waive other approvals: a residential setup still needs a lawful sewage solution, and construction, alteration or repair of an OSSF generally requires a permit18.

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

  1. Confirm your parcel is in unincorporated Presidio County; the county has no zoning ordinance there, and we could not confirm a general building-permit requirement31.
  1. Ask the County Judge's Office about the Certificate of Compliance that utilities require outside Presidio and Marfa5.
  2. Apply for an OSSF (septic) permit through the county's OSSF program before you build; a single-family system costs $250.004.
  3. If your land is on at least 10 acres and meets Texas's other conditions, ask whether the 10-acre OSSF exemption applies instead18.
  4. Register any well with the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District, and get a $100.00 drilling permit first if the well is not exempt7.
  5. If any part of the site is in a flood hazard area, get a Presidio County floodplain development permit ($50.00) before construction2.
  6. If your driveway will connect to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and wait for a fully executed permit before any work begins on the right-of-way8.
  7. For anything not covered above — septic inspection scheduling, floodplain questions, general permitting — contact the Presidio County Judge's Office11.

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

The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 174 miles from Presidio County's center, and population density is around 1.5 people per square mile2122. Annual precipitation averages 12.9 inches, and severe drought has occurred in roughly 32.8% of recent years, so investigate water supply and well yield before buying2324. Only 3.1% of the county is wooded, while about 64% of the land has a slope of 15% or less2526. Just 17.2% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and possibly an alternative system27. Farmland value is about $1,070 an acre, while the typical home value is about $236,6342829. Typical home insurance is about $1,704 a year; the effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, and the median annual bill is about $1,949303132. Before closing, verify well records with the water district and floodplain status with the County Judge's Office1511.

Watch-outs

  • Presidio County administers OSSF permits through its own program at the County Judge's Office4.
  • For land inside Marfa or Presidio, ask the relevant city planning office about municipal zoning before buying; the county zoning answer applies only to unincorporated land17.
  • We could not confirm countywide rules for certificates of occupancy, short-term rentals or off-grid sanitation methods such as composting toilets; ask the County Judge's Office before relying on one11.
  • Texas law lets a qualifying county adopt residential inspection requirements, so ask the County Judge's Office whether a commissioners court order applies to your project1011.
  • A utility cannot connect service outside the city limits of Presidio or Marfa without a county Certificate of Compliance, and larger parcels meant to be divided must be platted and approved by the Commissioners Court5.

Sources

  1. Floodplain Administrator Development Permit Application (2026 county census)
  2. Presidio County Development Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Presidio County OSSF Program (County Judge's Office) (co.presidio.tx.us)
  5. Presidio County Application for Certificate of Compliance Under County Regulation of Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  6. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (2026 county census)
  7. Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District Water Well Drilling Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  8. Section 6: Access Driveways, quoted and re-checked
  9. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 233 (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  11. Presidio County Judge's Office (co.presidio.tx.us)
  12. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  13. Industrialized Housing and Buildings Mandatory Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  14. FLOOD PLAIN ADMINISTRATOR — DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION, quoted and re-checked
  15. Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District (co.presidio.tx.us)
  16. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Bexar County TX - County Zoning Authority (Texas law) (2026 county census)
  18. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. County of Presidio, Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) County Order, quoted and re-checked
  20. Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District Water Well Registration Form, quoted and re-checked
  21. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. 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
  28. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  29. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  30. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RulePresidio CountyJeff Davis CountyBrewster CountyCulberson CountyReeves CountyPecos CountyHudspeth County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsPresidio CountyJeff Davis CountyCounty OSSFTCEQReeves CountyPecos CountyCounty OSSF Program

County locator

Presidio County in Texas

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

How Presidio County scores

Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1196% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$237kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$1,070Land / acre
12.9"Annual rain
32.8% of yrsSevere drought
42.6 / yr (+26.7)Mid-century 100°F days
47.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.09" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,704Home insurance / yr
1.2% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
100Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
64%Land at 15% slope or less
17.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
377,586 acWorkable land screen
3.1%Wooded land
1.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
65.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Presidio 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.

Marfa · Presidio

Answers from the rulebook for Presidio County

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

Presidio County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New construction and substantial improvements subject to Presidio County floodplain administration

    • The source is a floodplain development permit application, not a general county building-permit ordinance.
    • The application identifies a $50.00 permit fee.
    • The form requires plans and specifications if the property is in a flood plain.
    • Additional federal, state, or local permits may be required.
    • The permit is valid for one year from the date issued and must be renewed if work is not completed within that timeframe.

    permit fee: 50 USD · permit validity: 1 year from date issued (Must be renewed if work is not completed within that timeframe)

    “DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION $50.00 PERMIT FEE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF PRESIDIO [...] ( ) New Construction ( ) Substantial Improvement to Existing Structure [...] 4. APPLICANT WILL PROVIDE ONE COPY OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE PROPOSED CONSTRUTION, IF IN A FLOOD PLAIN. [...] THIS PERMIT IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM DATE ISSUED AND WILL NEED TO BE RENEWED IF WORK IS NOT COMPLETED WITHIN THAT TIMEFRAME.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org.

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

    OSSF permitting for Presidio County, including unincorporated county property covered by the County of Presidio OSSF Order.

    • Obtain an application from the County of Presidio or its Designated Representative.
    • A mandatory site/soil evaluation must be performed by an appropriate registered site evaluator; the application states that the site evaluation must be performed by a site evaluator holding a valid license.
    • Some systems require professional design by a registered sanitarian or professional engineer.
    • Submit the completed application, technical information, required copies of planning materials and site/soil evaluation, accurate directions, and the applicable fee.
    • The County of Presidio OSSF Designated Representative reviews plans and applications; non-standard systems may be reviewed by TCEQ staff in El Paso and/or Austin.
    • An Authorization to Construct is issued upon approval and is valid for one year from issuance.
    • Construction requires an inspection before the system is covered; contact the county at least 7 working days in advance.
    • A Notice of Approval is issued after successful inspection, generally within approximately 7 working days.
    • A re-inspection fee equal to one-half of the permit amount applies for each re-inspection, and all fees must be paid before a Notice of Approval is issued.
    • Fees are non-refundable and must be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order; cash is not accepted.
    • The county form identifies TCEQ Region 6, El Paso, as the regional TCEQ office. The source does not identify a separate city, lake-zone, or other local permitting authority within Presidio County.

    single-family residential OSSF permit fee: 250 USD (non-refundable) · all other OSSF permit fee: 450 USD (commercial, including multifamily dwellings; non-refundable) · re-inspection fee: one-half of the permit amount (applies for each re-inspection) · Authorization to Construct validity: 1 year from date of issuance · advance notice for inspection: >= 7 working days

    “HOW TO OBTAIN A COUNTY PERMIT FOR AN ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITY [...] Plans and application will be reviewed by County of Presidio, OSSF Designated Representative (DR).”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of an OSSF in Presidio County before the system is covered and approved for operation.

    • Inspection is required before covering the system.
    • The county office must be contacted at least 7 working days in advance.
    • A re-inspection fee equal to one-half of the permit amount applies each time the system must be re-inspected.
    • All fees must be paid before a Notice of Approval is issued.

    inspection notice lead time: >= 7 working days (Contact the county office in advance to arrange inspection.) · re-inspection fee: 1/2 of permit amount USD (For each required re-inspection.)

    “An inspection of the installation is required before covering of the system. Contact our office at least 7 working days in advance to arrange for inspection.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling, re-working, re-drilling, or re-equipping a nonexempt groundwater well within the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District.

    • A separate application is required for each well.
    • The application fee is $100.00.
    • The drilling permit expires after 120 calendar days unless extended by the General Manager for good cause.
    • Immediately upon completion of a new well, or reworking or re-equipping an existing well, a completed Operating Permit Application must be filed.
    • Groundwater may not be produced without a valid Operating Permit.

    drilling permit application fee: 100 USD · drilling permit term: 120 calendar days (General Manager may extend the term for good cause.)

    “The District's rules require a Drilling Permit for drilling, re-working, re-drilling, or re-equipping any nonexempt well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land outside the city limits of Presidio or Marfa in Presidio County, including parcels requiring utility connection.

    • Presidio County states that Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232 mandates county subdivision regulation and that Subchapter B, Sections 232.022-232.043, applies because Presidio County is a border county.
    • A utility may not connect services outside the city limits of Presidio or Marfa unless the applicant obtains a Certificate of Compliance from Presidio County.
    • The application requires a deed or approved plat with a legal description and acreage.
    • For property of 10 acres or less, the application requires access to a properly permitted water well or city/colonia water system and a properly certified septic system or city/colonia sewer system.
    • Larger parcels intended to be divided into smaller parcels must be surveyed, platted, and submitted to the Presidio County Commissioners Court for approval.
    • The county's June 28, 2023 approved minutes document approval of updated Presidio County Model Subdivision Rules and Regulations; the actual rules document was not located.

    applicability threshold for stated water/septic requirements: <= 10 acres (The application separately states that larger parcels intended to be divided into smaller parcels must be surveyed and platted.) · governing state-law sections: §232.022-232.043

    “Commissioner Bentley makes a motion to approve the updated Presidio County Model Subdivision Rules and Regulations as required by the Texas Water Development Board to receive the $4.6 million in EDAP(Economically Distressed Area Program) funding for Presidio County. Commissioner Beebe seconds. Motion carries.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Presidio County floodplain development permit applications.

    • The published fee is tied to the county floodplain development permit application.
    • Additional federal, state or local permits may be required.

    permit fee: 50 USD

    “DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION $50.00 PERMIT FEE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF PRESIDIO”
  • Permit processPartial

    Presidio County-administered floodplain development permit applications.

    • The application requests the property location, including subdivision information or survey/abstract, acreage, and a vicinity map.
    • The form covers residential development, placement of fill, alteration of a natural waterway or drainage course, non-residential development, new construction, substantial improvement to an existing structure, and other proposed development.
    • For a proposed construction in a flood plain, the applicant must provide one copy of plans and specifications.
    • The Floodplain Administrator determines whether the property is in an identified flood-hazard area or floodway, records the FIRM zone and panel, and records the base-flood elevation if available.
    • Additional information, including a Letter of Map Change, may be required; the administrator must ensure necessary federal, state, or local permits are received.
    • The application may be approved, denied, or accompanied by a variance.
    • The permit fee is $50.00.
    • The permit is valid for one year from issuance and must be renewed if work is not completed within that timeframe.

    permit fee: 50 USD · permit validity: 1 year (Must be renewed if work is not completed within that timeframe.)

    “$50.00 PERMIT FEE [...] THIS PERMIT IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM DATE ISSUED”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties have no general zoning authority in unincorporated areas, and Presidio County maintains no planning/zoning office.

    Bexar County TX - County Zoning Authority (Texas law) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

    • Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
    • Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
    • Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
    • These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
    “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — The statutory penalty for failure to submit required inspection notice under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, not a general exemption from building permits or inspections.
      “An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection 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.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, modular components, and non-exempt electrical work in Presidio County under statewide Texas requirements.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in 70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Covered new residential construction under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F in an unincorporated area of a Texas county to which that subchapter applies.

    • The county must have adopted a resolution or order requiring application of Subchapter F and satisfy the statutory border-distance or population condition.
    • For construction on a vacant lot, at least three inspections are required: foundation before concrete placement, framing and mechanical systems before drywall or other interior wall covering, and completion.
    • For an addition to an existing residence, inspections are required as necessary based on the project scope.
    • The builder must contract with a licensed engineer, registered architect, TREC-licensed professional inspector, qualifying municipal plumbing inspector, political-subdivision building inspector, or ICC-certified residential combination inspector.
    • The builder may use the same inspector for all inspections or different inspectors.
    • The cited statute does not establish that Presidio County has adopted the required resolution or order.

    minimum inspections for vacant-lot construction: >= 3 inspections (Additions require inspections as necessary based on project scope)

    “A person who builds new residential construction described by Section 233.153 shall have the construction inspected to ensure building code compliance in accordance with this section as follows:”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

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

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

    “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
    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.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New or modified access driveways for property abutting state highways in Presidio County, where the driveway uses state highway right-of-way.

    • A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary for new or modified access driveways.
    • The applicant must receive a fully executed driveway permit before construction on the right-of-way and give TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The application must be for securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights-of-way.
    • Driveways must comply with applicable design, drainage, environmental, accessibility, and other state and federal requirements.
    • A local agency may receive transferred permitting authority only with TxDOT approval; drainage impacts must still be coordinated with and approved by TxDOT before local approval.

    private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii) · minimum radius connecting driveway to highway pavement: >= 15 feet · driveway construction notification: 24 hours before construction

    “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
  • 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 Presidio County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the incorporated City of Presidio, Presidio County, Texas.

    • The cited matter concerns property inside the City of Presidio limits.
    • The zoning variance matter was for discussion and/or action by the City Council after recommendation by the Planning & Zoning Commission Board.
    “Discussion / action to consider providing a zoning variance to Mr. Miguel Gonzalez for a new business at 406 N Gonzales Street inside the City of Presidio limits to convert from residential to commercial. All items on the agenda are for discussion and/or action by the Presidio City Council after the Planning & Zoning Commission Board makes their recommendation to said board.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or equivalent occupancy approvals for buildings in Presidio County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Possible exemption of agricultural land from Presidio County subdivision or platting requirements.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Presidio County, Texas.

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

Living off-grid in Presidio County, Texas

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

Presidio County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 100 people within 15 miles and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 32.8% of years.

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

Presidio County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Presidio 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 Presidio County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Presidio County is allowed: Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Presidio 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 bexar.org. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Presidio County, Texas?

Land in Presidio County runs about $1,070 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Presidio County?

Presidio County gets about 12.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 32.8% of years.

How remote is Presidio County?

A typical private-land location has about 100 people within 15 miles and 62,339 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Presidio compares in Texas

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