Bolthole Index

Randall County, Texas

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

42Index Score / 100
#189 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Randall County, Texas has no general residential building permit and no zoning ordinance; the county's own permits cover plats, driveway access and floodplain development123. Inside Amarillo and Canyon, the cities set their own zoning45. Septic permits in Randall County come from the Amarillo Area Public Health District, a city health department acting under county order, not from the county6.

At a glance

Building permit
No general residential permit in unincorporated Randall County; floodplain, driveway and plat approvals can still apply137
Zoning
None in unincorporated Randall County; regulated through subdivision platting instead82
Septic permits
Amarillo Area Public Health District (City of Amarillo Environmental Health), the TCEQ-authorized agent for Potter and Randall counties96
Floodplain permit
Required before development begins: Class A outside the mapped 100-year floodplain and Class B for land partly or wholly inside it3
Driveway/culvert permit
Required through Road & Bridge; published fee is $200, plus a processing fee for online or card payment10
Septic minimum lot size
1 acre with a private well, 1/2 acre with a public water supply, with exceptions for lots platted before 198811
RV / tiny home living
Unrestricted under county rules in unincorporated areas, since Randall County has no zoning ordinance2
Septic soil difficulty
22.3% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field12

Who to call

Roads & driveways

Randall County Road & Bridge

Floodplain Development Permits (Class A and Class B), driveway/culvert access permits, and subdivision plat submittals for unincorporated Randall County outside Amarillo's ETJ

806-655-3861

301 W Highway 60, Canyon, TX 79015

Septic permits

Amarillo Area Public Health District (City of Amarillo Environmental Health)

OSSF (septic) permit applications, plan review, and inspections for Randall County, acting as TCEQ's authorized agent under county order

806-378-9472

ehealth@amarillo.gov

Simms Municipal Building, Suite 275, 808 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

No, unincorporated Randall County does not require a general residential building permit; county review instead centers on subdivision plats, road access and floodplain development1. Texas residential-code rules can apply only when an eligible county adopts the required order, and the available sources do not confirm that Randall County did so13. If that state-law program does apply to a new house on a vacant lot, the builder must arrange at least three inspections—for the foundation, framing and mechanical systems, and completed work—rather than obtain county approval before construction14. Amarillo separately enforces its residential code within the city, and that rule does not extend to unincorporated Randall County15; septic permits stay with the Amarillo Area Public Health District in either place6. A Randall County Floodplain Development Permit is still required before any development begins, and an approved plat may be required before land can be offered as building lots37.

Who issues floodplain, driveway and plat permits in Randall County, and how do you reach them?

Randall County Road & Bridge issues floodplain development permits and driveway/culvert access permits and takes county plat submittals; the county has no building department for residential building permits161. The office is at 301 W Highway 60, Canyon, TX 79015, and the phone number is 806-655-386116. No construction may begin until a Floodplain Development Permit is issued: Class A applies outside the mapped 100-year floodplain, while Class B applies when property lies partly or wholly inside it3. Plat documents for the Commissioners Court agenda must reach the Road Superintendent by 5 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday, except that plats in Amarillo's ETJ bypass the Randall County Commissioners Court17. County subdivision application fees follow the Commissioners Court's amendable fee schedule, and review, inspection or third-party testing can add variable charges18. Septic permits are not a county permit and go instead to the Amarillo Area Public Health District196.

Does Randall County have zoning?

No, Randall County has no zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas8, while the cities of Amarillo and Canyon each adopt zoning districts for land inside their city limits45. Outside Amarillo and Canyon, however, Randall County regulates plats and subdivisions: land cannot be laid out or sold as building lots without the required approval, and a street number generally will not be issued for a building without an approved plat unless an exception applies7. The county sets no zoning-based minimum home size, setbacks or building-height limit on unincorporated land2. RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes and temporary camping are likewise unrestricted by county zoning, but floodplain, access, plat and septic requirements remain separate questions2320. A division into parts larger than 10 acres can avoid platting only when every part has access and no public improvement is dedicated17.

Who issues septic permits in Randall County?

Every OSSF in Randall County needs a permit from the Amarillo Area Public Health District, which Randall County has authorized by county order to permit and inspect septic systems, alongside Potter County96. Lot size matters here in a way most Texas counties don't specify: a property with a private water well needs at least 1 acre, and a property on a public water supply needs at least 1/2 acre, though exceptions may apply to lots platted before 198811. Homeowners can install or repair their own OSSF for a single-family residence they occupy, but rental properties, leased dwellings, or commercial operations must use a licensed installer, and every permit requires paying fees at submission21. An Authorization to Construct is valid for one calendar year, and the system must pass inspection within that window or a new permit is required21. Soils here are relatively more forgiving than many Texas counties: 22.3% of Randall County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, though that still leaves most of the county needing a closer look before you count on a standard system12. Every OSSF also requires a 9-1-1 assigned address before you can get a permit22. If your land instead needs a well, portions of Randall County fall under the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, which requires a permit before drilling any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons per minute or more23.

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

Unincorporated Randall County has no zoning ordinance restricting RV or tiny-home occupancy and no county zoning minimum for home size2. That does not remove the development process: every project needs the applicable Class A or Class B Floodplain Development Permit before work begins3. Land undergoing subdivision review must also have adequate facilities or a plan to provide them; that rule does not require every existing parcel to connect to public water or sewer24. A private OSSF is allowed for a single-family residence when the owner obtains the required septic approval and meets the sanitation rules22. County subdivision rules also require satisfactory vehicular access, and a shared driveway serving multiple lots must meet county street standards20.

What are the steps to build a home in Randall County, in order?

First, ask Road & Bridge which Floodplain Development Permit applies; every project needs one before construction, with Class A used outside the mapped 100-year floodplain and Class B used for property partly or wholly inside it163. Second, verify that the parcel has an approved plat or qualifies for an exception before relying on it as a building site7. Third, order a septic site evaluation; only 22.3% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field12. Fourth, obtain a 9-1-1 address and apply to the Amarillo Area Public Health District for the OSSF permit1922. Fifth, apply through the Randall County Road Department for a driveway permit, giving 24-hour notice before right-of-way work, and confirm the $200 fee plus any payment-processing charge2510. Finally, ask Road & Bridge whether the conditional state residential-inspection program applies to the project, because the available sources do not confirm Randall County adopted it14.

What should you check before buying land in Randall County?

Water deserves an early feasibility check: annual precipitation is about 19 inches, and severe drought occurs in 37.9% of years2627. Only 22.3% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so do not assume a standard system will fit the site12. Portions of Randall County fall within the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, where a well expected to produce at least 17.5 gallons per minute requires a permit; the cited rule does not establish requirements outside the district23. Check the flood map because it determines the permit class, not whether a county floodplain permit is needed3. Confirm that any recently divided tract has the required county approval and ask for the current subdivision fee schedule, since review, inspection and third-party testing charges vary718. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, and the median annual bill is about $3,5872829.

Watch-outs

  • Randall County's septic authority is a city health department, the Amarillo Area Public Health District, not a county office; don't call Randall County directly for OSSF permits6.
  • We could not confirm that Randall County adopted the state residential-code inspection program, so ask Road & Bridge whether your project needs the foundation, framing and final inspections described by that conditional law14.
  • The driveway/culvert permit fee page doesn't state an effective date, so confirm the current $200 fee and any card-processing surcharge with Road & Bridge before paying10.

Sources

  1. Randall County Subdivision Regulations (2026 county census)
  2. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  3. Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning - City of Amarillo, quoted and re-checked
  5. 2023 City of Canyon Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  7. 2023 Randall County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Randall County Subdivision Regulations (2023) (2026 county census)
  9. Amarillo Area Public Health District - On-Site Sewage Facility (2026 county census)
  10. Access Culvert / Driveway, quoted and re-checked
  11. On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  12. 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
  13. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 — County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  14. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 — County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Safety - City of Amarillo, quoted and re-checked
  16. Randall County Road & Bridge (randallcounty.gov)
  17. Plat Approval Form, quoted and re-checked
  18. 2023 Randall County Subdivision Regulations-Final, quoted and re-checked
  19. Amarillo Area Public Health District (City of Amarillo Environmental Health) (amarillo.gov)
  20. 2023 Randall County Subdivision Regulations-Final, quoted and re-checked
  21. On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  22. amarillo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  23. Well Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  24. 2023 Randall County Subdivision Regulations-Final, quoted and re-checked
  25. Access Management Standards, quoted and re-checked
  26. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleRandall CountyPotter CountyArmstrong CountySwisher CountyCastro CountyDeaf Smith CountyCarson County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsAmarillo Area Public Health DistrictAmarillo Area Public Health DistrictTCEQTCEQTCEQDeaf SmithTCEQ

County locator

Randall County in Texas

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

How Randall County scores

Seclusion38100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1796% ev.
Admin Boringness8490% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$264kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$1,838Land / acre
19.3"Annual rain
37.9% of yrsSevere drought
20.2 / yr (+16.5)Mid-century 100°F days
31.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.33" (+0.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.25×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,654Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
207,162People within 30 min
786,575People within 2 hr
35,938Radius comparison (15 mi)
162.4People / sq mi
1.3%Federal land
94.8%Land at 15% slope or less
22.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
129,464 acWorkable land screen
3%Wooded land
6.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Randall 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: Village of Palisades · Village of Timbercreek Canyon

Answers from the rulebook for Randall County

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

Randall County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Permits, licenses, or certificates authorizing construction or building of any structure within a Randall County subdivision subject to required public-improvement security, outside the cities of Amarillo and Canyon.

    • The rule applies to land subdivisions within Randall County other than those within the cities of Amarillo and Canyon.
    • Required security must be posted before the permit, license, or certificate may be issued.
    • This source does not establish a general countywide residential building-permit requirement for all unincorporated construction.
    “No permit, license, or certificate authorizing the construction, building, of any structure may be issued within a subdivision for which the required security has not been posted.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    County inspections of public improvements and related construction under an approved Randall County development application, outside the cities of Amarillo and Canyon.

    • The inspection rule applies during development and construction of land or premises covered by an approved development application and approved construction plans.
    • The Road Superintendent or County Engineer inspects construction of improvements while in progress and upon completion.
    • This is not evidence of a general county residential building-code inspection program.
    “Regular Inspections: The County shall make inspections of the land or premises during development and construction to ensure full compliance with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the approved development application and approved Construction Plans.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Properties in Randall County requiring an on-site sewage facility.

    • An OSSF permit is required when installing, repairing, replacing, or altering an OSSF.
    • For properties platted before 1988, exceptions may apply.
    • The rule applies to properties with private wells or public water supplies as stated.

    minimum lot size with private water well: 1 acre · minimum lot size with public water supply: ½ acre

    “Yes, a permit is required when installing, repairing, replacing, or altering an OSSF in Potter or Randall counties. For properties with a private water well, the minimum lot size is 1 acre, and for those with a public water supply, it’s ½ acre. Exceptions may apply for properties platted before 1988.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Randall County: no county rule sets this, because Randall 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 randallcounty.gov.

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

    Septic systems in Randall County, including the portion outside incorporated municipalities unless a different authorized permitting arrangement applies.

    • The authority is granted by County Order in both Potter and Randall Counties.
    • OSSF standards are governed by Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 285.
    “The Amarillo Area Public Health District is responsible for permitting and inspecting septic systems in Potter and Randall Counties.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, repairing, replacing, or altering an OSSF in Randall County.

    • The Amarillo Area Public Health District states that a permit is required for these activities in Potter or Randall counties.
    • For properties with a private water well, the minimum lot size is 1 acre.
    • For properties with a public water supply, the minimum lot size is one-half acre.
    • Exceptions may apply for properties platted before 1988.
    • Homeowners may install or repair an OSSF serving their single-family residence, but must submit a permit application and required documents.
    • A licensed installer is required for rental properties, leased dwellings, or commercial operations.
    • Permit fees must be paid at submission.
    • An Authorization to Construct is valid for one calendar year and the OSSF must pass inspection within that period; otherwise a new permit must be applied for.
    • State law also identifies a possible 10-acre exemption and an emergency-repair exception subject to the conditions stated by TCEQ.

    minimum lot size with private water well: 1 acre (Exceptions may apply for properties platted before 1988.) · minimum lot size with public water supply: 0.5 acre (Exceptions may apply for properties platted before 1988.) · Authorization to Construct validity: 1 calendar year (The OSSF must pass inspection within this period.)

    “Yes, a permit is required when installing, repairing, replacing, or altering an OSSF in Potter or Randall counties.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Private OSSF sanitation serving a single-family residence in Randall County instead of connection to a public sewer system.

    • A permit application and required documents must be submitted to the City of Amarillo Environmental Health Department.
    • The installation must meet Title 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 285.
    • A licensed installer is required for rental properties, leased dwellings, or commercial operations.
    • The source does not authorize unpermitted disposal or sanitation systems outside the OSSF rules.
    • A 9-1-1 assigned address is required for every property with an OSSF.
    • A permit is generally required, subject to stated exceptions.
    “Homeowners can install or repair their OSSF if it serves their single-family residence, but they must submit a permit application and required documents to the City of Amarillo Environmental Health Department.”
  • Well permitLimited

    The portions of Randall County within the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.

    • HPWD jurisdiction covers only portions of Randall County, not necessarily the entire county.
    • A permit is required before drilling and producing water from a well expected to produce 17.5 gallons per minute or more.
    • Water wells producing less than 17.5 gallons per minute do not require an HPWD permit, but may be registered.
    • Minimum spacing requirements vary by aquifer and expected production.
    • The HPWD source does not establish the rule for Randall County areas outside HPWD.

    permit threshold: >= 17.5 gallons per minute (Wells producing less than 17.5 gpm do not require an HPWD permit.)

    “Groundwater owners are required to apply for a permit prior to drilling and production of water from any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons of water per minute or more.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Land proposed for development under Randall County subdivision or platting regulations, not every existing parcel or every incorporated municipality.

    • Land proposed for development must be served adequately by essential public facilities and services.
    • Development approval requires adequate facilities to exist or provision to have been made for them, whether on-site or off-site.
    • The developer must demonstrate extensions of public facilities and roadways, including necessary on-site and off-site facilities, to connect to existing public facilities when applicable.
    • The developer must obtain approvals from applicable public and private utility providers and comply with their requirements.
    • The source does not establish a countywide requirement that every parcel connect to public water or sewer.
    “Land shall not be approved for site development under Section 2. Subdivision Procedures or platting under Section 3. Subdivision Plat Applications unless and until adequate public facilities as defined in this section and according to the established levels of service exist, or provision has been made for the facilities, whether the facilities are to be located within the property being developed or off-site.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Plats and subdivisions in Randall County outside the incorporated cities of Amarillo and Canyon, including land subject to county platting authority.

    • The county regulations expressly exclude land within the cities of Amarillo and Canyon; municipal rules may apply there.
    • An owner or agent may not lay out, subdivide, plat, or replat land into lots, blocks, and streets within the county without approval of the designated approval authority.
    • Property may not be offered or sold for building lots, building tracts, or urban use unless it has been laid out, subdivided, platted, or replatted with county approval.
    • The county will withhold approval or acceptance of public improvements from additions and subdivisions whose platting has not been approved by the Commissioners Court.
    • No street number will be issued for erection of a building in the County or ETJ without an approved plat, except where a plat is not required under the stated exception.
    • All application fees must be paid under the County Fee Schedule as adopted or amended by the Commissioners Court.
    “All plats and subdivision of land within Randall County, other than those within the cities of Amarillo and Canyon, shall conform to the following rules and regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plats and subdivisions in Randall County outside the incorporated cities of Amarillo and Canyon.
      “All plats and subdivision of land within Randall County, other than those within the cities of Amarillo and Canyon, shall conform to the following rules and regulations.”
    • Limited — Division of land in Randall County outside incorporated cities into parts greater than 10 acres.
      “Per Section 232.0015 of the Texas Local Government Code, these regulations shall not apply to a division of land into parts greater than 10acres, where each part has access, and no public improvement is being dedicated.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction of or revisions to driveways connecting property to a roadway on the Randall County roadway system and County right-of-way.

    • The applicant must contact the Randall County Road Department.
    • The applicant must submit the Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Roadway Right of Way.
    • Applications must be made by the property owner or authorized representative and only for securing or changing access, not for parking or servicing vehicles on County roadway rights-of-way.
    • A $200 processing fee is required for each driveway permit.
    • No right-of-way construction may begin until a fully executed permit is received and the applicant gives 24-hour notice to the Road Department.
    • Construction must comply with the permit and applicable regulations, and the Road Department inspects the completed driveway.
    • A $200 driveway/culvert permit fee applies whether paid by cash, check, money order, credit, or debit; online and card payments may add a processing fee.

    driveway permit processing fee: 200 USD per driveway permit (Online or credit/debit card payments may add a processing fee.) · advance notification: 24 hours

    “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 the Randall County Road Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Existing and proposed development subject to Randall County subdivision regulations outside the cities of Amarillo and Canyon.
      “All existing and proposed development must provide a satisfactory means of vehicular ingress and egress to and from a street or an abutting site.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All development in Randall County, including development outside and within the mapped 100-year floodplain.

    • No construction can begin until a Floodplain Development Permit is issued.
    • Class A is required outside the mapped 100-year floodplain; Class B is required where property lies partially or wholly within the mapped 100-year floodplain.
    • Residential development is prohibited within an identified floodway.
    • Federal floodplain regulations under 44 CFR also apply.
    “Class A Development Permit is required for all development outside the mapped 100-year floodplain of Randall County. Class B Development Permit is required for all development of property that lies partially or wholly within the mapped 100-year floodplain of Randall County.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Access culvert and driveway permits for facilities on Randall County rights-of-way.

    • The stated fee is payable by cash, check, money order, credit, or debit card, online or in person at the Randall County Road & Bridge office.
    • Online or credit/debit card payments have an added processing fee.
    • The page does not state an effective date for the fee.

    driveway/culvert permit fee: 200 USD (Any online payment or credit/debit card usage will have a processing fee added.)

    “Driveway/Culvert Permit Fee: $200 whether paid by Cash/Check/Money Order/Credit/Debit cards, when paying on-line or in person at the Randall County Road & Bridge office. (Any online payment or credit/debit card usage will have a processing fee added.)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Subdivision and public-improvement review and inspection fees for land within Randall County outside Amarillo and Canyon.
      “The developer will be charged an inspection fee as per the Fee Schedule. The developer may be charged an additional inspection fee to reimburse the County the actual inspection cost if the County is required to have third party inspections and testing of the Public Improvements in each subdivision or development.”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Inspection and review fees for public improvements in Randall County subdivisions or developments administered by Randall County.
      “The developer will be charged an inspection fee as per the Fee Schedule. The developer may be charged an additional inspection fee to reimburse the County the actual inspection cost if the County is required to have third party inspections and testing of the Public Improvements in each subdivision or development. The inspection and review fees will be based on the hours of services provided by county inspectors and reviewers.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Floodplain development permit process for development in Randall County.

    • No construction may begin until a Floodplain Development Permit is issued.
    • A Class A permit applies outside the mapped 100-year floodplain.
    • A Class B permit applies to property partially or wholly within the mapped 100-year floodplain.
    • Development includes buildings, dredging, excavation or drilling, filling, grading, mining, paving, and storage of equipment or materials.
    “Please note that no construction can begin unless a Floodplain Development Permit has been issued by this office.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Plat and subdivision approval outside the cities of Amarillo and Canyon, including county approval of land division and subdivision improvements.
      “Plat within the city of Amarillo ETJ do not go through Randall County Commissioners Court. Plats are most placed on the agenda until above conditions are met. To ensure placement on the next Commissioners Court. All Documentation must be submitted to the Road Superintendent by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County review, inspection, acceptance, and dedication of public improvements associated with Randall County subdivisions or developments.
      “If all improvements are completed, inspected, tested (if applicable), and determined by the County to be in conformance with the Subdivision Regulations and with the County’s design and technical standards and all applicable fees have been paid, then the County Engineer shall issue a Letter of Acceptance to the applicant, thereby notifying the developer of the County’s acceptance of any proposed dedications (including right-of-way and Public Improvements).”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties have no zoning authority; Randall County regulates subdivision/platting in the unincorporated area but does not zone.

    Randall County Subdivision Regulations (2023) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual’s exemption from the Chapter 233 penalty for failure to submit required residential-construction inspection notice.

    • The new residential construction must be built by the individual or the individual must 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 the statutory notice penalty; it does not establish an exemption from building-code standards, inspections, permits, or other approvals.
    • The Chapter 233 residential-building-code subchapter applies only to a county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring its application and meets the statutory population or border criterion.
    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

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

    OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

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

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

    “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSF evaluations connected to the sale of a home with an existing septic system in Texas, including Randall County.
      “Your mortgage company may require an evaluation of your OSSF before completing the sale. This type of evaluation is not required or regulated by TCEQ.”
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • 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 Randall County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction within the City of Amarillo, Randall County, Texas, under the city's adopted building and related codes.

    • The City of Amarillo states that its listed codes were adopted in October 2023 and effective in January 2024.
    • The source identifies separate adopted codes and ordinances for building, residential, fire, existing building, fuel gas, mechanical, plumbing, and other code subjects.
    • The current state-adopted 2023 National Electrical Code applies as the minimum standard for covered electrical work in Texas.

    adoption date: 2023-10 · effective date: 2024-01

    “Amarillo’s Current List of International Codes include: Adopted—10/2023 Effective—1/2024”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within the City of Canyon, Randall County, Texas, subject to the City's adopted zoning regulations and zoning map.

    • All land, buildings, structures, and appurtenances within the City of Canyon must conform to the zoning regulations for the applicable zoning district.
    • The ordinance states that the regulations and map were adopted under Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code.
    • The ordinance became effective December 19, 2023.
    “All land, buildings, structures or appurtenances thereon located within the City of Canyon, which are hereafter occupied, used, erected, altered or converted shall be used, placed and erected in conformance with the Zoning Regulations prescribed for the zoning district in which such land or building is located.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the City of Amarillo, including zoning districts and land-use categories administered by the City of Amarillo.
      “Addresses zoning districts, land use categories, building setbacks, parking requirements, and other related regulations.”

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 for residential buildings in Randall County's unincorporated area.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural-use exemption from Randall County subdivision or platting requirements.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Randall County.

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

Living off-grid in Randall County, Texas

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

Randall County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.3″/yr rainfall) and about 207,162 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Randall 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 Amarillo Area Public Health District (City of Amarillo Environmental Health), TCEQ Authorized Agent. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

How much does land cost in Randall County, Texas?

Land in Randall County runs about $1,838 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Randall County?

Randall County gets about 19.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 37.9% of years.

How remote is Randall County?

A representative private-land location has about 207,162 people within a 30-minute drive and 786,575 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 Randall compares in Texas

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