Bolthole Index

Wood County, Texas

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

78Index Score / 100
#24 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Wood County, Texas does not require a county building permit for an ordinary home, and the county has no countywide zoning123. Cities such as Winnsboro set their own zoning and building rules inside city limits45. Septic permits come from the Wood County OSSF authorized agent, or from the Sabine River Authority within 2,000 feet of the Lake Fork project boundary67.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Wood County; no county residential building-permit program was identified1
Zoning
No countywide zoning applies in unincorporated Wood County23
Septic (OSSF)
A permit and approved plan are generally required; contact the county agent or the Sabine River Authority where its Lake Fork jurisdiction applies87
RV and tiny-home living
Unrestricted at the county zoning level on unincorporated land, but septic, subdivision and private restrictions can still matter38
Minimum home and lot size
No county zoning minimum for an individual unincorporated parcel3
Owner-installed septic
Allowed conditionally for an owner’s single-family dwelling if the local permitting authority allows it and all local requirements are met910
Property tax
Effective rate around 0.9%; median annual bill about $1,8181112

Who to call

Also useful

Wood County Judge's Office

General county-government questions, including unusual unincorporated building projects

903-763-2716

PO Box 938, Quitman, TX 75783

Planning & zoning

Wood County Subdivision Information

Subdivision regulations, applications and infrastructure-development materials for manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities

(903) 763-1236

100 S. Main Street, Quitman, Texas 75783

Septic permits

Wood County OSSF Authorized Agent

OSSF permit administration for unincorporated Wood County outside another authorized agent's jurisdiction

(903) 763-5308

ronnstua@aol.com

213 W BERMUDA ST, QUITMAN, TX, 75783

Floodplain permits

Wood County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management

Floodplain administration and floodplain permits in Wood County

903-763-2356

P O Box 938, Quitman, TX 7578

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

Off-grid gear

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

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

An ordinary home in unincorporated Wood County does not require a county building permit; we found no county residential building-permit program, and Texas counties have only limited statutory building authority113. Inside a city the answer can change: Texas adopts the International Residential Code as the residential building code in municipalities, and each city may administer and enforce it, so land inside Winnsboro or another Wood County city should be checked with that city's building office5. Septic permits are a separate program, so confirm the septic authority for the address on its own14.

Wood County separately reviews subdivisions outside municipal limits15. Final-plat application fees are $400 for 1 to 10 lots, $800 for 11 to 20 lots, and $1,200 for 21 or more lots; cancellation or revision costs $55016. Under the county's rules, an owner who divides a tract outside a municipality into two parts needs no plat if both lots are more than 10 acres17. A separate conditional exception can apply to land used primarily for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production purposes18. We could not confirm a general owner-builder exemption from county building rules; the verified owner-builder provision concerns installing an OSSF for the owner's single-family dwelling under the permitting authority's conditions10.

Who handles building and land permits in Wood County?

Wood County has no identified county office issuing building permits for an ordinary home on unincorporated land1. For a general county-government question, the Wood County Judge's Office calls itself the county's main source of information and assistance; contact it at 903-763-2716 or PO Box 938, Quitman, TX 7578319. Land divisions go through the county's subdivision office, which publishes the subdivision regulations and required forms; its courthouse contact is 100 S. Main Street, Quitman, Texas 75783, at (903) 763-123620. Before formally submitting a plat, an owner or developer must meet with the Subdivision Coordinator, and property in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction needs written city approval before the preliminary plat is submitted15.

Floodplain development permits for unincorporated Wood County come from the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management office, which lists the Flood Plain Administrator21. The floodplain permit application fee is $25, and the permit is valid for one year from issuance2223. Inside city limits, building permits and zoning are the city's; septic stays with the OSSF permitting authority listed below.

Does Wood County have zoning?

Unincorporated Wood County has no countywide zoning, and Texas law gives counties zoning authority only in limited circumstances23. At the county level, no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit governs an individual unincorporated parcel3. The lack of county zoning does not erase subdivision review, septic rules, flood concerns, deed restrictions or municipal requirements.

Winnsboro has its own city zoning: a zoning change there requires a hearing, notice to owners within 200 feet and a $250 application fee under the city's ordinance4. We could not confirm which other Wood County cities zone, so ask the city before relying on the county answer for land inside any city. A tract in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction may need city approval during the county subdivision process15. Wood County also publishes separate infrastructure-development standards for manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities, which are not a zoning ban on one dwelling on an owner's unincorporated land203.

How do septic permits work in Wood County?

Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan before an OSSF is constructed, installed, altered, extended or repaired8. Applications go to the local authorized agent within its approved jurisdiction, or to the TCEQ regional office where no local jurisdiction is authorized14. For unincorporated Wood County, the TCEQ directory lists the Wood County Authorized Agent at 213 W Bermuda St, Quitman, TX 75783, (903) 763-53086. Near Lake Fork, the Sabine River Authority regulates and permits OSSFs within a zone extending 2,000 feet landward from the Lake Fork project boundary, a line measured from the project boundary rather than the shoreline7. The county's subdivision rules ask for a septic-permitting letter from Wood County OSSF or, in the Lake Fork area, the Sabine River Authority24.

Texas's conditional 10-acre exception also requires a qualifying site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, on-property disposal, no other dwelling on the tract and a 100-foot property-line setback for every OSSF part25. Only 19.2% of Wood County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field26. We could not confirm one inspection sequence for every Wood County system27.

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

Wood County does not impose county zoning restrictions on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, accessory dwellings or temporary camping on unincorporated land3. That county-level answer does not make every parcel ready for occupancy. Off-grid sanitation still requires OSSF approval unless every condition of a specific exemption is satisfied25. Winnsboro's zoning applies inside that city, and deed restrictions or other private agreements may affect a particular tract4. A rental community or park is also a different project from one owner placing one unit on personal land: Wood County publishes infrastructure-development standards specifically for manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities20. Ask the subdivision office which community-development materials apply if the plan includes multiple sites, rentals, new roads or a land division2015.

How do you build a home in Wood County, step by step?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside a municipality (cities such as Winnsboro run their own building and zoning rules) and ask the Wood County Judge's Office about any unusual county issue; an ordinary unincorporated home has no county building permit1419.
  1. If the project divides land, contact the subdivision office before filing a plat; a pre-submission meeting is required, and city approval is needed when the property lies in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction1520.
  1. Determine whether the Wood County agent or the Sabine River Authority (within 2,000 feet of the Lake Fork project boundary) covers the parcel, then secure the required OSSF approval unless every condition of an exemption is met14725. An owner may install an OSSF for the owner’s single-family dwelling only if the permitting authority allows it and all stated ownership, use and local requirements are satisfied10.
  1. For subdivision roads entering a State Highway or Farm Market Road, include the TxDOT driveway application in the supporting documents28. For an individual driveway connecting to a state highway, submit Form 1058 and wait for the executed permit before work in the right of way29.
  1. Check title documents, flood exposure, utility availability and construction access before closing; county zoning freedom does not remove parcel-specific constraints326.

What should you check before buying land in Wood County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 19.2% of Wood County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, even though 88.5% of the land has a slope of 15% or less2630. Wood County is 52.2% forested and receives about 46.8 inches of precipitation per year, so inspect clearing needs, drainage and wet-weather access in person3132. Farmland value averages about $5,395 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.9% and the median annual tax bill is about $1,818331112. Population density is about 74.3 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is roughly 35 miles from the county center3435. Before closing, confirm municipal or extraterritorial-jurisdiction status, legal access, the correct septic authority, prior land divisions, utilities and deed restrictions; Wood County Emergency Management handles floodplain administration and publishes the floodplain permit15621.

Watch-outs

  • The Sabine River Authority's septic zone is 2,000 feet landward from the Lake Fork project boundary; do not assume the same boundary applies around any other lake in Wood County7.
  • Wood County's community-development standards cover manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities; a multi-site development should go through the subdivision office even though one unit is unrestricted at the county zoning level203.
  • Winnsboro has municipal zoning and cities apply their own residential building rules even though unincorporated Wood County has neither a county building permit nor countywide zoning; confirm the parcel's jurisdiction first453.
  • We could not confirm a county residential inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy requirement; ask the County Judge's Office about an unusual structure and the applicable city when land is inside municipal limits191.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 - County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 - Municipal Zoning Authority (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Find | Winnsboro, TX, quoted and re-checked
  5. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 214, quoted and re-checked
  6. Wood County OSSF Authorized Agent (www6.tceq.texas.gov)
  7. Lake Fork Rules and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (2026 county census)
  10. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  11. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  12. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  13. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. How to Become a Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Authorized Agent, quoted and re-checked
  15. Wood County Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026, quoted and re-checked
  16. Wood County Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026, quoted and re-checked
  17. Wood County, Texas Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026, quoted and re-checked
  18. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, quoted and re-checked
  19. Wood County Judge's Office (mywoodcounty.com)
  20. Wood County Subdivision Information (mywoodcounty.com)
  21. Wood County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (mywoodcounty.com)
  22. Emergency Management Coordinator, quoted and re-checked
  23. mywoodcounty.com, quoted and re-checked
  24. Wood County, Texas Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026, quoted and re-checked
  25. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  26. 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
  27. How to Become a Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Authorized Agent, quoted and re-checked
  28. Wood County Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026, quoted and re-checked
  29. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  34. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Wood County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleWood CountyHopkins CountyRains CountyCamp CountySmith CountyUpshur CountyFranklin County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedLimitedNot requiredLimitedLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty OSSF authorized agentCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. OfficeCounty OSSF programSmith CountyNETMWDCounty Septic Inspector

County locator

Wood County in Texas

78
County map
Wood County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Wood County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency74100% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% 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 →

$277kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$5,395Land / acre
46.8"Annual rain
16.9% of yrsSevere drought
30.8 / yr (+22.1)Mid-century 100°F days
21.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.43" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.41×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,157Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
29,284People within 30 min
5,941,349People within 2 hr
36,051Radius comparison (15 mi)
74.3People / sq mi
1.1%Federal land
88.5%Land at 15% slope or less
19.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
72,142 acWorkable land screen
52.2%Wooded land
40.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Wood 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: Town of Alba · Hawkins · Town of Yantis

Answers from the rulebook for Wood County

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

Wood County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning within Wood County; the cited rule is administered by the City of Winnsboro rather than by Wood County, and municipal zoning may differ among incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.

    • The Winnsboro zoning-change procedure applies to property within the City of Winnsboro or property being considered for annexation or de-annexation.
    • A zoning-change hearing is required, with notice to affected property owners and newspaper publication.
    • A request requires a $250 fee under Winnsboro Zoning Ordinance §34.2.2.
    • If owners of 20% of property within 200 feet file written objections, a three-fourths vote of the entire City Council is required to grant the request.

    zoning-change application fee: 250 USD (nonrefundable according to the packet procedure) · neighbor-notice radius: 200 feet · objector ownership threshold: >= 20 percent (requires a three-fourths vote of the entire City Council)

    “in accordance with the current Zoning Ordinance of the City of Winnsboro and making said zoning subject to the appropriate laws”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Wood 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 statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

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

    OSSFs on parcels in Wood County that are within the Lake Fork on-site sewage regulatory zone extending 2,000 feet landward from the Lake Fork Project Boundary.

    • The Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) regulates and permits OSSFs located within 2,000 feet of the Reservoir under its order adopting OSSF rules.
    • The controlling measurement is 2,000 feet landward from the Project Boundary, not a separately stated distance from the shoreline or conservation pool.
    • The Project Boundary is generally based on the 412-msl contour or a minimum 200-foot horizontal distance from the 403-msl contour, but is actually a metes-and-bounds description.
    • The rules incorporate the TCEQ private sewage facility rules in their entirety; violations are specifically prohibited and enforcement details are in 30 TAC Chapter 285, Subchapter G.
    • No part of an OSSF may be located on a PLUP, SLUP, or GLUP permit area.
    • Federal, state, and local rules remain applicable; federal or state requirements control in a direct conflict with the SRA rules.

    Lake Fork OSSF regulatory-zone distance: 2000 feet (Measured landward from the Lake Fork Project Boundary.)

    “regulatory zone extending 2,000-feet landward from the Project Boundary and designates the SRA as its agents responsible for proper implementation”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Wood County outside municipal limits, under the Wood County subdivision rules approved effective May 26, 2026.

    • The developer must obtain Commissioners Court approval of the subdivision plat before proceeding to final filing.
    • Final plat materials include a completed application, certified tax certificate, lienholder acknowledgment, septic-permitting letter from Wood County OSSF or the Sabine River Authority when in the Lake Fork area, environmental development plan, stormwater pollution prevention plan, water-supply-company will-serve letter, electric-company will-serve letter, ETJ letter if within one mile of city limits, and other listed documents.
    • The current regulation requires a will-serve letter from a water supply company stating availability to provide services; it does not state in the cited passage that the water service must be a public system.
    • The current regulation requires a septic-permitting letter and environmental development plan; it does not state in the cited passage that public sewer is mandatory.
    • The county page states that the revised and amended information was approved effective May 26, 2026.

    final plat application fee for 1 to 10 lots: 400 USD · final plat application fee for 11 to 20 lots: 800 USD · final plat application fee for 21 or more lots: 1200 USD · construction bond or irrevocable letter of credit: >= 5 USD per lineal foot of road or street (or such greater amount as set by Commissioners Court) · maintenance bond or irrevocable letter of credit: >= 6 USD per lineal foot of road or street (or such greater amount as set by Commissioners Court; applies with the request for release of the construction bond or letter of credit)

    “The following procedure shall be followed by the developer in securing approval of a plat by the Commissioners' Court of Wood County, Texas, in accordance with Section 232.0025, Local Government Code, as amended.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Specific land divisions in Wood County outside municipal limits that satisfy one of the county's listed exceptions to the plat requirement.
      “An owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two parts is not required to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if: (a) Both lots in the subdivision are more than ten (10) acres in area; and (b) The owner does not lay out a part of the tract described in Section 232.001 (a)(3) of the Local Government Code;”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Subdivision development in unincorporated Wood County when roads connect to a State Highway or Farm Market Road.

    • The requirement appears in the County's supporting-document list for subdivision plat approval.
    • It applies when roads come off a State Highway or Farm Market Road; the rule does not establish a countywide driveway-permit requirement for every individual driveway.
    “9. TxDOT Driveway Application if roads come off a State Highway or Farm Market Road”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction in the 100-year floodplain within the Wood County portion of the documented project area, including replacement or borings.

    • The cited state project document concerns a specific waterline replacement crossing the 100-year floodplain in both the City of Alba and Wood County; it is not a countywide determination for every development type or parcel.
    • The permit must be obtained from the local floodplain administrator before construction in the 100-year floodplain.
    • For construction in, across, or under a Special Flood Hazard Area, the permit must be obtained before TWDB approval of plans and specifications and construction, and all permit requirements must be followed.
    • The county application separately calls for plans and specifications if construction is in a floodplain and an elevation certification.

    permit timing: before construction

    “a floodplain development permit will be obtained from the floodplain administrators of both the City of Alba and Wood County prior to [...] construction”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Final subdivision plat applications for land outside municipal limits in Wood County.

    • The rules define a subdivision as dividing land in Wood County outside the limits of a municipality.
    • Other County Clerk filing fees may also be required after approval.
    • The $550 fee applies to cancellation or revision.

    final plat application fee for 1 to 10 lots: 400 USD · final plat application fee for 11 to 20 lots: 800 USD · final plat application fee for 21 or more lots: 1200 USD · cancellation or revision fee: 550 USD

    “Upon submission of the Final Plat, the Owner shall pay to Wood County an application fee: $400.00 – 1 to 10 Lots $800.00 – 11 to 20 Lots $1200.00 – 21 to Higher Lots $550.00 - Cancellation or Revision”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Wood County floodplain development permit applications handled by the county Flood Plain Administrator for unincorporated Wood County.
      “The mission of the Wood County Fire Marshal's Office and Office of Emergency Management is to provide for, supervise, support, and train all Fire and EMS departments within unincorporated Wood County.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Wood County floodplain development permit applications handled by the county Flood Plain Administrator for unincorporated Wood County.

    • The applicant supplies the property location and proposed-development information.
    • The application lists residential, non-residential, new construction, substantial improvement, placement of fill, and alteration of a natural waterway or drainage course as selectable development types.
    • If the work is in a floodplain, the applicant must provide one copy of plans and specifications and one copy of elevation certification.
    • The administrator determines whether the property is in an identified flood hazard area or floodway, records the FIRM information and base flood elevation when available, checks whether additional information or a Letter of Map Change is required, and ensures necessary federal, state, or local permits are received.
    • The administrator may issue a variance, approve the application, or deny the application.
    • Additional federal, state, or local permits may be required.
    • The permit is valid for one year from issuance and must be renewed if the work is not completed by then.

    permit validity: 1 year from date issued (must be renewed if work is not completed at that time)

    “THIS PERMIT IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR FROM DATE ISSUED AND WILL NEED TO BE RENEWED IF WORK IS NOT COMPLETED AT THAT TIME”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Subdivision plat approval for land outside municipal limits in Wood County.
      “Except as provided by Subsection H, the Commissioners Court or the Court's designee shall take final action on a plat application, including the resolution of all appeals, no later than the 30th day after the date the completed plat application is received by the Commissioners Court or the Court's designee.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Zoning authority in Texas is granted to municipalities (LGC Ch. 211); Wood County has subdivision regulations but no countywide zoning over unincorporated land.

    Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 - Municipal Zoning Authority ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.

    • A person purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for their own use or their company’s use may file for an installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • A person responsible for assembly, connection, and on-site construction for persons other than themselves must be registered as an industrialized builder.
    • Municipalities may require applicable local permits and licenses before construction begins when the municipality regulates the installation.
    “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 exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner installing an on-site sewage facility for a single-family dwelling in Texas, including unincorporated Wood County, subject to the local permitting authority's requirements.

    • The permitting authority must allow owner installation under its local requirements.
    • The OSSF must be for a single-family dwelling that the owner owns.
    • The owner must also own the property.
    • No part of the property may be developed for sale or lease.
    • All permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority must be met.
    • If anyone else assists with any phase of installation, the person performing the work must be a licensed installer of the correct level, except for a licensed electrician installing electrical components and a person delivering a treatment or pump tank and setting the tank or tanks into an excavation.
    • This claim concerns OSSF installation and does not establish an exemption from a building permit, building inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy requirement.
    “This depends on whether the permitting authority allows this in their local requirements. Otherwise yes, provided you have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to do so AND: the OSSF is for a single family dwelling that you own, you also own the property, no part of the property will be developed for sale or lease, all permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority are met.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Residential structures in municipalities statewide, including incorporated municipalities located in Wood County; this claim does not establish county adoption for unincorporated Wood County.
      “To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2012, is adopted as a municipal residential building code in this state. The International Residential Code applies to all construction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, and repair of residential structures in a municipality.”
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • Septic 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 — Constructing, installing, altering, extending, or repairing an OSSF in Texas, including Wood County, subject to the applicable local permitting authority.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
    • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSF installation and compliance inspections performed under an approved local authorized-agent program or by TCEQ where applicable.
      “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. The agent also administers the OSSF program according to the OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution approved by the executive director within the agent's area of jurisdiction.”
    • Limited — Inspection of Texas OSSFs that have been issued an authorization to construct, including systems in Wood County, by the authorized agent or designated representative under the applicable state or approved local standard.
      “They perform site evaluations (when it is part of their job duties), complaint investigations, system evaluations, and inspections of OSSFs that have been issued an authorization to construct to ensure the installation of the OSSF meets the criteria established by the TCEQ, or by the Authorized Agent Order approved by the TCEQ, whichever is more stringent.”
    • 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”:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid sanitation through an OSSF serving property in Wood County.
      “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”:”
    • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A tract located outside municipal limits in Wood County, Texas, divided into two or more parts where the owner does not lay out a part described by Texas Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3) and the land is primarily used for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production purposes.

    • The tract must be located outside the limits of a municipality.
    • The division must be into two or more parts.
    • The owner must not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3).
    • The land must 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.
    • The exception concerns the county plat requirement; it does not establish an exemption from other applicable subdivision, wastewater, floodplain, road, utility, or municipal/extraterritorial-jurisdiction requirements.
    • If the tract later ceases to satisfy the statutory use conditions, the statutory consequences under Section 232.0015(d) apply.

    number of divided parts: >= 2 parts (The statutory exception applies only when the other listed conditions are met.)

    “A county may not require [...] a plat of the subdivision prepared if: [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
  • 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 Wood County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the incorporated City of Winnsboro, Wood County, Texas.

    • The City of Winnsboro provides a city zoning map and zoning information through its official website.
    • A zoning change is processed under the City's current Zoning Ordinance and applicable Chapter 211 requirements.
    • The official zoning-change packet states that the application includes a certified list of property owners within 200 feet and a $250 application fee under City Zoning Ordinance §34.2.2.

    property-owner notice radius: 200 feet · zoning-change application fee: 250 USD (required under City of Winnsboro Zoning Ordinance §34.2.2)

    “Said Petitioner(s) represent that I (we) desire the zoning of the property described in Attachment 1 to be changed from ________________ to ________________ in accordance with the current Zoning Ordinance of the City of Winnsboro and making said zoning subject to the appropriate laws, rules and regulations of said City relating to that zoning classification, as provided in Chapter 211 of the Local Government Code of the State of Texas.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Inspections — Residential construction in unincorporated Wood County, Texas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Residential occupancy in Wood County, Texas.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Whether a property in Wood County must connect to public water, public sewer, both, or neither.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Wood County, Texas, including whether county or applicable municipal land-use rules allow, limit, or prohibit them.

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 Wood County, Texas

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

Wood County scores 78/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and workable self-sufficiency basics (46.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Wood 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 Wood County OSSF authorized agent (under TCEQ); TCEQ regional office where no local agent. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

How much does land cost in Wood County, Texas?

Land in Wood County runs about $5,395 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wood County?

Wood County gets about 46.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.9% of years.

How remote is Wood County?

A representative private-land location has about 29,284 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,941,349 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 Wood compares in Texas

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