Armstrong County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Armstrong County, Texas does not require a general building permit, and the county has no general zoning ordinance¹². A permit and approved plan are generally required for a new or altered septic system; TCEQ Region 1 is the state permitting authority serving Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area³⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: No general permit required in unincorporated Armstrong County¹
Zoning: No county zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas²⁵
Septic permit: Generally required through TCEQ Region 1 outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area³⁴
RV living: No county zoning restriction in unincorporated areas⁵
Tiny homes: No county zoning restriction or minimum dwelling size⁵
Owner-builder: No separate county exemption was confirmed⁶
Septic soils: Only 27.1% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field⁷
State-highway driveway: TxDOT permit required for new or modified access⁸

Who to call

Also useful

Armstrong County Judge / Commissioners Court

General county-government questions and Commissioners Court matters

(806) 553-2860

[email protected]

Armstrong County Courthouse, 101 Trice St, Claude, TX 79019

Septic permits

TCEQ Region 1 Office (Amarillo)

State OSSF permitting for Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area

806-353-9251

5809 S Western St STE 260, AMARILLO, TX 79110 - 4933

Online permits →

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 Armstrong County, Texas?

Unincorporated Armstrong County does not require a general building permit¹. Texas grants counties only limited building-regulation powers, including fire-code authority for certain commercial, public and larger multifamily buildings in qualifying counties and residential standards in counties meeting statutory conditions⁹. Armstrong County does not publish a permit page or adoption order, so ask the County Judge's office whether a recently adopted order or project-specific requirement applies before starting an ordinary house, cabin, barn or shop¹⁰. Industrialized housing, buildings and modular components remain subject to the state Industrialized Housing and Buildings program even where no general county permit applies¹¹.

Who handles building and permit questions in Armstrong County?

Armstrong County does not publish a building department or a general county permit process, and we could not confirm a county building-inspection or certificate-of-occupancy procedure¹. The Armstrong County Judge and Commissioners Court office is the practical first call for current county-level questions; its official page lists the courthouse contact information and describes the office's county administrative role¹⁰. The TCEQ OSSF directory lists Region 1 in Amarillo as the state septic authority serving Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area⁴. A driveway connecting to a Texas state highway is handled through TxDOT's permit process, not a general Armstrong County building permit¹².

Does Armstrong County have zoning?

Unincorporated Armstrong County has no county zoning ordinance². Texas county zoning authority is limited rather than a general statewide power, and no Armstrong County ordinance applies to unincorporated land¹³². As a result, unincorporated Armstrong County sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit⁵. The same conclusion applies to accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, tiny homes, RV occupancy and temporary camping under county zoning rules⁵. This answer is for unincorporated land; it does not establish the rules inside a municipality, and we could not confirm a single official source that inventories every municipality's zoning status.

How do septic permits work in Armstrong County?

A permit and approved plan are generally required to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an on-site sewage facility in Armstrong County³. TCEQ Region 1 in Amarillo is the state permitting authority serving Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area⁴. Only 27.1% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making an early site evaluation especially useful⁷. A narrow exemption may apply to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres when a licensed evaluator or engineer completes the evaluation, every OSSF component is at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent stays on the tract, no nuisance or groundwater pollution results, and the dwelling is the tract's only dwelling³.

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

Unincorporated Armstrong County has no county zoning rule restricting RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping⁵. The county likewise sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size or minimum lot size in its unincorporated area⁵. That does not eliminate sanitation requirements: an OSSF generally needs a permit and approved plan unless every condition of an exemption is met³. We could not confirm Armstrong County building-inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, utility-connection or off-grid sanitation procedures, so ask the County Judge's office about county requirements and TCEQ Region 1 about wastewater before moving onto the parcel¹⁰⁴.

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

Confirm that the parcel is outside a municipality, because this guide's permit and zoning answers apply to unincorporated Armstrong County¹².

Ask the County Judge's office whether any current county order, subdivision condition, floodplain procedure or access requirement affects the tract¹⁰.

Arrange an early septic site evaluation and contact TCEQ Region 1, the state authority serving Armstrong County outside the Greenbelt Reservoir area⁷⁴.

Obtain the required OSSF permit and approved plan unless the project meets every condition of a state exemption³.

If access connects to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058, receive the executed permit and give the required 24-hour notice before construction in the right of way¹².

For modular or industrialized construction, confirm compliance with the state program's applicable code editions and approved design package¹¹.

What should you check before buying land in Armstrong County?

Water and septic feasibility deserve early attention: Armstrong County averages 20.6 inches of precipitation annually, 35.4% of years bring severe drought, and only 27.1% of soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁴¹⁵⁷. Confirm the well rules and water source for the specific tract because no county-specific well-permit authority was identified. Check legal access and determine whether a proposed driveway meets a state highway, which requires TxDOT approval⁸. Ask the County Judge's office whether a subdivision condition or floodplain procedure applies, because neither a complete subdivision ordinance nor an Armstrong County floodplain permit process was confirmed¹⁰¹⁶. For budgeting context, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.4%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,679¹⁷¹⁸.

Watch-outs

TCEQ Region 1 serves Armstrong County for state OSSF permitting but excludes the Greenbelt Reservoir area, so verify the tract's location before filing⁴.
Armstrong County's floodplain-development permit procedure and designated administrator could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge's office before disturbing land in a mapped flood area¹⁶¹⁰.

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 Armstrong County scores

Seclusion78100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency1296% ev.

Admin Boringness8490% ev.

Durability23100% 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 →

$245kTypical home

1.4%Property tax

$1,307Land / acre

20.6"Annual rain

35.4% of yrsSevere drought

30.3 / yr (+23.1)Mid-century 100°F days

31.8 daysMid-century dry spell

1.5" (+3%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.26×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,766Home insurance / yr

0.1% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

1,830Radius comparison (15 mi)

2People / sq mi

0.3%Federal land

87.4%Land at 15% slope or less

27.1%Septic soil without severe limits

152,885 acWorkable land screen

6.1%Wooded land

2.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

59.5°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Armstrong County

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

Armstrong County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Armstrong County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Armstrong County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
- Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building permitNot required
Texas counties have no general authority to require building permits in unincorporated areas (only limited, permissive authority under Local Government Code Ch. 233 Subch. C, which this small county has not adopted).
Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas; zoning power (LGC Ch. 211/231) is limited to cities and a few specified counties, which does not include Armstrong County.
Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 ↗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
Who permits septicMixed
On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
- In most areas, local governments act as TCEQ-authorized agents and administer the OSSF program.
- The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
- Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
“TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic permitRequired
On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Armstrong County, subject to the Texas OSSF program.
- A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
- Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
- An OSSF may qualify for the 10-acre exemption when it serves a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres, receives the required site evaluation, is not causing a nuisance or groundwater pollution, has all parts at least 100 feet from the property line, disposes effluent on the property, and the dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
- Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ are exempt from permitting but must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin.
- Grandfathered systems may be exempt if the stated conditions are met.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other TCEQ conditions must be met) · minimum setback for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all OSSF parts) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs begin)
“Permits are required for on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) including septic systems and holding tanks. This page offers guidance on selecting a system and installer. A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
  “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗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
Building in a floodplainRequired
Each Texas city and county must adopt floodplain ordinances or orders as appropriate when necessary for eligibility to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
- The cited requirement concerns local-government adoption of ordinances or orders for NFIP eligibility; it does not by itself identify an Armstrong County development permit procedure or establish that Armstrong County currently participates in the NFIP.
- The Texas Water Development Board states that communities must determine the applicable regulation level, adopt appropriate model regulations, adopt a city or county resolution, and submit the application and adopted regulations to FEMA Region VI.
- No effective date for an Armstrong County order or permit procedure is stated in the source.
“The governing body of each city and county shall adopt ordinances or orders, as appropriate, necessary for the city or county to be eligible to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, not later than January 1, 2001"”
Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 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 for construction in unincorporated Armstrong County.
Inspections — Building inspections in unincorporated Armstrong County.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Armstrong County.
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning status across Armstrong County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Armstrong County.

6 more unanswered

Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Subdividing land
Short-term rentals
Permit fees

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 Armstrong County, Texas

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

Armstrong County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and deep seclusion — about 1,830 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Armstrong 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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Region 1 (Amarillo). 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 Armstrong County?

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

How much does land cost in Armstrong County, Texas?

Land in Armstrong County runs about $1,307 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Armstrong County?

Armstrong County gets about 20.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 35.4% of years.

How remote is Armstrong County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,830 people within 15 miles and 451,662 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building and permit questions in Armstrong County?

Does Armstrong County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Armstrong County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Armstrong County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Armstrong County in Texas

How Armstrong County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Armstrong County

Armstrong County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Armstrong County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Armstrong County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Armstrong County?

How remote is Armstrong County?

How Armstrong compares in Texas