Bolthole Index

Travis County, Texas

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

40Index Score / 100
#212 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Travis County, Texas requires a Basic Development Permit for residential and commercial construction outside city limits1. New houses and duplexes face limited residential-code requirements and professional-builder inspection rules23. Travis County lacks zoning authority over unincorporated land; city zoning can apply inside municipalities45. Travis County handles septic permits where county jurisdiction applies; Austin Water and LCRA handle their respective areas678.

At a glance

Building permit
A county Basic Development Permit is required for construction outside city limits19
Residential code
New houses and duplexes must follow the applicable limited IRC standard2
Building inspections
Professional builders or remodelers submit 3 inspection reports; manufactured homes are excluded from the new-home inspection rule310
Zoning
No county zoning in unincorporated areas; city zoning varies inside municipalities45
Septic permit
Separate septic application; Travis County, Austin Water or LCRA handles review depending on the parcel11678
RV or tiny-home living
No county zoning rule in unincorporated areas, but development, septic and floodplain requirements can still apply411112
Owner-builder
Some state trade-license exemptions apply, but a blanket county construction exemption is unconfirmed13
Driveway access
A county permit is generally required for access to a maintained county road; TxDOT handles state highways14

Who to call

Building permits

Travis County Development Services

Issues the development permit required to build a new single-family house, duplex or manufactured home outside Travis County's city limits, and administers floodplain, driveway and subdivision permits for the same unincorporated and ETJ areas

(512) 854-4215

700 Lavaca, Suite 540, Austin, TX 78701

Online permits →

Septic permits

Travis County Development Services - On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Program

Reviews plans, issues permits, and schedules and performs inspections for on-site sewage facilities (septic systems) in unincorporated Travis County, as TCEQ's authorized agent

512-854-4438

700 Lavaca, Suite 540, Austin, TX 78701

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

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

Travis County requires a Basic Development Permit for residential and commercial construction outside incorporated city limits1. The permit is a county development permit rather than a full municipal-style building permit, and property in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction may also need municipal approval9. New single-family houses and duplexes in unincorporated Travis County must follow the applicable International Residential Code standard, while qualifying manufactured and modular homes are outside that county residential-code definition2. Professional builders of new single-family homes must arrange at least 3 third-party inspections: foundation before concrete, framing and mechanical before wall covering, and completion; manufactured homes do not have that inspection requirement10. Professional builders or remodelers of one- and two-family dwellings must submit 3 inspection reports on completion, covering foundation, framing/mechanical and final inspections3. The county has a published fee schedule, but applicants should use the current schedule for their location because fee categories differ inside and outside Austin's extraterritorial jurisdiction15.

Who issues building permits in Travis County, and how do you apply?

Travis County Development Services administers the county's building-related development permit and can be reached at (512) 854-421516. The office is at 700 Lavaca, Suite 540, Austin, Texas, and its permit mailing address is P.O. Box 1748, Attn: Permits, Austin, TX 7870116. Basic Development Permit applications are submitted online through MyPermitNow, where applicants upload the relevant site plans, checklists, engineering materials, project data and construction-cost estimate17. Development Services returns review comments through the same system, and separate driveway or septic applications may be necessary17. Austin issues building permits for work within its zoning jurisdiction, subject to specified exemptions18. Elgin, a city mainly in Bastrop County that reaches into Travis County, also issues its own building permits inside city limits19. Septic approval remains separate: Austin Water handles septic systems in its full jurisdiction and applicable annexed areas; Travis County remains the septic authority where county jurisdiction applies206. For an Elgin septic project, ask Travis County Development Services to confirm the authorized permitting jurisdiction before applying2116.

Does Travis County have zoning?

Travis County does not have zoning authority over unincorporated land, so the county cannot use zoning to control property use, building height or size, or residential density there4. Austin administers its own zoning districts and site-development rules inside city limits22. Elgin, which reaches into Travis County from Bastrop County, also administers city zoning23. Septic jurisdiction is separate: Austin Water handles septic systems in its applicable jurisdiction, while Travis County handles septic systems where county jurisdiction applies206. No county zoning does not mean a rural parcel is unrestricted: the Basic Development Permit, residential-code standard, subdivision rules and floodplain requirements can still govern a project122412. Before relying on that answer, confirm whether the parcel is within city limits or a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, because municipal rules may change the permit path95.

How do septic permits work in Travis County?

Travis County requires a separate septic application where an on-site wastewater system will be used11. Travis County's nonresidential checklist requires septic construction approval before the development permit, with a possible written placement-responsibility exception; for a home, ask Development Services to confirm the approval sequence2516. Required septic inspections depend on the system and project26. Travis County is the authorized agent for unincorporated areas and municipalities covered by interlocal agreements, but Austin regulates systems in its applicable jurisdiction and on properties fronting Lake Austin or its tributaries6277. LCRA regulates the Lake Travis area, but county materials describe conflicting boundaries; ask the responsible authority to confirm the parcel before applying8. Travis County's septic inspection team is reached at 512-854-4438, and inspection requests must enter MyGovernmentOnline before 2 p.m. on the previous working day28. Only about 4.2% of Travis County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation may materially affect the system design and budget29. State law has a narrow exemption for a qualifying single-family system on at least 10 acres, subject to every listed condition and any stricter local rule30.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Travis County?

Unincorporated Travis County has no county zoning rule that sets RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, a zoning-based minimum home size or residential setbacks31. That answer does not waive the Basic Development Permit for construction outside city limits or the county's limited residential-code rules for a new house or duplex12. A tiny home treated as industrialized housing follows the applicable state industrialized-housing code and permitting framework rather than escaping regulation because it is small3233. Any occupied setup still needs a lawful wastewater solution; Travis County requires a separate septic application where an on-site system is used, while Austin or LCRA may be the responsible authority in their areas1178. Ask Travis County Development Services to confirm the wastewater approval sequence for the proposed home16.

What are the steps to build a home in Travis County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is outside corporate city limits and whether a municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction adds another approval layer9.
  2. Check the plat, subdivision status and floodplain constraints before fixing the house, driveway and septic locations2412.
  3. Apply online for the Basic Development Permit and upload the applicable plans, checklists, engineering documents, project data and cost estimate17.
  4. Confirm whether Travis County, Austin Water or LCRA handles septic, and ask Development Services which septic approvals must precede the home's development permit67816.
  5. Obtain a Travis County driveway permit for access to a maintained county road, or work with TxDOT for a state-highway connection14.
  6. For professional-builder or remodeler work covered by the residential standards, submit the foundation, framing/mechanical and final inspection reports on completion3.

What should you check before buying land in Travis County?

Start with jurisdiction: city limits, a municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction, Lake Austin frontage and the Lake Travis area can change which office reviews zoning, development or septic work5978. Check floodplain mapping and the recorded plat before choosing a building site, because floodplain approval and subdivision rules operate even where county zoning does not1224. Confirm legal road access and budget for a driveway permit if the connection is to a maintained county road14. For subdivision projects, document water and wastewater availability for every lot and phase; public-water proposals need supply documentation, while septic proposals use the county's OSSF planning route34. Private-well permitting can depend on the applicable groundwater conservation district, so identify the district before assuming a well is exempt35. Finally, account for difficult septic soils: only about 4.2% of Travis County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation may identify a need for an engineered system29.

Watch-outs

  • County zoning is absent only in unincorporated Travis County; incorporated cities may impose their own zoning rules45.
  • The county's Lake Travis materials give different septic-jurisdiction distances, so confirm the parcel boundary with Travis County Development Services and LCRA before applying8.
  • A professional builder's residential project requires at least 3 construction inspections, while manufactured homes are excluded from that inspection rule10.
  • We could not confirm a blanket county owner-builder exemption; state trade-license exemptions are limited and do not erase local permit or inspection requirements13.

Sources

  1. Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 480. Residential Construction Standards, quoted and re-checked
  3. Travis County Code: Chapter 480, quoted and re-checked
  4. traviscountytx.gov, quoted and re-checked
  5. traviscountytx.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. austintexas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Permit Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  9. Environmental Review of Development Proposals, quoted and re-checked
  10. Single Family Home / Manufactured Home Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit, quoted and re-checked
  12. Chapter 464. Regulations for Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  13. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Driveway Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. FY2026 Development Related Fees Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  16. Travis County Development Services (traviscountytx.gov)
  17. MyPermitNow Application Process, quoted and re-checked
  18. Austin: Homeowner's Permit (Travis County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Elgin: Building Division (Travis County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Austin: On-Site Sewage Facilities (Travis County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Elgin: Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Travis County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Austin: Zoning Resources & Site Regulations (Travis County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Elgin: Planning & Development (Travis County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Chapter 482. Travis County Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. traviscountytx.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Permit, quoted and re-checked
  27. Permit Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  28. Travis County Development Services - On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Program (traviscountytx.gov)
  29. 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
  30. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  32. Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. tdlr.texas.gov (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Groundwater Availability Regulation, quoted and re-checked
  35. Water Code Chapter 36 — Groundwater Conservation Districts (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleTravis CountyHays CountyWilliamson CountyBastrop CountyCaldwell CountyBlanco CountyBurnet County
Building permitLimitedLimitedLimitedNot requiredRequiredLimitedLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty TNRCounty Development ServicesCounty Engineer's OfficeCounty Development ServicesCounty SanitationCounty OSSF ProgramCounty Env. Services

County locator

Travis County in Texas

40
County map
Travis County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Travis County scores

Seclusion12100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency44100% ev.
Admin Boringness7490% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost59100% ev.

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

$476kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$7,127Land / acre
35.5"Annual rain
24.3% of yrsSevere drought
39.9 / yr (+28.4)Mid-century 100°F days
28.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.19" (+4.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.42×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,956Home insurance / yr
3.2% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
989,164People within 30 min
6,788,688People within 2 hr
1,012,857Radius comparison (15 mi)
1,342.9People / sq mi
2.6%Federal land
91.2%Land at 15% slope or less
4.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
24,633 acWorkable land screen
49.3%Wooded land
16.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
68.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Travis 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 Briarcliff · Creedmoor · Mustang Ridge · Village of San Leanna · Village of Webberville

Answers from the rulebook for Travis County

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

Travis County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Land development, including residential construction, outside municipal corporate boundaries and in municipal ETJs; this is a county Basic Development Permit rather than a municipal-style building permit.

    • In ETJs, applicants should also check with the municipality for additional permits.
    • Corporate city limits are outside the county’s development-permit jurisdiction.
    “Travis County Development Services oversees guidelines, procedures, and permits for all development outside corporate city limits in the County, and they are responsible for floodplain management, construction activity inspections, and regulating subdivisions in unincorporated areas of the County and extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs) in partnership with other jurisdictions and agencies.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development and construction outside corporate city limits in Travis County.
      “Basic Development Permit for all construction outside incorporated areas for residential and commercial development”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    New residential construction of a single-family house or duplex beginning after September 1, 2009 in unincorporated Travis County.

    • New residential construction must conform to the IRC version published as of May 1, 2008, or the IRC version applicable inside Austin corporate limits.
    • If a municipality has adopted a building code in its ETJ, that municipal code controls and the county standards have no effect there.
    • Manufactured and modular homes covered by Texas Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the chapter’s definition of new residential construction.

    IRC reference date: 2008-05-01

    “New residential construction of a single-family house or duplex shall conform to the version of the International Residential Code published as of May 1, 2008, or the version of the International Residential Code that is applicable inside the corporate limits of the City of Austin.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    One- and two-family dwellings constructed by professional home builders or remodelers.

    • The source requires three completion inspection reports for professional builders or remodelers.
    • The reports are foundation, framing/mechanical, and final reports.
    • The source does not establish the same requirement for owner-builders.

    inspection reports: 3 reports (foundation, framing/mechanical, and final)

    “In addition, professional builders or re modelers must submit three inspection reports (foundation, framing/mechanical, and final) upon completion of the project.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New single-family residential construction outside corporate city limits completed by a professional builder.
      “If the work is completed by a professional builder, a minimum of 3 inspections must be performed by a licensed 3rd party inspector during the construction project to ensure code compliance at the following stages of construction:”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning authority in unincorporated Travis County.

    • Incorporated municipalities may exercise zoning authority and may impose separate rules.
    • The county page also states that Travis County is not allowed to regulate building or property use, building height, size, number, or residential units per acre.
    “Most counties, including Travis County, do not have zoning authority.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Absent — County zoning authority in unincorporated Travis County.
      “Most counties, including Travis County, do not have zoning authority.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning status across Travis County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.

    • The county-level conclusion aggregates subordinate municipal and county jurisdictions; Travis County itself lacks zoning authority in unincorporated areas.
    • Municipal zoning rules may apply inside incorporated city limits.
    “Cities have zoning authority, so they can regulate, for example: The height of buildings and other structures, The size of yards and other open spaces, Population density, and The location of buildings and land for business, residential, and industrial use.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

    • 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 Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning.

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

    Residential on-site sewage facilities in areas outside corporate city limits where Travis County is the applicable permitting jurisdiction.

    • The county page states that other jurisdictions may apply in applicable locations.
    • The page references TCEQ 30 TAC Chapter 285 and Travis County Code Chapter 448.
    “separate OSSF permit application to Travis County”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — OSSF permitting in unincorporated areas of Travis County and municipalities with which the County has interlocal agreements.
      “TCEQ Authorized Agent responsible for unincorporated areas in Travis County and municipalities the County has interlocal agreements with. All on-site sewage facilities (OSSF) must be licensed and not failing.”
    • Local — OSSF projects within the Lake Travis jurisdictional area identified by Travis County.
      “Since September 1971, LCRA has regulated the installation and operation of on-site sewage facilities within a 2,200-foot zone around the upper Highland Lakes and in a 2,000-foot zone around Lake Travis.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    A project with an existing or new septic system requiring a County development permit in Travis County.

    • An OSSF construction permit is required before issuance of a County development permit.
    • An exception may be made case by case if the applicant agrees in writing to take full responsibility for OSSF placement.
    • LCRA or Austin approval applies instead of Travis County in the listed Lake Travis, Austin Limited Purpose City Limits, or Lake Austin frontage areas.
    • Projects generating 5,000 gallons or more of wastewater per day are too large for an OSSF permit and must obtain wastewater treatment-facility permits or wastewater utility service.
    • Proof of application to the appropriate jurisdiction is required before issuance of a County Development Permit.

    Wastewater flow threshold: >= 5000 gallons per day (Project is too large to qualify for an OSSF permit)

    “If yes, an OSSF construction permit is required prior to issuance of a County development permit. An exception may be made if the permit applicant agrees in writing to take full responsibility for the OSSF placement on a case by case basis.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, or use of residential OSSF systems in the applicable Travis County jurisdiction.
      “will require a separate OSSF permit application”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Residential OSSF projects requiring inspection in the applicable Travis County permitting jurisdiction.

    • Inspection type depends on the project and OSSF system.
    • Possible inspections include Open Trench, Rock and Pipe, Final Inspection, Tank/Pump/Alarm, Scarification, and Landscaping.
    • Inspection requests must be made in MyGovernmentOnline before 2 p.m. the previous working day.
    “Required inspections are dependent on the type of project and OSSF system”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision permit applications in unincorporated Travis County.

    • Applications must document water and wastewater service availability for all lots and all subdivision phases.
    • For potable water supplied by a WCID, MUD, or other public water system, TCEQ public-water-system requirements apply and Travis County requires a letter guaranteeing supply.
    • If wastewater is treated by OSSF, service-availability evidence may be satisfied with Chapter 448 planning materials.
    • For projects generating 5,000 gallons or more of wastewater per day, the applicant must obtain wastewater-treatment permits or wastewater utility service.

    Wastewater threshold: >= 5000 gallons per day (Project is too large for an OSSF permit)

    “Permit applications must document that water and wastewater services will be available to all lots and for all phases of the subdivision. [...] If wastewater will be treated by onsite sewage facilities (OSSF), evidence of wastewater service availability may be satisfied by submitting planning materials required by Travis County Code Chapter 448, which regulates OSSF.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development activity outside incorporated areas of Travis County.

    • A Basic Development Permit is required for construction outside incorporated areas.
    • Applicable Chapter 482 and Chapter 464 requirements, water-quality controls, floodplain rules, utility documentation, and other permits may apply.
    “These development regulations have been adopted by the Travis County Commissioners Court”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways connecting to maintained Travis County roads or accessing public roads in unincorporated Travis County.

    • State-road access requires a TxDOT permit instead.
    • Travis County does not issue permits for driveways connecting to unmaintained or unaccepted roads.
    • The county-code exception applies to certain nonresidential driveways included in a Basic Development Permit and driveways accessing alleys, private streets, or state highways.
    “a Travis County driveway permit will be required”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in or affected by Travis County-regulated floodplain areas and other development subject to Chapter 464.

    • All applicable federal, state, county, and city approvals must be acquired before issuance of a county development permit.
    • Concurrent agency permits do not eliminate the need for a Travis County development permit or waive county permit fees.
    • Flood-proofing plans may be required, including measures addressing flotation, water pressure, drainage backup, electrical equipment, and water supply or waste-treatment systems.
    • County inspectors may enter and inspect permitted land or premises.
    “Permits and fees required by different agencies shall not preclude the need for a Travis County development permit.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Travis County development-related and OSSF fees under the FY2026 schedule.

    • The cited schedule is effective January 1, 2026.
    • Fee categories distinguish locations outside the City of Austin ETJ and inside the City of Austin ETJ.
    • The County announced a subsequent 2027 schedule scheduled for approval July 28, 2026, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

    Schedule effective date: 2026-01-01 · Private sewage permit up to 500 gpd: 712 USD per application · Engineered construction permit up to 500 gpd: 1262 USD per application · Non-permit-related OSSF inspection: 107 USD per inspection

    “On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) Fees [...] Private Sewage Permit (Up to 500 gpd) [...] $712 per application”
  • Permit processPublished

    Travis County basic development permits and related online applications.

    • Applicants create a free MyPermitNow account and upload site plans, checklists, engineering reports, data, and construction-cost estimates as applicable.
    • Review comments are delivered through MyPermitNow; the applicant must upload responses and additional information.
    • Separate OSSF and driveway applications may be required.
    “Travis County basic development permits are applied for online at MyPermitNow.org.”

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

    • Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
    • Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
    • Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
    • These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
    “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • 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.”
  • 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 Travis County

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

  • Who permits septicLocal

    OSSF projects within a City of Austin Limited Purpose City Limits area or with frontage on Lake Austin.

    • Austin OSSF review applies instead of Travis County review in the listed areas.
    • Proof of application to the appropriate jurisdiction is required before issuance of a County Development Permit.
    “Austin Water regulates on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs), commonly known as septic tanks, within the City of Austin's full jurisdiction and areas annexed for implementing the Health and Safety Code. Properties with water frontage on Lake Austin or its tributaries are in the City's jurisdiction regardless of lot configuration, house location or drainfield location.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for Travis County property.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from Travis County development, construction, or land-use permits.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Travis 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.

Water rights & wells in Travis County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Texas’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

Texas groundwater is governed by the rule of capture; a Groundwater Conservation District must exempt qualifying domestic/livestock wells and may not restrict their production, but well registration and spacing rules can still apply and the exemption does not cover wells serving a platted subdivision.

Limit: Domestic/livestock well exempt from GCD production permitting if on a tract >10 acres AND incapable of producing >25,000 gal/day (Tex. Water Code §36.117)

Texas Water Code §36.117 / TWDB ↗
  • Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Areapartial of county

    TCEQ PGMA identifying existing or anticipated critical groundwater problems; drives GCD coverage and heightened management. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt from GCD permits but spacing/registration may apply.

    TCEQ — Priority Groundwater Management Areas ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Texas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Travis County, Texas

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

Travis County scores 40/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 989,164 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Travis 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 Travis County TNR / Development Services (TCEQ Authorized Agent for OSSF). 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 Travis County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Travis County is allowed: Unincorporated Travis County: no county rule sets this, because Travis County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). Travis County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning. 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 Travis County, Texas?

Land in Travis County runs about $7,127 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Travis County?

Travis County gets about 35.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 24.3% of years. On water rights, Travis County lies in the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ PGMA identifying existing or anticipated critical groundwater problems; drives GCD coverage and heightened management. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt from GCD permits but spacing/registration may apply..

How remote is Travis County?

A representative private-land location has about 989,164 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,788,688 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 Travis compares in Texas

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