Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Somerset, Texas
Somerset is a city in Bexar County, Texas. Somerset adopts its own zoning, so inside its limits Somerset’s rules apply, not the county’s. 3 rules below are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked, most recently on November 12, 2026. Rules for unincorporated land are on the Bexar County page.
Answers from the rulebook for Somerset
Somerset’s own rules
Building permitRequired
Construction, renovation and installation projects inside Somerset city limits
Listed examples include room additions, garages and carports, sheds, driveways, fences over two feet, swimming pools, plumbing, electrical.
List is not exhaustive; contact city hall if unsure.
Permit applications emailed to city; building permit application and contractor registration forms.
“a permit is required for many types of construction, renovation, and installation projects within the city of somerset.”
Local zoningPresent
Land inside Somerset city limits (Bexar County)
The city page describes zoning regulations and zoning variance/annexation requests; the zoning ordinance text itself was not located.
“the city of somerset uses zoning regulations to guide how land is used and developed within city limits.”
Permit processPartial
Permit applications inside Somerset city limits
Page links a building permit application, contractor registration, inspection request and a master fee schedule; details not reviewed.
“permits are required for several types of work in somerset. email completed forms to admin.assistant@somersettx.gov.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Somerset or Bexar County directly.
Owner-builder exemption — Inside Somerset city
Building code adopted — Inside Somerset city
Inspections — Inside Somerset city
Certificate of occupancy — Inside Somerset city
Zoning districts — Inside Somerset city
22 more unanswered
Minimum dwelling size
Minimum lot size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Who permits septic
Septic permit
Septic inspection
Off-grid sanitation
Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Subdividing land
Driveway access
Building in a floodplain
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.
Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Somerset publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Bexar County’s page lists the county offices to call.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Somerset means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
