Andrews County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Andrews County, Texas does not require a general building permit for a home¹. The county has no zoning ordinance, so county rules do not set minimum home size, lot size, setbacks, or limits on RV and tiny-home occupancy²³. Septic is different: the Andrews County Health Department administers permits and inspections for on-site sewage facilities⁴. Subdividing land also triggers county plat review, including added requirements when a plat involves a floodplain⁵⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: No general home permit required in unincorporated Andrews County¹
Zoning: No county zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas²³
Septic permit: Required through the Andrews County Health Department unless every state exemption condition is met⁷⁸
Residential septic fee: $250⁷
RV / tiny home living: No county zoning limit in unincorporated Andrews County; sanitation requirements still apply³⁸
Minimum home or lot size: None set by county zoning in unincorporated Andrews County³
Owner-builder exemption: We could not confirm a separate exemption; no residential building-permit program was identified⁹¹
Subdivision review: County review and fees apply to preliminary, final, and amended plats or replats⁵

Who to call

Septic permits

Andrews County Health Department, On-Site Septic Facility (OSSF) Program

OSSF permit information, fees, plan review, and installation inspections for Andrews County

432-524-1434

208 NW 2nd Street, Andrews, TX 79714

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Andrews County does not require a general building permit for an ordinary home, and no county building-permit or inspection department was identified¹. That answer is limited to county review outside municipalities; we could not confirm an Andrews County building code, building inspection, or certificate-of-occupancy rule¹. Texas gives counties only limited building authority, including fire-code authority for qualifying counties and covered commercial, public, and larger multifamily buildings, plus residential standards in counties that meet statutory conditions and formally adopt them¹⁰. State code editions do apply to industrialized housing, buildings, modules, and modular components, rather than to every conventional building statewide¹¹. For a factory-built or modular project, confirm the state program requirements with the manufacturer before ordering¹¹.

Who handles building and land permits in Andrews County?

Andrews County has no listed general building-permit department for unincorporated home construction¹. The Andrews County Health Department is the practical first permit office for a rural homesite because it administers the county's on-site sewage facility program⁴. The Health Department's OSSF office is at 208 NW 2nd Street, Andrews, TX 79714, and its phone number is 432-524-1434¹². A separate county process applies when land is divided: preliminary plats, final plats, and amended plats or replats are submitted with the applicable fees for county review⁵. Andrews County's subdivision application covers projects outside city limits and municipal extraterritorial jurisdictions, while also providing a place to identify an applicable municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction⁵. The county has not confirmed a general driveway-access rule, well-permit rule, or named floodplain administrator, so ask the County Judge's Office which office handles those parcel-specific questions before designing the site¹.

Does Andrews County have zoning?

Unincorporated Andrews County has no county zoning ordinance². Because Andrews County lacks county zoning authority, county rules do not set zoning districts, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, or limits on accessory dwellings³. The same county-level answer applies to RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, and temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Andrews County³. Texas county zoning authority is limited to particular places and subjects rather than granted generally to every county¹³. No county zoning does not erase private deed restrictions, subdivision plat obligations, septic rules, or requirements imposed inside a municipality; Andrews County regulates subdivision plats, and septic construction requires county approval unless a state exemption applies⁵⁷⁸.

How do septic permits work in Andrews County?

The Andrews County Health Department and its OSSF officer administer septic plan review, permitting, and installation inspections⁴. Start with a 911 addressing receipt, a completed application, a licensed site evaluation, and the permit fee; installation cannot begin until Health Department approval arrives⁷¹⁴. The residential permit fee is $250, the commercial fee is $500, and a commercial installation requires professional design and a licensed professional installer⁷. When installation is complete, leave the system uncovered and give the inspector at least 24 hours' notice; failed work must be corrected and reinspected, with a $150 fee possible under the stated reinspection condition¹⁵. A permit application remains valid for 12 months, after which an unfinished system requires a new fee⁷. Texas has a narrow exemption for a single home on at least 10 acres only when every condition is met, including a licensed site evaluation, all system parts at least 100 feet from property lines, and disposal remaining on the tract⁸.

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

County zoning does not restrict RV living, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, or temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Andrews County³. Andrews County also sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, or setback there³. Sanitation remains the main permitting constraint: constructing, installing, altering, extending, or repairing an on-site sewage facility requires approval unless every condition of a Texas exemption is satisfied⁸. Andrews County's septic application expressly includes a single RV among the listed property uses, but that form establishes the septic process rather than a separate land-use approval for living in an RV⁷. The county has not confirmed utility-connection rules, off-grid sanitation alternatives, or a certificate-of-occupancy process, so take the proposed dwelling and wastewater plan to the Health Department before committing to a setup¹⁶¹.

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

Confirm that the parcel is outside municipal limits and determine whether a subdivision plat or replat is involved; Andrews County reviews preliminary, final, and amended plats or replats⁵.

Secure the 911 address receipt and hire a licensed site evaluator for the septic site evaluation¹⁴.

Submit the completed OSSF application and fee to the Andrews County Health Department, then wait for authorization before installation begins⁷.

Install the approved system, leave it uncovered, post the 911 address signage, and arrange the county inspection with at least 24 hours' notice¹⁴¹⁵.

If access connects to a Texas state highway, submit Form 1058 to TxDOT and receive an executed permit before work in the right of way begins¹⁷.

Build the home without a general Andrews County residential building permit, while separately confirming any industrialized-housing requirements or private restrictions that apply to the project¹¹¹.

What should you check before buying land in Andrews County?

Check wastewater feasibility first: 88.9% of Andrews County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, but the county still requires a licensed site evaluation and approval for a permitted system¹⁸⁷. Verify water carefully because annual precipitation averages 14.3 inches and severe drought occurs in 34.4% of years¹⁹²⁰. Confirm legal access and identify whether the road is a state highway, because a new or modified state-highway driveway requires TxDOT approval²¹. If the tract will be divided, budget for county plat review; a final plat has a $500 base fee plus $10 per lot, while a preliminary plat in a floodplain has a $1,000 base fee plus $10 per lot⁵²². For subdivision plats touching a floodplain, the checklist can require mapped flood information, elevations, and an engineering study under the stated conditions⁶. We could not confirm a general floodplain construction permit outside subdivision review, so ask the County Judge's Office before building in a mapped hazard area²².

Watch-outs

Andrews County has not confirmed a general certificate-of-occupancy or building-inspection process, so ask the County Judge's Office about any project-specific sign-off before construction¹.
A subdivision plat involving a floodplain can require flood-zone information, minimum floor elevations, and engineering analysis, but the reviewed material does not establish a general non-subdivision floodplain permit⁶.
An OSSF installation must remain uncovered for inspection, and the owner or installer must give at least 24 hours' notice¹⁵.

Sources

Written September 28, 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.

How Andrews County scores

Seclusion72100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.

Admin Boringness8290% ev.

Durability52100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost7796% ev.

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

$268kTypical home

1.3%Property tax

$1,595Land / acre

14.3"Annual rain

34.4% of yrsSevere drought

44.5 / yr (+32)Mid-century 100°F days

37.3 daysMid-century dry spell

1.28" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.21×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,419Home insurance / yr

0.4% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

148,465People within 2 hr

7,854Radius comparison (15 mi)

12.4People / sq mi

0%Federal land

100%Land at 15% slope or less

88.9%Septic soil without severe limits

817,904 acWorkable land screen

0.2%Wooded land

0.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

63.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Andrews County

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

Andrews County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
On-site sewage facilities in Andrews County
- The Andrews County Health Department and County OSSF officer administer the local permitting and inspection process.
- The county process operates under Texas OSSF requirements.
“The County OSSF officer (Designated Representative - DR) will review application forms and issue an Authorization to construct, via telephone, normally within 3 working days.”
On-Site Septic Facility (OSSF) Inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction and operation of an on-site sewage facility in Andrews County
- A 911 addressing receipt, completed application, site evaluation, and permit fee are required.
- Installation cannot begin until health-department approval is received.
- Commercial installations require professional design and a licensed professional installer.
- Permit applications are valid for 12 months; systems not completed within that period require a new permit fee.
residential permit fee: 250 USD · commercial permit fee: 500 USD · permit application validity: 12 months (Systems not completed within the initial period must pay a new permit fee.)
“The installation process cannot begin until you receive approval from the health department.”
Procedure for obtaining an On Site Sewage Facility Permit in Andrews County ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation inspection for an on-site sewage facility in Andrews County
- The system must remain uncovered for inspection.
- The owner or installer must provide at least 24 hours' notice.
- The DR conducts all inspections.
- A failed inspection requires explanation and re-inspection; additional re-inspection fees may apply.
minimum inspection notice: >= 24 hours · re-inspection fee: 150 USD (Additional fee may apply if more than one re-inspection is required.)
“Upon completion of system installation, do not cover the system, the property owner or installer must notify the OSSF Inspector (Designated Representative - 524-1434) and set up an appointment for an inspection. ACHD requires at least 24 hour notice prior to inspection.”
Procedure for obtaining an On Site Sewage Facility Permit in Andrews County ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plat applications in Andrews County, including projects outside city limits and municipal ETJs
- Applications may be preliminary plats, final plats, or amended plats/replats.
- Applications must be submitted with required fees for county review.
- The application form states that receipt does not confirm acceptance of a complete application and does not waive additional requirements.
final plat base fee: 500 USD (Plus $10 per lot.) · preliminary plat in floodplain base fee: 1000 USD (Plus $10 per lot.)
“By signing this form, the owner of the property authorizes Andrews County to begin proceedings in accordance with the process for this type of application indicated on page one of this application.”
Andrews County, Texas Subdivision Application ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Subdivision plats in unincorporated Andrews County that include a 100-year floodplain or adjacent lots requiring floodplain-related plat information.
- The plat must show the location, zone classification, and FEMA panel effective date of the 100-year floodplain.
- If a FEMA Zone A unstudied floodplain is within the plat, or a watercourse has 64 acres of upstream area, an engineering study sufficient to establish a Base Flood Elevation, a minimum first-floor elevation for each adjacent lot, the basis for that minimum elevation, and an electronic HEC-HMS/HEC-RAS model must be provided.
- Where Zone AE exists, the BFE from the associated FEMA-published flood study may substitute for the engineering study.
- The minimum first-floor elevation must be 1 foot higher than the highest spot within 5 feet outside the building perimeter, or 1 foot above the BFE, whichever is higher.
- The minimum first-floor elevation requirement applies regardless of whether the BFE is based on a FEMA-regulated floodplain or an engineering study.
- The checklist addresses subdivision plat review and does not establish a countywide non-subdivision development-permit requirement.
minimum first-floor elevation above highest spot within 5 feet outside building perimeter: 1 foot (or 1 foot above the BFE, whichever is higher) · upstream area threshold for specified watercourse review: 64 acres (applies when a watercourse is within the plat)
“Show a minimum FFE for each lot adjacent to the floodplain, as 1 foot higher than the highest spot within 5 feet outside building perimeter”
Andrews County Subdivision Checklist (Rev. 9/1/2020) ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Subdivision plat applications involving a preliminary plat in a floodplain
  “PRELIMINARY PLAT IN FLOODPLAIN: $1,000 + ____ lots x $10 per lot = $______”
  Andrews County, Texas Subdivision Application ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Andrews County OSSF permit and inspection process
- Obtain a 911 address receipt; obtain and complete the application; obtain a licensed site evaluation; submit the application and fee; receive authorization to construct; install; notify the inspector; obtain final approval.
- Incomplete forms or missing information can delay approval.
normal authorization time: 3 working days (Normally, after the County OSSF officer reviews the application.)
“A completed application is required for permit approval.”
Procedure for obtaining an On Site Sewage Facility Permit in Andrews County ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building permitNot required
Andrews County lists no building permit or inspection department, and under Texas law counties have no general authority to require single-family building permits in unincorporated areas (limited county permits under LGC Ch. 233 apply mainly to commercial/multifamily).
Andrews County government website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas ('there are no zoning regulations' outside city limits); Andrews County lists no zoning department.
Bexar County - County building/zoning authority FAQ (Texas framework) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

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:”
Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.
- A local public agency may receive access driveway permitting authority for state highways, but TxDOT approval remains required for drainage impacts on the state highway system before local approval.
- No access driveway is permitted within a flared or widened right-of-way section at an intersection of a state highway with another highway, road, or street.
- All entrances and exits, including radii, must be confined within the permittee's property frontage.
- One-way 45-to-90-degree driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane-divided highways; otherwise the driveway angle must be 75 to 90 degrees.
- ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards apply.
private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · driveway-to-pavement radius: >= 15 feet
“A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from county building requirements
Inspections — Building inspections in Andrews County
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or comparable occupancy approvals in Andrews County
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across municipalities and unincorporated areas of Andrews County
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Andrews County

4 more unanswered

Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
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 Andrews County, Texas

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

Andrews County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.3″ of rain a year, in severe drought 34.4% of years.

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

Andrews 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 Andrews County Health Department (Registered Sanitarian, TCEQ authorized agent). 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 Andrews County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Andrews County is allowed: Unincorporated Andrews County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Andrews County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Andrews County, Texas?

Land in Andrews County runs about $1,595 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Andrews County?

Andrews County gets about 14.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 34.4% of years.

How remote is Andrews County?

A typical private-land location has about 7,854 people within 15 miles and 592,972 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building and land permits in Andrews County?

Does Andrews County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Andrews County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Andrews County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Andrews County in Texas

How Andrews County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Andrews County

Andrews County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Andrews County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Andrews County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Andrews County?

How remote is Andrews County?

How Andrews compares in Texas