Texas County, MO: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Texas County, Missouri appears not to require a county residential building permit; confirm with the County Clerk before construction^1,2. County zoning appears absent; Licking and Houston issue city building permits, while Licking, Houston and Cabool set city zoning^2,3,4,5,6,7. Start septic questions with Texas County Health Department, which administers the local ordinance; most systems need a construction permit unless an exemption applies⁸.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not required on unincorporated land; confirm with the County Clerk^1,2
County zoning: Appears absent; confirm parcel restrictions with the County Clerk²
City building permits and zoning: Licking and Houston issue building permits; Licking, Houston and Cabool set zoning^3,4,5,6,7
Septic permits: Texas County Health Department administers the local ordinance; most systems need a construction permit⁸
Septic exemption: Conditional for qualifying single-family lots; confirm eligibility before work⁹
RV and tiny-home living: Not confirmed; ask the County Clerk and the relevant city if incorporated^2,10
Private wells: Contractors need a state permit; a narrow landowner exemption applies¹¹
Septic soil difficulty: Only 9.1% of county soils are rated “not limited” for conventional drain fields; evaluate the site¹²

Who to call

Septic permits

Texas County Health Department

On-site sewage disposal questions and permit-to-construct applications

417-967-4131

950 N. Hwy 63, Houston, MO 65483

Also useful

Texas County Clerk

County records and first-contact questions about permits, planning and parcel jurisdiction

417-967-2112

210 N Grand Ave, Suite 311, Houston, MO 65483

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

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

Unincorporated Texas County, Missouri appears not to require a residential building permit, but we could not confirm the county's building-permit, inspection or occupancy requirements; ask the County Clerk before construction^1,2. Missouri has no uniform statewide building code; qualifying counties may adopt codes locally¹³. Inside Licking, covered building work requires a city-issued building permit; Houston also requires a building permit before covered construction or alterations begin^3,5. City building approval does not settle septic approval: start with Texas County Health Department, which may refer incorporated-area systems to DHSS⁸. Missouri's farm-structure protections are conditional: county fire ordinances cannot require permits for farm buildings, while separate agricultural land-use protection excludes mapped flood-hazard areas^14,15.

Who handles Texas County building-permit questions?

For unincorporated Texas County building-permit questions, start with the Texas County Clerk at 210 N Grand Ave, Suite 311, Houston, MO 65483, 417-967-2112.

For unincorporated Texas County building-permit questions, start with the Texas County Clerk at 210 N Grand Ave, Suite 311, Houston, MO 65483, 417-967-2112². Give the Clerk the parcel number or road address and ask whether the property is unincorporated and whether building, subdivision or floodplain review applies. The Texas County Health Department separately administers the county onsite-wastewater ordinance and handles septic questions at 950 N. Hwy 63, Houston, MO 65483, 417-967-4131^8,9. Some wastewater systems instead fall to state regulators based on flow, discharge method or system type¹⁶. A driveway in Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way requires a MoDOT access permit¹⁷.

Does Texas County have zoning?

Unincorporated Texas County appears to have no county zoning, but we could not confirm an adopted zoning order or an explicit county no-zoning statement.

Unincorporated Texas County appears to have no county zoning, but we could not confirm an adopted zoning order or an explicit county no-zoning statement². Ask the County Clerk about setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, building height and subdivision approval for the parcel². Licking, Houston and Cabool administer their own zoning inside city limits^4,6,7. City zoning does not replace septic review: Texas County Health Department administers the local wastewater ordinance, with some incorporated-area systems referred to DHSS⁸. Agricultural status does not erase floodplain review: state protection for farm buildings under county land-use provisions excludes mapped flood-hazard areas¹⁸. Missouri exempts stormwater from standard farming practices and irrigation return flows from state water-pollution permitting, but harmful discharges remain restricted and concentrated animal feeding operation rules still apply¹⁹.

How do septic permits work in Texas County?

Texas County Health Department administers the local onsite-wastewater ordinance, which may add requirements beyond state minimums; confirm the address-specific authority and obtain a construction permit or confirmed exemption before installation or repair⁸. A single-family residence on at least 3 acres may qualify for exemption, but a Notice of Violation requires a permit for renovation or changes regardless of acreage until a proper system is installed⁹. Additional residences need 10 acres per residence and at least 360 feet between every point of the sewage systems to qualify⁹.

A soils morphology report starts the design process, and only 9.1% of Texas County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field^9,12. If conventional laterals will not work, an engineer must design an alternative for an advanced installer; a lagoon may be allowed if setbacks are met and does not require an engineer⁹. Systems must be installed by a Missouri-registered installer⁹. State law sets aggregate inspection percentages rather than requiring inspection of every individual system; ask Texas County Health Department about inspection scheduling for the proposed work^9,20.

State septic application fees have been temporarily suspended since August 28, 2026; ask the Health Department about current local charges and requirements rather than budgeting the former $90 state fee^9,21.

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

We could not confirm a Texas County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land.

We could not confirm a Texas County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land. Texas County is classified as having no county zoning, but no county page expressly confirms that conclusion². Ask the Texas County Clerk whether a county order, subdivision condition, floodplain rule or the parcel's jurisdiction affects the proposed use². Inside Houston, the city's zoning ordinance applies within city jurisdiction¹⁰. Regardless of dwelling type, untreated domestic sewage cannot be discharged as an off-grid alternative, and occupied buildings need compliant sanitary disposal²². Minimum dwelling size, manufactured-home placement and accessory residences also remain unconfirmed. A proposed campground or mobile-home park planning to use onsite wastewater requires Missouri Department of Natural Resources approval in addition to any individual-system review²³.

Building a home in Texas County: the steps in order

Ask the Texas County Clerk to confirm parcel jurisdiction and whether building, subdivision or county planning review applies.

Ask the Texas County Clerk to confirm parcel jurisdiction and whether building, subdivision or county planning review applies².

Check the flood map before fixing a building site; all development in a Missouri floodplain requires a community floodplain development permit, and floodway work also requires an engineering No-Rise Certificate²⁴.

Inside Licking or Houston, obtain city building permits and zoning review before covered work^3,4,5,6.

Start septic design with a soils morphology report because only 9.1% of county soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field^9,12.

Confirm the septic construction-permit or exemption path and current local fee with the Texas County Health Department before work^9,21.

Obtain a MoDOT access permit for a driveway in state right-of-way¹⁷.

Use a permitted well contractor or confirm that the narrow landowner exemption applies¹¹.

What should you check before buying land in Texas County?

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency: only 9.1% of Texas County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation matters even on permit-exempt acreage.

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency: only 9.1% of Texas County soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation matters even on permit-exempt acreage¹². Ask the Health Department whether an existing system has records and consider a licensed private inspection; local public-health agencies generally do not inspect existing systems for real-estate transfers^9,25. Check flood maps before choosing a house, barn or driveway site because all floodplain development needs a community-issued permit, and the agricultural structure protection is conditional outside mapped flood-hazard areas^18,24. Determine whether the driveway enters MoDOT right-of-way, where an access permit is required¹⁷. Terrain and clearing affect cost: 72.3% of the county has a slope of 15% or less, and 58.4% is wooded¹². For budgeting, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5% and the median annual property-tax bill is about $652¹².

Watch-outs

We could not confirm Texas County's building-permit, inspection or occupancy requirements; ask the County Clerk before construction^1,2.
Licking, Houston and Cabool have their own zoning; the unincorporated county answer does not establish what a city parcel allows^4,6,7.
A septic acreage exemption does not overcome poor soil or a Notice of Violation^9,12.
Development in a mapped floodplain needs a community floodplain development permit even when the project is agricultural^18,24.

Sources

25 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 12, 2026

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.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Texas County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	Texas County	Wright County	Shannon County	Douglas County	Dent County	Pulaski County	Howell County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	No	No	Not published	Not published	No	Not published	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.	MO Dept. of Health & Senior Services	DHSS	DHSS	DHSS	County Health Dept.

Cities and towns in Texas 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 covered: Boone Township · Burdine Township · Carroll Township · Cass Township · Clinton Township · Current Township · Date Township · Jackson Township · Lynch Township · Morris Township · Ozark Township · Pierce Township · Piney Township · Roubidoux Township · Sargent Township · Sherrill Township · Upton Township

Answers from the rulebook for Texas County

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

Texas County rules

Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
County-authorized on-site wastewater permitting for Texas County.
- The Missouri DHSS listing identifies Texas County Health Dept. as the agency and lists the authority type as Ordinance.
- The county ordinance may impose requirements beyond state minimum construction standards.
- Some incorporated cities may be referred back to DHSS.
- DHSS regulates certain other wastewater categories, including non-single-family lagoons, surface-water discharges, systems over 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial wastewater.
“Agency: Texas County Health Dept. Authority Type: Ordinance”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Septic permitLimited
On-site sewage disposal system construction, repair, renovation, or major modification in Texas County, Missouri, under the county's onsite wastewater ordinance.
- A permit to construct is required for on-site sewage disposal systems except a single-family residence on a lot of 3 acres or more.
- An additional residence may qualify for exemption only with 10 acres in the aggregate for each residence and all points of the sewage systems at least 360 feet apart; otherwise a permit is required.
- A permit is required for renovation or change of a system after a Department of Health Notice of Violation, regardless of acreage, until a proper system is installed.
- A soils morphology report is the first step in determining the system design.
- If conventional septic tank and laterals will not work, an engineer must design an alternative system installed by an advanced installer; a lagoon may be allowed if setback requirements are met, and lagoons do not require an engineer.
- Since 2004, systems must be installed by an installer registered with the Missouri Department of Health.
- Texas County has its own onsite wastewater ordinance and may impose requirements beyond Missouri's state minimum construction standards.
- Effective August 28, 2026, application fees for onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs are temporarily suspended under the cited DHSS update.
- For systems in incorporated areas, the local permitting authority may defer the permit process back to DHSS.
- DHSS regulates single-family residential systems, including lagoons, and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less through soil treatment or absorption. DNR regulates other systems, including non-single-family lagoons, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial wastewater systems.
- DNR approval is required for subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds when onsite wastewater treatment systems are planned.
single-family residence exemption lot size: >= 3 acres (The exemption does not apply to additional residences unless the 10-acre aggregate and 360-foot separation conditions are met.) · additional residence exemption acreage: >= 10 acres per residence (A permit is required if the aggregate acreage condition is not met.) · sewage-system separation for additional residence exemption: >= 360 feet (All points of the sewage systems must be at least this distance apart.) · permit fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (Application fees are temporarily suspended under the DHSS update.)
“In Missouri all on-site sewage disposal systems except a single family residence on 3 acres or more has been required to get a “permit to construct” since 1996.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — On-site wastewater treatment systems in Texas County, subject to the county ordinance and applicable state minimum standards.
  “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Limited — On-site sewage disposal systems in Texas County, Missouri, including installation, repair, renovation, and additional residences.
  “In Missouri all on-site sewage disposal systems except a single family residence on 3 acres or more has been required to get a “permit to construct” since 1996.”
  Texas County Health Department—Sewage Disposal ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
County board/office directory shows only a Planning Commission with no zoning department, zoning board, or zoning administrator, consistent with no adopted county zoning.
Texas County Board Directory ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Missouri rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Building permits for construction in Missouri: no statewide permit is shown; first and second classification counties may adopt building regulations and permits if voters have approved
- Authority is an option for county commissions in counties of the first and second classification, not a statewide mandate
- A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 needs voter approval, voted only by voters outside incorporated territory
- Municipalities and other counties must be checked locally
- This claim is about the county enabling authority only; the state septic rule (RSMo 701.031) was not used as a building-permit requirement
“the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification, as provided by law, is for this purpose empowered, subject to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of this section, to adopt by order or ordinance regulations to control the construction”
RSMo 64.170 County commissions control construction - issue building permits ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
A property owner installing, modifying, or repairing that owner's on-site sewage disposal system.
- The owner must comply with RSMo 701.025 to 701.059.
- The statute separately provides that an owner need not obtain a permit or contractor registration merely to clean that owner's on-site sewage disposal system.
“Nothing in sections 701.053 to 701.055 shall preclude property owners from installing, modifying or repairing their own on-site sewage disposal system”
RSMo 701.055 — Property owners may install, modify or clean their own on-site sewage disposal system ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Missouri statewide legal framework for building-code adoption by counties and other communities; the statutes authorize local adoption rather than establishing one uniformly adopted statewide building code.
- County authority under RSMo 64.170 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
- A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 must obtain voter approval before adopting under RSMo 64.170 to 64.200.
- The adoption vote is limited to voters in the affected area; a code affecting a county is not voted on by citizens of incorporated territory.
- A county adopting under RSMo 64.180 must use a current nationally recognized building code edition from calendar year 1999 or later, as amended.
- A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installation requirements governed by RSMo 323.020.
- A community may incorporate a code by reference only if it otherwise has legal power to adopt the ordinance.
- A code incorporated by reference must be filed with the community clerk and available for public inspection for 90 days before adoption.
- An ordinance adopting a code by reference must state the penalty separately rather than incorporate the penalty by reference.
- RSMo 67.280 defines community to include any county, fire protection district, or municipality, and municipality to include an incorporated city, town, or village.
“Because fire and building codes are adopted at the local level in Missouri”
RSMo Section 64.170 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Residential building-code adoption by Missouri counties, particularly construction in unincorporated county territory.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Partial — County adoption of residential building codes in Missouri, with the resulting regulations applicable to unincorporated territory when adopted under the statutory authority.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification, as provided by law, is for this purpose empowered”
  RSMo Section 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Construction, major modification, or major repair of an on-site sewage disposal system for which RSMo 701.046 requires notice and an application; this is not a general statewide inspection rule for all buildings.
- The city, county, or department must receive notice and an opportunity to inspect before completion.
- A registered contractor must notify the authority before 9:00 a.m. on the day before completion; an unregistered person must notify it before 9:00 a.m. on the second day before completion.
- The system must remain available for a complete inspection under the state standard until 3:00 p.m. on the completion day unless the authority confirms earlier inspection and approval.
- The system may not be closed or completed if inspection finds it does not meet the state standard; the authority must provide conspicuous notice at inspection and written confirmation of the result, or of no inspection, within three working days of completion.
“without providing notice and an opportunity for inspection by the city, county or department as provided in this section.”
RSMo 701.050 — Construction or repair notice, requirements and inspection ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Zoning districtsPartial
Missouri statutory authority for counties to create zoning districts in unincorporated territory; this does not establish or publish the actual zoning districts for any particular county.
- The statute applies to unincorporated territory of counties subject to sections 64.211 to 64.295.
- Actual district boundaries, regulations, and maps depend on county adoption and are not supplied by this statewide statute.
- District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of building or land use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
- The regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
“the unincorporated territory may be divided into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited”
RSMo Section 64.261 — Zoning districts, creation, regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Potential county zoning controls on the size of residential buildings in unincorporated portions of first-class counties other than first-class counties without a charter form of government.
- The county commission is authorized to regulate by order in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
- The statute does not state a statewide minimum dwelling-size measurement.
- The statute expressly excludes incorporated portions of counties and identifies additional agricultural, rice-farming, flood-irrigation, farm-structure, and underground-mining exclusions.
“except in counties of the first class not having a charter form of government [...] in the unincorporated portions of the county [...] size of buildings”
RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Size of yards, courts and other open spaces in unincorporated portions of second- and third-class counties with county zoning; setbacks left to such counties
- Power exists only for counties to which sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply under section 64.510
- Exercised only after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.530
- Must be done by order of record and in accordance with a comprehensive plan
- Applies only to unincorporated portions of the county
- Does not apply to crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, or farm buildings used for such purposes outside the flood hazard area map area
- Existing lawful uses protected; ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991 unaffected
“the size of yards, courts and other open spaces”
RSMo 64.620 Building restrictions - limitations on regulations (second and third class counties) ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Lot coverageSpecified
Percentage of lots that may be occupied in unincorporated portions of second- and third-class counties with county zoning; lot coverage left to such counties
- Power exists only for counties to which sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply under section 64.510
- Exercised only after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.530
- Must be done by order of record and in accordance with a comprehensive plan
- Applies only to unincorporated portions of the county
- Does not apply to crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, or farm buildings used for such purposes outside the flood hazard area map area
- Existing lawful uses protected; ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991 unaffected
“the percentage of lots that may be occupied”
RSMo 64.620 Building restrictions - limitations on regulations (second and third class counties) ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Developments where land is sold or leased for camping in recreational vehicles (recreational developments) under the state wastewater rule 10 CSR 20-6.030; this is a wastewater-disposal rule, not a zoning rule on camping generally
- Applies only when land is sold or leased for the purpose of camping in recreational vehicles.
- To qualify as a recreational development, restrictive covenants must prohibit continuous year-round living on the lot, and no cabins or other structures that could be used for year-round residential purposes are allowed.
- Minimum lot size of 20,000 sq ft applies where individual on-site wastewater treatment facilities are used; no reduction from the minimum lot size determined by the geohydrologic evaluation, though a one-half reduction as indicated by the soils report may be allowed.
- Where sewage dump stations provide collection and treatment, they count as centralized collection and treatment.
- The developer must submit a copy of the restrictive covenants with any plans for dump stations or centralized systems.
- Any residential housing development required to obtain department approval must get written approval before sale or lease of any lot or start of construction.
- Rule text says it does not preclude local, municipal, county or other lawful authority from adopting equal or more stringent subdivision, sewer or on-site system regulations.
- Rule was last amended with an effective date of Jan. 30, 2025.
- The state rule does not itself regulate temporary camping on private land outside such developments; that is left to local zoning.
minimum lot size, recreational development with individual on-site wastewater treatment: >= 20000 square feet (one-half reduction per soils report may be allowed; no reduction from geohydrologic evaluation minimum)
“a development is considered recreational when land is sold or leased for the purpose of camping in recreational vehicles. in order to be considered a recreational development, restrictive covenants must prohibit continuous year-round living on the lot and no cabins or other structures will be allowed that could be used for year-round residential purposes.”
10 CSR 20-6 Permits (incl. 10 CSR 20-6.030 Disposal of Wastewater in Residential Housing Developments), Missouri Secretary of State, Code of State Regulations ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Inspection by a Missouri city, county, or the Department of Health and Senior Services of onsite sewage disposal systems constructed, modified, or repaired in Texas County.
- For systems constructed, modified, or repaired by registered contractors, inspection is required in the aggregate up to 60 percent of systems.
- For systems constructed, modified, or repaired by persons not registered under sections 701.053 to 701.055, inspection is required in the aggregate for at least 75 percent of systems.
- The 75-percent category applies to systems for which notice of construction, repair, or modification is given under sections 701.046 to 701.048 and 701.050.
- The statute establishes aggregate inspection percentages, not inspection of every individual system.
- The statute is effective August 28, 1994.
aggregate inspection percentage for systems built by registered contractors: <= 60 percent (systems constructed, modified, or repaired by contractors registered under sections 701.053 to 701.055) · aggregate inspection percentage for systems built by unregistered persons with required notice: >= 75 percent (systems for which notice is given under sections 701.046 to 701.048 and 701.050)
“A city, county or the department shall inspect, in the aggregate, up to sixty percent [...] and at least seventy-five percent”
revisor.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.
  “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
  Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspections Versus Evaluations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Limited — Inspections of existing onsite sewage systems in connection with property sales statewide in Missouri.
  “Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) rules governing onsite sewage systems cover minimum construction requirements, system inspections at the time of property sales, and requirements for percolation testers and soil evaluators.”
  health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid domestic wastewater treatment using onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable.
- Onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where generated.
- A construction permit is generally required, including for residential property less than three acres, subject to county-specific exceptions.
- Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
- Local permitting authorities may impose additional requirements.
residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.)
“Onsite wastewater treatment systems are sometimes referred to as "septic systems." These systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where it is generated.”
health.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Prohibited — Domestic sewage and wastewater disposal in Texas County outside a regulated sewer system or compliant onsite sewage disposal system, including untreated discharge that creates a health hazard, pollution, groundwater contamination, or nuisance.
  “Property owners of all buildings where people live, work or assemble shall provide for the sanitary disposal of all domestic sewage.”
  RSMo § 701.031 — Disposal of sewage, who, how, exception ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
- Allowed (with conditions) — Use of onsite wastewater treatment systems as off-grid sanitation where central sewer service is unavailable in Missouri.
  “In Missouri, where central sewer service is not available, homeowners and small business owners use various types of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  Onsite Wastewater Treatment ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Well permitLimited
Well construction, alteration, major repair, abandonment, and related well installation work in Texas County, Missouri.
- A person engaging in business as a well installation contractor must obtain a permit from the Missouri Division of Geology, Land Survey and Water Resources.
- A person constructing a well on the person's own or leased property for only a single-family permanent residence, or only farming on the person's farm, may do so without obtaining the contractor permit, but must comply with applicable well-construction rules.
- The landowner exemption does not apply where the water is intended for public use or for use in any residence other than the person's own.
- A primary well installation contractor or pump installation contractor must obtain a permit and comply with applicable rules.
- A water system exclusively serving a charitable or benevolent organization may be exempt from well-construction rules if it does not regularly serve an average of 100 or more persons at least 60 days per year and does not serve a school or day-care facility, subject to the multifamily-well exception and a groundwater/public-health-threat exception.
- The charitable-or-benevolent-organization exemption does not eliminate rules under sections 256.600 to 256.640 that apply to multifamily wells.
- The Water Well Drillers' Act provisions cited are effective August 28, 1991; the charitable-or-benevolent-organization exemption is effective August 28, 2011.
charitable or benevolent organization average persons served: < 100 persons (must not regularly serve an average of 100 or more persons at least 60 days out of the year) · charitable or benevolent organization service duration threshold: < 60 days per year (system must not regularly serve an average of 100 or more persons at least 60 days out of the year)
“No person may engage in business in this state as a well installation contractor unless he has obtained from the division a permit”
RSMo § 256.607 — Well installation contractor, permit ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
  “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
  Well and Pump Installation Contractor Permitting ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Limited — Construction or repair of water wells, installation or replacement of pumps, and associated plumbing and electrical work in Missouri.
  “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri.”
  Water Wells - PUB2945 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- Limited — Construction or alteration of a public well serving a Missouri public water system.
  “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well”
  Who Regulates Water Wells in Missouri? - PUB4001 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Missouri state law preserves the authority of specified local governments and districts that own or operate a sewage-collection-and-treatment sewer system to require connection by owners of houses, buildings, or other facilities within that entity's territory.
- This is an authorization for the applicable city, town, village, sewer district, public water supply district, municipality, political subdivision, or district; it is not a statewide mandate that every property connect.
- The entity must own or operate a sewer system providing collection and treatment of sewage.
- The house, building, or other facility must be within the municipality, political subdivision, or district.
- The sewer system must be available.
- The statute identifies sewer districts organized under chapter 204 or chapter 249 and public water supply districts organized under chapter 247 among the entities whose authority is preserved.
“to require the owners of all houses, buildings or other facilities [...] to connect to the sewer system [...] when such sewer system is available.”
Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo § 644.027 ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Farm buildings and farm structures used for agricultural purposes under the county building and land-use restriction provisions of RSMo sections 64.800 to 64.905.
- The exemption does not apply within incorporated portions of counties.
- The exemption applies to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry and to specified rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments.
- For farm buildings or farm structures, the area must not be within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
- The statute preserves the validity of county ordinances or orders adopted before March 4, 1991.
- Other laws and local requirements may still apply.
rice-farming or flood-irrigation berm height: <= 18 inches (small berms placed around a field to hold water for growing rice or flood irrigation)
“This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
RSMo Section 64.890 — Building and land use restrictions; exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
7 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Farm buildings and farm structures in counties subject to RSMo sections 64.510 to 64.690, including unincorporated areas outside the area shown on the flood hazard area map
  “shall not apply to [...] farm buildings or farm structures [...] in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
  RSMo Section 64.620 — Building restrictions — limitations on regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
- Conditional — Farm buildings and farm structures in Texas County, including their erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension, under Missouri county building and land-use authority.
  “farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
  RSMo Section 64.620 — Building restrictions — limitations on regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Agricultural stormwater discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture in Missouri, including Texas County.
  “Agricultural nonpoint sources and agricultural storm water discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture shall be exempt from permitting requirements set forth in sections 644.006 to 644.141.”
  RSMo Section 644.059 — Agricultural storm water discharge exemption ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures as against county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
  “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
  RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for agricultural purposes under RSMo section 64.890, outside incorporated portions of counties and outside areas shown on flood hazard area maps.
  “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes [...]”
  RSMo Section 64.890 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings and farm structures statewide, with respect to county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances.
  “no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits [...]”
  revisor.mo.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Available — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures with respect to county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
  “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
  RSMo Section 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Subdividing landLimited
Subdivision plats in the unincorporated areas of counties covered by RSMo section 64.070 after the county commission adopts subdivision regulations.
- The county commission must first adopt subdivision regulations.
- The plat must first be submitted to the planning commission.
- If the county planning commission does not report upon the plat within thirty days, it may then be deemed approved.
- If amended or rejected by the planning commission, the action may be overruled and the plat approved only by the county commission, with the reasons for overruling spread upon the county commission minutes.
- The recorder of deeds may not record the plat until receiving a certificate of authority from the county zoning enforcement officer.
- The statute also permits a county planning commission, upon written request of an incorporated area's legislative body where there is no municipal planning commission, to pass upon subdivision plats within that incorporated area; those plats are subject to county planning commission rules and approval procedures.
planning commission reporting period: 30 days (If no report is made, the plat may then be deemed approved.)
“After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
RSMo Section 64.070 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Subdivision regulations adopted by Missouri cities, towns, or villages under RSMo section 89.410.
  “The planning commission shall recommend and the council may by ordinance adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
  RSMo Section 89.410 ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT right-of-way statewide.
- A permit is required for construction of driveways and modifications to existing driveways on MoDOT right-of-way.
- An initial online request must be submitted for each planned listed activity.
- Engineered plans, traffic studies, hydraulic analysis, traffic-control plans, surety deposits, or performance bonds may be required depending on the work.
- The rule does not establish a permit requirement for driveways outside MoDOT right-of-way.
“We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Projects including mining, dredging, building construction, and other dirt-moving activities in designated flood hazard areas within participating Missouri jurisdictions.
- The source describes local county or city flood damage reduction ordinances rather than one uniform statewide ordinance.
- The project must be within a participating jurisdiction.
- The project must be within a designated flood hazard area.
- The cited rule does not apply if either condition is absent.
- Covered projects must not raise flood heights.
“Some jurisdictions (for example, county, city) require any projects in certain floodplains do not raise flood heights.”
Laws and Regulations That Might Affect You if You Mine Sand or Gravel From Missouri Streams ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Development in a Missouri community's floodplain, including applicable floodplain areas within Texas County.
  “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain. An Engineering “No-Rise” Certificate is required for all proposed development in the regulatory floodway, and must be obtained by the community before the floodplain development permit may be issued.”
  Floodplain Forms ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Required — All development in a Missouri floodplain, administered through the applicable community floodplain permitting process.
  “Regardless, some type of permit MUST be issued for ALL development in the floodplain.”
  Floodplain Forms ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Missouri Department of Natural Resources air construction permits statewide.
- Fees apply to air construction permits, not to every Missouri building or land-use permit.
- Construction permit fees include a filing fee and an hourly processing fee.
- The filing fee depends on the type of construction permit.
- The listed fees are effective January 1, 2026.
- Fees applicable until December 31, 2025 are available on the Air Construction Permit Fees white sheet.
- A convenience fee is charged for electronic payment.
portable source relocation filing fee: 300 USD · minor permit filing fee: 300 USD · minor permit processing fee: per 100 USD (hour) · general permit filing fee: 700 USD · new source review filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · prevention of significant deterioration filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · hazardous air pollutant filing fee: 6000 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee) · temporary or pilot filing fee: 250 USD (plus $100 per hour processing fee)
“Construction permit fees include a filing fee and an hourly processing fee. The filing fee is dependent on the type of construction permit.”
Air Construction Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Variable (with conditions) — Missouri onsite sewage disposal system construction, modification, and repair permit fees applicable in Texas County.
  “Effective August 28, 2026, due to changes to RSMo 701.046, the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended. 701.046 was changed to take out the $90 permit fee and authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services to set reasonable fees—effectively placing current fees on hold until the new standards take effect.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process — Temporary Permit Fee Suspension ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Variable (with conditions) — Application fees for on-site sewage disposal system construction, modification, and repair, including work in Texas County.
  “submitting an application fee in the amount established by the city, county or department”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process — Temporary Permit Fee Suspension ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Variable (with conditions) — Missouri onsite sewage disposal system construction, modification, and repair application fees, including work in Texas County when the state fee provisions apply.
  “Effective August 28, 2026, [...] the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process — Temporary Permit Fee Suspension ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Published (with conditions) — Missouri onsite wastewater treatment system construction, modification, and repair application fees administered under the statewide DHSS OWTS program.
  “Effective August 28, 2026, [...] the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Installation or repair of most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Missouri.
- Some single-family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.
- The applicant must determine which agency has permitting authority where the work is being done.
- DHSS permitting may be administered by the DHSS Onsite Program, a local authority under contract, or a local authority via ordinance.
- Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed.
- DHSS regulates single-family residential systems and onsite or cluster systems treating domestic wastewater flows of 3,000 gallons per day or less that disperse wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.
- DNR regulates other systems, including non-single-family lagoons, systems discharging to surface waters, systems over 3,000 gallons per day, and industrial wastewater systems.
- DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks, and campgrounds if OWTS use is planned.
domestic wastewater flow threshold: <= 3000 gallons per day (Systems above this threshold are regulated by DNR when they disperse wastewater through soil treatment or absorption systems.)
“A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
OWTS Construction Permit Process ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Permit applications for work on Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way statewide.
  “Contact the Traffic Specialist a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning work and for all necessary inspections.”
  Permit Process | Missouri Department of Transportation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.
- RSMo § 64.850 applies to counties of the first class without a charter and counties of the second, third, or fourth class.
- RSMo § 64.620 applies to counties of the second or third class to which §§ 64.510–64.690 apply.
- Adoption under §§ 64.510–64.690 requires approval by vote of the people under § 64.530.
- The authority applies in unincorporated portions and not incorporated portions.
- The regulations must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
- Under § 64.090, the zoning power does not apply to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry; seasonal or temporary rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments; specified farm structures outside mapped flood-hazard areas; or underground mining entered through shafts outside mapped flood-hazard areas.
- Existing lawful uses and specified public-utility services are protected under the cited statutory schemes.
“the county commission of any county of the first class not having a charter form of government, or of any county of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.845, regulate and restrict, by order of record, in the unincorporated portions of the county, the height, number of stories, and size of buildings, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.”
RSMo § 64.850 — County commission may prescribe zoning regulations ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- General — Missouri counties adopting zoning regulations for unincorporated territory.
  “If a majority of the votes cast is in favor of county zoning, the county commission shall proceed with a program of county zoning”
  RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — Missouri county zoning of unincorporated land.
  “counties of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people [...] in the unincorporated portions of the county”
  RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
county building authorityLimited
County authority to regulate residential construction and issue building permits in unincorporated areas of Missouri.
- The authority under sections 64.170 to 64.200 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
- A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001, must obtain voter approval before adopting one under those sections.
- Only voters in the area affected by the proposed code may vote; incorporated-territory citizens cannot vote on a code affecting a county.
- The county commission must hold at least three public hearings and provide the statutory newspaper publication and county posting notices before adoption.
- Regulations adopted under section 64.180 apply to unincorporated territory, except as otherwise provided.
- Adopted or amended codes after August 28, 2001, must use a current, calendar year 1999 or later edition of a nationally recognized building code, as amended.
- A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installations governed by section 323.020.
public hearings before adoption: >= 3 hearings minimum (Section 64.180(3)) · newspaper notice: >= 15 days (Notice of hearing time and place must be published in at least two newspapers having general circulation within the county) · posted notice: >= 15 days (Notice must be posted in four conspicuous places in the county) · minimum nationally recognized building-code edition: >= calendar year 1999 edition year (Applies after August 28, 2001, under section 64.180)
“The regulations adopted shall be applicable to the unincorporated territory of the county, except as otherwise provided herein”
RSMo Section 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — County regulation of construction and issuance of building permits for buildings, including residential construction, in Missouri counties, with the practical focus on county-controlled areas outside incorporated territory.
  “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations to control the construction”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction and issue building permits ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Limited — Missouri counties' authority to require permits and regulate residential construction in unincorporated areas.
  “Before the adoption of such code of regulations, the county commission shall hold at least three public hearings thereon”
  RSMo § 64.170 — County commissions control construction; issue building permits ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Texas County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Construction, additions, alterations, moving, repair, and use of buildings, structures, parcels of land, and signs within the City of Houston, Missouri jurisdiction.
- The ordinance states that different sections may impose different requirements and the more restrictive requirement governs where applicable.
- Conditional uses and variances require applications and review under the ordinance.
- The official zoning map is adopted for all area included within the City of Houston jurisdiction.
- Fees are charged for services, with fee schedules available at the Code Official's office.
“These regulations which shall be known as the Zoning Code of Houston, Missouri, hereinafter referred to as "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Houston, Missouri".”
City of Houston Planning and Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the incorporated City of Houston, Texas County, Missouri.
  “The Planning and Zoning Commission is primarily an advisory body. Under the zoning regulations, the primary duty of the Houston Planning and Zoning Commission is to hold a hearing where public opinion can be expressed. Terms of office are staggered and appointed by the Mayor.”
  Elected Officials — City of Houston, Missouri ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Texas County, Missouri; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size for land in unincorporated Texas County, Missouri.
Building height — Building height or story limits for land in unincorporated Texas County, Missouri.
Living in an RV — Long-term or permanent RV occupancy on private land in Texas County, Missouri, including unincorporated areas.
Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes in Texas County, Missouri, including unincorporated areas.

3 more unanswered

Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Texas County, Missouri

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

Texas County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and sparse surroundings — about 5,421 people within a 30-minute drive.

How much does land cost in Texas County, Missouri?

Land in Texas County runs about $3,220 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Texas County?

Texas County gets about 45.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.6% of years.

How remote is Texas County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,421 people within a 30-minute drive and 623,939 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.

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