Bolthole Index

Stonewall County, Texas

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

43Index Score / 100
#178 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Stonewall County, Texas appears not to require a county building permit for a home, but the county does not publish a permit rule, so confirm the project with the County Judge's office12. Stonewall County has no county zoning for setbacks, lot size, RVs or tiny homes3. Inside a city, ask that city about building permits and zoning; septic permits remain a separate OSSF process through TCEQ or its authorized local agent4.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not to be required for a home; confirm with the County Judge's office12
County zoning
None; Texas reserves zoning power to specific counties and Stonewall isn't one56
RV, tiny home & manufactured home
Unrestricted by county rule; the county has no zoning authority to limit them3
Setbacks & minimum lot size
None set by the county3
Septic (OSSF) permit
Generally required; confirm whether TCEQ or a local authorized agent handles the parcel74
OSSF permit fee
$200 for a single-family system, $400 for other types, plus a $10 state fee8
Owner-builder work
No blanket building-permit exemption; state law conditionally waives a notice penalty for a qualifying primary residence910
Agricultural land division
A qualifying agricultural division outside municipal limits may be exempt from county platting11

Who to call

Also useful

Stonewall County Judge's Office

General county administration and Commissioners Court business for Stonewall County

(940) 989-3393

P. O. Box 366, Aspermont, Texas 79502

Septic permits

TCEQ Region 3 (Abilene) OSSF Program

OSSF (septic) permit applications for Stonewall County, since no local jurisdiction has been authorized as the county's OSSF permitting agent

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

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

Stonewall County appears not to require a county building permit for an ordinary home in an unincorporated area1. The county website does not publish an adopted building-code order, building-permit application, inspection program or certificate-of-occupancy process, so ask the County Judge's office to confirm the requirements for the structure before construction2. Texas's residential-code framework applies only when a county adopts it by resolution or order; when it applies, covered construction must meet the residential code, but state law does not require county approval before work begins12. Industrialized housing has a separate state program, and a buyer installing an industrialized house for personal use may need a state installation permit even where no ordinary county home building permit applies13.

Who do you call in Stonewall County, since there's no building department?

Stonewall County does not publish a dedicated building or zoning office, so the County Judge's office is the first call for a county building permit, building inspection, floodplain permit or county-road requirement2. Ask whether any Commissioners Court order applies to the structure and whether another county contact handles the parcel. For land inside a city, ask the city about its building permits and zoning approval; septic permits do not automatically move with those city functions. TCEQ's OSSF process determines whether its regional office or an authorized local jurisdiction receives the septic application414. A driveway onto a state highway needs a separate TxDOT driveway permit before right-of-way work begins15.

Does Stonewall County have zoning?

Unincorporated Stonewall County has no county zoning ordinance or county zoning districts56. Stonewall County therefore sets no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit through county zoning3. This answer is limited to county zoning in unincorporated territory: zoning inside Aspermont or another incorporated place was not confirmed, so ask the relevant city before relying on the county rule. Septic permits remain separate from zoning approval and go through the TCEQ OSSF authority process4.

How do septic (OSSF) permits work in Stonewall County?

A permit and approved plan are generally required to build, alter, repair, extend or operate an OSSF in Stonewall County7. Confirm the current permitting authority through TCEQ before applying; the regional office handles applications only where no local jurisdiction has been authorized414. When TCEQ directly administers the permit, the application fee is $200 for a single-family system or $400 for another type, plus a $10 state fee8. The permitting authority must approve or deny the planning materials and application within 30 days after receipt16. A qualifying tract of at least 10 acres may be exempt if every condition is met, including a licensed evaluation and at least 100 feet between every OSSF part and the property line7. Only about 14.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, making an early site evaluation especially useful17.

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

Yes, county zoning rules don't restrict it: because Stonewall County has no zoning authority, there is no county zoning rule limiting RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home placement on private land in unincorporated areas3. Accessory dwellings are likewise unrestricted by county zoning rules3. That freedom is about zoning only; it doesn't remove septic obligations if the dwelling generates wastewater, and the current OSSF permitting authority should be confirmed through TCEQ before applying74.

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

  1. Ask the County Judge's office whether a county building permit, building inspection, floodplain permit or county-road requirement applies2.
  2. If the parcel is inside a city, ask that city separately about its building permit and zoning approval; then identify the OSSF authority through TCEQ4.
  3. Confirm whether an industrialized home needs a state installation permit13.
  4. If you will act as your own contractor, do not treat that status as a blanket building-permit exemption: the state exception only removes a notice penalty for a qualifying primary residence when the residential-code subchapter applies910.
  5. Obtain the site evaluation and submit the septic planning materials to the current OSSF authority16.
  6. Check groundwater-district jurisdiction before drilling a well18.
  7. If the driveway meets a state highway, secure the TxDOT driveway permit before right-of-way work begins15.

What to check before you buy land in Stonewall County

Septic suitability is a major parcel-level check because only 14.9% of Stonewall County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field17. Confirm groundwater-district jurisdiction before assuming a private well needs no local permit or registration18. A driveway onto a state highway requires a TxDOT permit, while county-road access questions should go to the County Judge's office152. Qualifying producers need a valid Texas Ag/Timber Number to buy certain production items tax-free; that sales-tax exemption is conditional and is not automatic merely because land is rural19. A qualifying division of land outside municipal limits for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production use may avoid county plat preparation, but ordinary platting rules return if the qualifying use ends11. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.4%, with a median annual bill near $7442021.

Watch-outs

  • Stonewall County does not publish a county-specific building-permit adoption or inspection rule; confirm the project with the County Judge's office before relying on the apparent residential-permit default2.
  • No official Stonewall County floodplain-development or short-term-rental rule was found; don't assume either is unregulated, and confirm with the County Judge's office before you rely on it2.

Sources

  1. Bexar County FAQ - When is a building permit required in the unincorporated area (Texas county authority) (2026 county census)
  2. Stonewall County Judge's Office (stonewallcounty.org)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  5. Bexar County FAQ - How is my property zoned in the County (Texas counties lack zoning authority) (2026 county census)
  6. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  8. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  9. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  10. Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  11. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 232, quoted and re-checked
  12. Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures, quoted and re-checked
  13. tdlr.texas.gov (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. TCEQ Region 3 (Abilene) OSSF Program (tceq.texas.gov)
  15. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials, quoted and re-checked
  16. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  17. 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
  18. General Groundwater and Private Water Well Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  19. Agricultural and Timber Items, quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Stonewall County has no countywide zoning.

RuleStonewall CountyKing CountyHaskell CountyKent CountyFisher CountyJones CountyKnox County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTCEQTX Commission on Env. QualityTCEQTCEQ Region 3TCEQJones CountyTCEQ

County locator

Stonewall County in Texas

43
County map
Stonewall County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Stonewall County scores

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1696% ev.
Admin Boringness8490% ev.
Durability26100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% 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 →

$95kTypical home
1.4%Property tax
$1,450Land / acre
23.6"Annual rain
37.9% of yrsSevere drought
56.9 / yr (+31.2)Mid-century 100°F days
29.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.78" (+4.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.29×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,566Home insurance / yr
-0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
237People within 30 min
445,950People within 2 hr
1,720Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.3People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97.5%Land at 15% slope or less
14.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
86,774 acWorkable land screen
5.9%Wooded land
4.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.3°FAvg temp

Scout Stonewall County

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

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

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

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

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

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

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

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

Working estimate

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

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

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

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

Cities and towns in Stonewall 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.

Town of Aspermont

Answers from the rulebook for Stonewall County

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

Stonewall County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Under Texas law counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas; Stonewall County has no zoning ordinance.

    Bexar County FAQ - How is my property zoned in the County (Texas counties lack zoning authority) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    New residential construction of a single-family house or duplex in an unincorporated Texas county to which Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F applies.

    • The county must have adopted a resolution or order requiring application of Subchapter F.
    • The construction must be a single-family house or duplex on a vacant lot, or an addition to an existing single-family house or duplex that increases the existing building's square footage or value by more than 50 percent.
    • The construction must conform to the applicable International Residential Code standard.
    • The statute does not require prior county approval before construction begins.
    • A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction if the municipality has adopted one.
    • The statute does not authorize county zoning regulations.
    • A county may not charge a fee to defray enforcement costs.
    “shall conform to the [...] International Residential Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.
      “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual who builds new residential construction covered by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, or acts as the individual's own contractor, and who fails to provide the required notice under Sections 233.154(b) and (c).

    • 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 penalty under Section 233.157(c) for failure to provide proper notice; it is not stated to be a general exemption from building-code standards or any building permit requirement.
    • Subchapter F applies only to a county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring its application and that is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population of more than 100.
    “individual acts as the individual's own contractor; [...] individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An individual who fails to provide required Subchapter F residential-construction notice in a county to which Subchapter F applies.
      “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 — 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:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    OSSF permitting, inspection, and administration throughout Texas.

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

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

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

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

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

    OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

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

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

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

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

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

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

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

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

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

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private water wells in Texas, including Stonewall County, where no groundwater conservation district imposes local registration or permitting requirements.
      “Private water well owners in Texas do not need to register their well unless the property falls within the jurisdiction of a groundwater conservation district (GCD).”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farmers, ranchers, and other qualifying agricultural producers in Stonewall County purchasing qualifying items used to produce agricultural products for sale.

    • The producer must be engaged in one of the activities listed by the Texas Comptroller.
    • The exemption applies only to certain qualifying items used to produce agricultural products for sale.
    • A valid agricultural and timber registration number (Ag/Timber Number) issued by the Texas Comptroller is required.
    • If the purchaser does not have a valid Ag/Timber Number, tax must be paid to retailers.
    • Qualifying activities include farming or ranching for agricultural products for sale, fiber-crop production for sale, feedlot operations, commercial fish farming, beekeeping, custom harvesting, crop dusting, commercial nursery plant production, farm-or-ranch-call veterinary businesses, FFA or 4-H, horse breeding, qualifying horse training or stud services, ranches using horses in their operation, and teaching an agricultural vocational course.
    • Activities that do not qualify include home gardening, wildlife management and conservation, hunting and fishing operations, predator control, wildlife or livestock surveys, commercial fishing, veterinary clinics, and other activities listed by the Comptroller.
    • The Ag/Timber Number must be renewed every four years; new and renewed numbers expire December 31, 2027.
    • For items not automatically exempt by law, the purchaser must provide a properly completed agricultural exemption certificate showing a current Ag/Timber Number.
    • Items purchased tax-free must be used in an exempt manner; otherwise the exemption is lost and tax, penalty, and interest may be owed.
    • The item must be used 100% of the time in a commercial farm or ranch in the production of agricultural products for sale when the Comptroller's exclusive-use requirement applies.

    Ag/Timber Number renewal interval: 4 years · expiration date for new and renewed Ag/Timber Numbers: December 31, 2027 · exclusive agricultural production use: 100 percent (Applies where the Comptroller states the item must be used exclusively.)

    “If you are a farmer, rancher or timber producer engaged in one of the activities listed below, you qualify for tax exemption on the purchase of certain items used to produce your agricultural and timber products for sale. All purchasers, including non-Texas residents, must have a valid agricultural and timber registration number (Ag/Timber Number) issued by the Comptroller's office to claim exemption from Texas tax.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — A tract outside municipal limits in Stonewall County that is divided into two or more parts for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use, where no part of the tract described by Local Government Code §232.001(a)(3) is laid out.
      “(c) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if: (1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and (2) the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution. (d) If a tract described by Subsection (c) ceases to be used primarily for agricultural use or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use, the platting requirements of this subchapter apply.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New or modified driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way in Stonewall County.

    • The rule applies to state highway rights of way, not every private or county-road driveway.
    • The applicant must use TxDOT Form 1058 and submit the required work and applicant information.
    • Only the property owner or authorized representative may apply.
    • No right-of-way construction may begin until a fully executed permit is received and 24-hour notice is given to TxDOT.
    • If a local public agency has access-permitting authority, drainage impacts must still be coordinated with and approved by TxDOT before local approval.
    • Driveway design must comply with applicable state and federal requirements, including ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards.
    • At state-highway intersections with flared or widened right of way, no access driveway is permitted within the flared or widened section.
    • A private residential driveway may not exceed 24 feet in width, except as increased by permissible radii, and the connecting radius may not be less than 15 feet.

    private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (except as increased by permissible radii) · private residential driveway connecting radius: >= 15 feet · farm/ranch driveway return radius: 25 feet · farm/ranch driveway throat width: 20 feet · advance notice before right-of-way construction: 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 TxDOT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    OSSF permit applications handled by the TCEQ executive director in areas where no local authorized agent exists.

    • The fee schedule is for OSSF permits, not a general Stonewall County building or land-use permit fee schedule.
    • The source places these provisions in Subchapter C, Commission administration of the OSSF program in areas where no authorized agent exists.
    • A local authorized agent may administer OSSF permitting within its jurisdiction, so local requirements may apply.
    • The source states an effective date of August 16, 2012.

    single-family OSSF application fee: 200 USD · other OSSF application fee: 400 USD · commission fee per OSSF permit: 10 USD · re-inspection fee: one-half of the permit fee that was in effect at the time the original application was submitted to the regional office

    “§285.21. FEES. (a) The application fee for an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) permit is: (1) $200 for an OSSF serving a single family dwelling; or (2) $400 for all other types of OSSFs. (b) A fee of $10 shall also be collected for each OSSF permit for the commission as required by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 367.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.

    • The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
    • The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
    • No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
    • Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
    • Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.

    required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet

    “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — OSSF permitting in Texas, including property in Stonewall County when the TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority.
      “Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority. To find your permitting authority, search by the county the OSSF is to be located. The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized. The permitting authority must either approve or deny the planning materials and permit application within 30 days of receipt.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Inspections — Building inspection requirements in Stonewall County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy or certificate-of-compliance requirements in Stonewall County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning within Stonewall County, including the City of Aspermont and any other incorporated places.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements for property in Stonewall County.
  • Subdividing land — Subdivision of land in unincorporated Stonewall County, Texas.
2 more unanswered
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Stonewall County, Texas

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

Stonewall County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 237 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (23.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Stonewall County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Region 3 (Abilene) - OSSF program. 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 Stonewall County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Stonewall County is allowed: Unincorporated Stonewall County: no county rule sets this, because Stonewall 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 Stonewall County, Texas?

Land in Stonewall County runs about $1,450 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stonewall County?

Stonewall County gets about 23.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 37.9% of years.

How remote is Stonewall County?

A representative private-land location has about 237 people within a 30-minute drive and 445,950 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 Stonewall compares in Texas

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