Archer County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Archer County, Texas has no general building-code permit, but new residential, commercial and agricultural construction requires a Flood Plain Determination before work starts; the permit costs $100 unless an elevation certificate waives the fee¹². The county has no zoning ordinance, so it sets no zoning-based limits on RVs, tiny homes or manufactured homes on unincorporated land³⁴. Archer County handles septic permits through its Emergency Management Office⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: No general building-code permit, but a $100 Flood Plain Permit/determination is required before new construction¹²
Zoning: None; Archer County has no zoning ordinance³
Septic permit: Required through the county; $300 permit fee and $400 inspection fee⁶⁷
Owner-builder exemption: Not documented; there's no general building-permit program to exempt from⁸
RV, tiny home or manufactured home: No zoning-based restriction on unincorporated land⁴³
Minimum lot size / setbacks: None set; there's no zoning ordinance to set them⁴
Subdividing land into new lots: Needs a plat under the county's Subdivision Regulations; a new First Tier subdivision application runs $750⁹
Property tax: About 1.3% effective rate; median bill around $2,317/year¹⁰¹¹

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Archer County Emergency Management Office (Flood Plain Permit)

Issues the county's Flood Plain Permit and Flood Plain Determination, required before any new residential, commercial or agricultural construction starts in Archer County

940-574-2868

Septic permits

Archer County Emergency Management Office (On-Site Sewer System Permit)

Issues the county's On-Site Sewer System (OSSF) Permit as Archer County's TCEQ-authorized agent

940-574-2868

Planning & zoning

Archer County Subdivision Regulations (Commissioners Court)

Sets plat, application and road-frontage requirements for dividing land into new lots outside Archer County's cities, adopted and enforced by the Archer County Commissioners Court

Also useful

Archer County Commissioners Court / County Judge's Office

General contact for the County Judge and Commissioners Court, which adopted the Subdivision Regulations and hears interpretation questions and variance requests under them

(940) 574-4811

100 S Center St., Archer City, TX 76351

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Archer County, Texas has no general building-code permit; the county lists a Flood Plain Permit, an On-Site Sewer System Permit and Subdivision Regulations instead¹. Construction still requires county paperwork: Archer County's Flood Plain Order requires a Flood Plain Determination before new residential, commercial or agricultural construction starts². The Flood Plain Permit costs $100, although an Engineer's Elevation Certification may waive that fee². If the site is in a Hazardous Flood Plain Area, the elevation certificate is mandatory before the county will issue the permit².

Who issues permits in Archer County, and how do you reach them?

Archer County's Emergency Management Office issues both the Flood Plain Permit and the On-Site Sewer System Permit; call 940-574-2868¹²¹³. Land divisions are handled under the county's Subdivision Regulations: a new First Tier subdivision application costs $750.00, and the regulations include a 60-foot access-width standard⁹. For subdivision interpretation or variance questions, contact the Archer County Commissioners Court through the County Judge's Office at (940) 574-4811, 100 S Center St., Archer City, TX 76351¹⁴.

Does Archer County have zoning?

Archer County has no zoning ordinance; the county regulates land only through its Flood Plain Permit, On-Site Sewer System Permit and Subdivision Regulations, not through zoning districts³. Because there's no zoning ordinance, the county sets no minimum lot size, no setback rule, no lot-coverage limit and no building-height limit on unincorporated land, and there's no zoning-based restriction on an accessory dwelling, an RV, a tiny home or a manufactured home used as a residence⁴. That's separate from the Subdivision Regulations' road-frontage standard, which applies only when you're creating a new lot, not to building on a lot you already own⁹.

How do septic permits work in Archer County?

Archer County handles on-site sewage applications locally through the Emergency Management Office⁵. An On-Site Sewer System application must be filed with the county, and the permit fee is $300⁶. County minutes separately set the OSSF inspection fee at $400, so budget for both charges and confirm the current total before applying⁷. Statewide, Texas requires a permit and approved plan to construct, alter, extend or repair an OSSF, with a narrow exception for a single-family home on at least 10 acres when every listed condition is met, including 100-foot property-line separation and no nuisance or groundwater pollution¹⁵.

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

Archer County places no zoning-based restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy on unincorporated land, because the county has no zoning ordinance to set one⁴³. That doesn't remove the county's other permits: setting up a tiny home or manufactured home as a permanent structure still triggers the Flood Plain Permit, and it will need its own On-Site Sewer System Permit if it isn't on a public sewer line¹²¹³. Industrialized (modular) housing built to Texas's statewide program follows its own code track rather than the county's Flood Plain Permit, under editions the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation adopted effective July 1, 2024¹⁶.

How do you build on land in Archer County?

Ask the Emergency Management Office for a Flood Plain Determination before construction starts; the Flood Plain Permit costs $100 unless an Engineer's Elevation Certification waives the fee².
If the property needs on-site sewage, file the OSSF application with the same office; budget $300 for the permit and $400 for inspection⁶⁷.
If you're creating new lots, review the county's Subdivision Regulations; a new First Tier subdivision application costs $750.00, and the regulations include a 60-foot access-width standard⁹.
Direct subdivision interpretation or variance questions to the Commissioners Court through the County Judge's Office at (940) 574-4811¹⁴.
If the driveway connects to a state highway, obtain TxDOT's Form 1058 driveway permit before work in the right of way¹⁷.

What should you check before buying land in Archer County, Texas?

Septic deserves an early site evaluation because none of Archer County's mapped soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field¹⁸. About 98.5% of the county has slopes of 15% or less, while only about 2.2% is wooded¹⁹²⁰. Archer County averages about 30 inches of precipitation a year and experiences severe drought in roughly 30.1% of years, so verify a private well's yield before buying²¹²². Population density is about 10 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 20 miles from the county center²³²⁴. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, with a median annual bill near $2,317¹⁰¹¹.

Watch-outs

Archer County does not document an owner-builder exemption; self-builders should ask the Emergency Management Office which floodplain and septic filings apply to their project⁸¹²¹³.
If you're building in a mapped Hazardous Flood Plain Area, an Engineer's Elevation Certification is mandatory before Archer County will issue the Flood Plain Permit; don't count on the fee waiver in that situation¹².
If your driveway connects to a state highway rather than a county road, you need TxDOT's Form 1058 permit in addition to, or instead of, any county process¹⁷.

Sources

Written September 29, 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 Archer County scores

Seclusion73100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency1796% ev.

Admin Boringness8490% ev.

Durability49100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost78100% 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 →

$248kTypical home

1.3%Property tax

$2,017Land / acre

30"Annual rain

30.1% of yrsSevere drought

54.9 / yr (+29.5)Mid-century 100°F days

26.5 daysMid-century dry spell

1.91" (+3.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.34×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,637Home insurance / yr

0.2% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

2,730People within 30 min

523,764People within 2 hr

4,632Radius comparison (15 mi)

10People / sq mi

0%Federal land

98.5%Land at 15% slope or less

0%Septic soil without severe limits

0 acWorkable land screen

2.2%Wooded land

5.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac

64.3°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Archer County

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

Archer County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us.
- 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 Archer County where the county OSSF order applies.
- The county program operates under applicable Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285 requirements.
- The official county permit page identifies Archer County as the place where the application must be filed and identifies the county Emergency Management Office as the permit location.
“The current On Site Sewer System Order for Archer County requires an application to be filled out and on file with Archer County.”
On Site Sewer System Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitRequired
On-site sewer systems in Archer County.
- An application must be filled out and on file with Archer County.
- The permit can be obtained in the Emergency Management Office.
permit fee: 300 USD
“The Cost of a On Site Sewer System Permit is $300.00.”
On Site Sewer System Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
New residential, commercial, and agricultural construction subject to Archer County’s Flood Plain Order.
- A Flood Plain Determination is required before any new construction starts.
- The Flood Plain Permit costs $100.00.
- The fee may be waived with an Engineer’s Elevation Certification.
- For construction in a Hazardous Flood Plain Area, an Engineer’s Elevation Certification is mandatory before a Flood Plain Permit is issued.
- The permit is obtained in the Emergency Management Office.
Flood Plain Permit fee: 100 USD (May be waived with an Engineer’s Elevation Certification.)
“The current Flood Plain Order for Archer County requires a Flood Plain Determination, before any new construction starts.”
Flood Plain Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished
Published Archer County fees for floodplain and on-site sewer permits.
- The OSSF permit page states a $300 permit fee.
- A September 4, 2025 commissioners’ court minute entry states that the OSSF inspection fee increased from $300 to $400.
- A floodplain permit fee may be waived when an Engineer’s Elevation Certification is provided.
OSSF permit fee: 300 USD · OSSF inspection fee: 400 USD (The September 4, 2025 minutes state this increased from $300.) · Flood Plain Permit fee: 100 USD (May be waived with an Engineer’s Elevation Certification.)
“The motion was made by Randy Jackson and seconded by Wade Scarbrough to increase the OSSF fee for inspections from $300.00 to $400.00.”
On Site Sewer System Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building permitNot required
Texas counties cannot require general building permits in unincorporated areas; Archer County's site lists only a Flood Plain Permit, On-Site Sewer permit, and Subdivision Regulations, with no county building permit.
Archer County, Texas (official county site) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties lack general zoning authority in unincorporated areas; Archer County regulates only via subdivision regulations, not zoning.
Archer County, Texas (official county site) ↗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
Septic inspectionLimited
OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
- Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
- Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
- Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
- Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.
reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)
“Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
Basics for Septic Systems ↗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
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.
- The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
- The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
- The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
- No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
- The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
- Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
- Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.
required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet
“The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
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 construction requirements in unincorporated Archer County.
Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated Archer County.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Archer County.
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning rules of municipalities and other local jurisdictions within Archer County.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in unincorporated Archer County.

5 more unanswered

Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Subdividing land
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 Archer County, Texas

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

Archer County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (30″/yr rainfall).

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

Archer 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 Archer County (TCEQ authorized agent) / TCEQ. 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 Archer County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Archer County is allowed: Unincorporated Archer County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Archer County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.archer.tx.us. 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 Archer County, Texas?

Land in Archer County runs about $2,017 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Archer County?

Archer County gets about 30" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 30.1% of years.

How remote is Archer County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,730 people within a 30-minute drive and 523,764 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 septic rules in Archer County, Texas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who issues permits in Archer County, and how do you reach them?

Does Archer County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Archer County?

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

How do you build on land in Archer County?

What should you check before buying land in Archer County, Texas?

Watch-outs

Sources

Archer County in Texas

How Archer County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Archer County

Archer County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Archer County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Archer County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Archer County?

How remote is Archer County?

How Archer compares in Texas