Burleson County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Burleson County, Texas has no authority to create or enforce building codes and does not require a general building permit for a home¹. The one exception is land inside a mapped flood zone, where a floodplain permit is required before construction begins². Septic is a separate story: Burleson County requires an OSSF permit on every septic system in the county, new or repaired, regardless of how many acres you own³. That's stricter than the standard 10-acre septic exemption Texas law otherwise allows⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated areas; a floodplain permit is required in mapped flood zones²¹
Zoning: No countywide zoning ordinance; the City of Caldwell has its own zoning⁵⁶
Septic permits: Burleson County Environmental Department; permit required on every OSSF regardless of acreage³
RV / tiny home living: Unrestricted on private land outside zoning; RV/tiny-home parks must follow subdivision regulations⁷⁸
Minimum lot size for septic: 1 acre per dwelling with public water, 2 acres with a private well⁹
Owner-builder: No county building-permit program to require an exemption from; unconfirmed for other purposes¹⁰
Subdivision plat: Required to split unincorporated land with public-use areas, with exceptions for agricultural use, family transfers and lots over 10 acres¹¹¹²
Septic soil difficulty: Only 19.2% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field¹³

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Burleson County Floodplain Office

Floodplain development permits for construction within a mapped flood zone in Burleson County

(979) 567-2333

Suite 303, Burleson County Courthouse, 100 West Buck St., Caldwell, TX 77836

Septic permits

Burleson County Environmental Department

OSSF (septic) permit applications, inspections and Licenses to Operate for Burleson County, as the county's TCEQ-authorized agent

979-567-2360

100 W. Buck St., Suite 303, Caldwell, TX 77836

Roads & driveways

Burleson County Road & Bridge Department

Utility construction and driveway/culvert access permits in the county right-of-way; driveway/culvert applications are routed to the commissioner's precinct covering the site

979-567-0076

[email protected]

1516 FM 166, Caldwell, TX 77836

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 23, 2026.

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

No. Unincorporated Burleson County has no authority to create or enforce building codes, and doesn't require building inspections for an ordinary home, cabin, barn or shop¹. Texas law generally withholds building-permit authority from counties outside a handful of narrow situations, such as fire-code permits in larger counties covering commercial and multifamily buildings, or residential standards a county adopts by resolution near an international border¹⁴. Burleson County has not been shown to have adopted either. The one exception that does apply here: because the county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, any development within a mapped floodplain needs a permit, approved before construction begins; development outside the floodplain doesn't need one²¹⁵. If your land is inside the City of Caldwell, Somerville or Snook, that city's building-permit office handles your project instead of the county¹.

Who handles building, floodplain and septic permits in Burleson County?

There's no building department to call in unincorporated Burleson County, because the county doesn't run a general building-permit program¹. For land in a mapped flood zone, applications, plans and specifications go to the Floodplain Office, Suite 303 of the county courthouse, for review and approval before construction begins¹⁶¹⁵. Septic systems go through the Burleson County Environmental Department, the county's TCEQ-authorized agent for OSSF permits, also based in Suite 303¹⁷¹⁸. For a driveway or culvert in the county right-of-way, Road & Bridge issues the access permit and there's no application fee for it; the request is routed through the county's addressing coordinator to whichever commissioner's precinct covers the site¹⁹²⁰.

Does Burleson County have zoning?

No countywide zoning ordinance was found for Burleson County; the county's own construction-permits and subdivision pages describe only building-code, floodplain, driveway, utility and OSSF permitting, not zoning districts⁵. Texas law gives counties zoning power only for a handful of special geographic areas, such as Padre Island beaches, certain military zones and select lakes, and Burleson County is not among them, so the county cannot zone unincorporated land even if it wanted to²¹. That means unincorporated Burleson County sets no minimum home size, no setbacks, no lot-coverage limit and no building-height limit, and RVs, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings and temporary camping are unrestricted under county rules⁷. Inside the cities it's a different picture: Caldwell has adopted its own zoning ordinance dividing land into districts such as agricultural, residential, mixed-use and commercial, so land inside Caldwell's city limits follows Caldwell's rules, not the county's⁶. One county-level rule still reaches unincorporated land regardless of zoning: dividing a tract into two or more parts with streets, alleys or shared-use areas requires a subdivision plat, unless the split qualifies for an exception such as primarily agricultural use, a family transfer of four or fewer parts, or every resulting lot over 10 acres¹¹¹².

How do septic permits work in Burleson County?

Every septic system in Burleson County needs an OSSF permit from the county's Environmental Department, the TCEQ-authorized agent for the county, covering new construction, modifications and repairs regardless of acreage³¹⁷. That's stricter than Texas's usual rule: state law lets a single-family home on 10 acres or more skip OSSF permitting if a licensed site evaluator signs off, the system stays 100 feet from every property line and the dwelling is the only one on the tract, but Burleson County's own order requires a permit on every system no matter how much land you own⁴³. Fees run $330 for a residential system and $540 for commercial; a modification against an existing permit costs $165 residential or $270 commercial, and a repair is $100³. Lot size matters too: the county requires at least 1 acre per single-family dwelling with public water access, or 2 acres with a private well⁹. Every system needs a construction inspection before the county issues a License to Operate, and an active water connection, well or public supply, is required on the application²²²³. Soils help explain the strict local rule: only 19.2% of Burleson County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system¹³.

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

Outside a zoning ordinance, Burleson County sets no rule limiting how you occupy your own land, so there's no county minimum home size and no county restriction on living in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on unincorporated property⁷. That changes once you're inside a dedicated RV park, tiny-home park or campground: those developments must go through the county's subdivision regulations, capped at 15 units per acre, with an approved infrastructure plan required before construction, and a home under 600 square feet on a mobile platform is treated as an RV under those rules⁸. No official source confirms whether the county requires a certificate of occupancy for a home you build yourself, so confirm with the Environmental Department or Floodplain Office before you assume none is needed¹⁷.

Building a home in Burleson County: the steps, in order

First, confirm whether your parcel sits in a mapped flood zone using the FEMA flood map; if it does, submit a floodplain permit application, plans and specifications to the Floodplain Office before starting construction¹⁶². Next, order a site and soil evaluation early, since most of the county's soils have real limitations for a conventional drain field¹³. Then apply for your OSSF permit through the county's Environmental Department before installing a septic system; the county requires a permit on every system regardless of acreage, at $330 residential or $540 commercial¹⁷³. Confirm your lot meets the county's septic-driven minimum size, 1 acre with public water access or 2 acres on a private well, before you count on building there⁹. If you're adding a driveway or culvert onto a county road, apply for the Road & Bridge access permit, which carries no fee¹⁹²⁰. If your driveway connects to a state highway, apply through the TxDOT district office using Form 1058 and give TxDOT 24-hour notice before work begins²⁴. Finally, build: there's no countywide building-permit review or inspection to schedule for an ordinary single-family home outside the floodplain¹.

What to check before you buy land in Burleson County

Water and septic go together here: the county gets about 40.8 inches of rain a year but sees severe drought in 19.5% of years, and with just 19.2% of soils free of severe septic limitations, plan real budget for both a reliable well and a properly engineered system²⁵²⁶¹³. Land is mostly flat, with 99.7% of the county at 15% slope or less, and modest tree cover at 22.3% forested, so building sites are easy to find but shade and windbreaks may need planting²⁷²⁸. Check the FEMA flood map before you buy, since it's the one trigger for a county permit here². If you're drilling a well, contact the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District first: even an exempt domestic or livestock well needs District registration and a Certificate to Proceed with Drilling before you drill²⁹. If the tract you're buying was recently split off a larger parcel, confirm it went through the county's subdivision-plat process or qualified for an exception, since that affects road access and utility easements¹¹. Typical property tax runs about 1% effectively, with a median bill near $1,816 a year, on a typical home value around $271,930³⁰³¹³².

Watch-outs

No official source confirms whether Burleson County requires a certificate of occupancy or has an owner-builder exemption from any permit program, so confirm directly with the Environmental Department¹⁰.
Burleson County requires an OSSF permit on every septic system regardless of acreage, overriding the 10-acre exemption Texas law otherwise allows elsewhere in the state³⁴.

Sources

Written September 23, 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 Burleson County scores

Seclusion24100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency50100% ev.

Admin Boringness7290% ev.

Durability54100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$272kTypical home

1%Property tax

$4,731Land / acre

40.8"Annual rain

19.5% of yrsSevere drought

38 / yr (+27.7)Mid-century 100°F days

22.4 daysMid-century dry spell

2.48" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.41×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,710Home insurance / yr

0% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

149,476People within 30 min

9,873,026People within 2 hr

18,299Radius comparison (15 mi)

29.5People / sq mi

2.7%Federal land

99.7%Land at 15% slope or less

19.2%Septic soil without severe limits

78,428 acWorkable land screen

22.3%Wooded land

26 tonsBiomass / forest ac

68.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Burleson County

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

Burleson County rules

Building permitLimited
County building-permit requirements for construction in unincorporated Burleson County.
- The county states it has no authority to create or enforce building codes in unincorporated areas.
- For development within the floodplain, permit application and approval are required before construction begins.
- Development and construction outside the floodplain does not require a floodplain permit.
- If construction is within city limits, the applicable city offices administer building-code and permit requirements.
“Because Burleson County participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, permit applications and approval of all development within the floodplain are required before construction begins. Development and construction that occurs outside the floodplain does not require a floodplain permit.”
Permits for Construction in Unincorporated Areas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Building-code adoption across Burleson County, aggregated across unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
- Burleson County has no authority to create or enforce building codes in unincorporated areas.
- The City of Caldwell reports adopted building-code amendments in January 2025 updating codes to reflect 2021 ICC standards.
- Caldwell requires building permits before construction and requires permits to be posted at the site.
- Building-code adoption and enforcement for Somerville and Snook were not established by the official pages reviewed.
Caldwell building-code standard: 2021 ICC standards · Caldwell building-code amendment adoption: January 2025
“Amending Adopted Building Codes (ORDINANCE ADOPTED JANUARY 2025): Updating building codes to reflect 2021 ICC standards and resilience measures, such as energy efficiency, structural integrity, and hazard mitigation.”
Permits for Construction in Unincorporated Areas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Not adopted — County-created or county-enforced building codes and county-required building inspections in unincorporated Burleson County.
  “Unlike cities in Texas, the county has no authority to create or enforce building codes in unincorporated areas, nor to require building inspections. If you are constructing in a floodplain see Floodplain permitting below.”
  Permits for Construction in Unincorporated Areas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
InspectionsNot required
County building inspections for construction in unincorporated Burleson County.
- The county page separately states that floodplain permit applications and approval are required before construction in the floodplain; this claim concerns building inspections.
“Unlike cities in Texas, the county has no authority to create or enforce building codes in unincorporated areas, nor to require building inspections.”
Permits for Construction in Unincorporated Areas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 sizeSpecified
Lots in Burleson County seeking an on-site sewage facility permit.
- The county states these are a summary of an OSSF order updated as of November 1, 2023.
- With public water access, each single-family dwelling requires at least 1 acre.
- With private well access, each single-family dwelling requires at least 2 acres.
- Each living unit of a multi-family dwelling, including duplexes, is treated as a single-family dwelling for lot-size purposes.
- For property subdivided before November 1, 2023, public-water subdivisions using individual OSSFs require at least 1/2 acre lots; subdivisions without a public water system using individual OSSFs require at least 1 acre lots.
- Smaller lots subdivided before January 1, 1988 may apply for an OSSF only if the system complies with Chapter 285 and the Burleson County OSSF Order.
- For lots smaller than 1/2 acre, the system must be designed by a Registered Sanitarian or Professional Engineer, regardless of system type.
- The lot must be large enough to meet all required septic-system setbacks.
minimum lot size with public water, single-family dwelling: >= 1 acre · minimum lot size with private well, single-family dwelling: >= 2 acres · minimum lot size for pre-November 1, 2023 public-water subdivision using individual OSSF: >= 0.5 acre (property subdivided before November 1, 2023) · minimum lot size for pre-November 1, 2023 subdivision without public water using individual OSSF: >= 1 acre (property subdivided before November 1, 2023) · small-lot design threshold: < 0.5 acre (Registered Sanitarian or Professional Engineer design required)
“With public water access you will need a minimum of 1 acre for each single family dwelling.”
Environmental Department ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 homesLimited
Tiny homes in unincorporated Burleson County RV or tiny-home parks and campgrounds.
- A tiny home is defined as a home under 600 square feet, on either a mobile platform or permanent foundation.
- Tiny homes on mobile platforms are considered RVs and must follow RV rules.
- The park or campground must have an approved infrastructure development plan before construction.
- The source does not establish a general rule for a single tiny home on private land outside a covered park or campground.
tiny-home size threshold: < 600 square feet · maximum tiny-home park density: <= 15 units per acre
“Any home that falls under 600 square feet”
Burleson County Subdivision Regulations 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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 Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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
Who permits septicCounty
OSSF permitting and inspection in Burleson County.
- The Burleson County designated representative acts as the authorized agent for TCEQ.
- The application authorizes the designated representative to enter the property for lot evaluation and OSSF inspection.
“the authorized agent for Texas Commission On Environmental Quality (TCEQ)”
Burleson County Application for an On-Site Sewage Facility ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
All septic systems and OSSFs in Burleson County, including new construction, modifications, and repairs.
- The county requires permits for new, modified, and repaired septic systems.
- The county application states that a permit is required regardless of acreage.
- Applications require the listed supporting documents, including a 911 address verification letter, site and soil evaluation, system plan/design, and permit fee.
- If an installer does not request a construction inspection within one year after authorization to construct, the authorization expires and a new application and fee are required.
- Fees are subject to change.
residential new construction or system replacement permit fee: 330 USD · commercial new construction or system replacement permit fee: 540 USD · residential system modification fee when a current permit is on file: 165 USD · commercial system modification fee when a current permit is on file: 270 USD · system repair fee when a current permit is on file: 100 USD
“The county requires septic permits on ALL septic systems (OSSF) (new, modified, or repaired septic systems).”
Permits for Construction in Unincorporated Areas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
All permitted OSSFs in Burleson County before the system is placed into use.
- All systems require a construction inspection before a License-to-Operate is issued.
- A License-to-Operate is required before the septic system is put into use.
- The application states that a successful inspection must show installation compliance with TCEQ OSSF rules, 30 TAC Chapter 285.
- If the construction inspection is not requested within one year after authorization to construct, the authorization expires and a new application and fee are required.
“All systems require a construction inspection”
Burleson County Application for an On-Site Sewage Facility ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitLimited
Groundwater wells located in Burleson County, within the jurisdiction of the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District.
- Before drilling a new well, the applicant must contact the District to determine the applicable process.
- Exempt wells require District registration and a Certificate to Proceed with Drilling before drilling begins; the District reviews the well upon completion.
- Non-exempt wells require a District drilling permit before drilling, re-drilling, or replacement and an operating permit before groundwater is produced or pumped.
- Domestic or livestock wells are commonly exempt when used for domestic/livestock activity, incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day, and compliant with District requirements, including minimum water-rights requirements for new exempt wells.
- The District covers Milam and Burleson counties.
maximum production for common exempt domestic or livestock well: <= 25000 gallons per day (The well must also satisfy applicable District requirements.) · approximate maximum production for common exempt domestic or livestock well: <= 17.36 gallons per minute (Approximate equivalent stated by the District.)
“Exempt wells, which still require District registration and a Certificate to Proceed with Drilling before drilling begins.”
Drilling & Wells FAQs ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupWater (with conditions)
Properties applying for an OSSF permit in Burleson County.
- An active connection to a water supply is required for the OSSF application.
- The water source may be a private well or a public water supply; if public, the applicant must provide the water company name.
- This claim addresses the OSSF application condition, not a general countywide mandate to connect every property to public water or sewer.
“An active connection to a water supply is required!”
Burleson County Application for an On-Site Sewage Facility ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Certain divisions of land outside municipal limits where the land is used primarily for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes and no public-use or lot-owner streets, alleys, squares, parks, or similar areas are laid out.
- The agricultural exception applies only when the division does not include laying out part of the tract for streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other areas intended for public use or for purchasers or owners of lots.
- The land must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Section I-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within Article VIII, Section I-d-1.
- If the tract ceases to meet the exception requirements, it loses the exception and platting requirements apply.
- Even exempt divisions remain subject to applicable county rules and development-permit procedures, including driveway permits, OSSF, floodplain hazard management, and 9-1-1 addressing.
“the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
Burleson County Subdivision Regulations 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division and platting of tracts outside incorporated towns or cities in Burleson County, subject to the regulations and stated exceptions; ETJ property may also be subject to applicable interlocal agreements.
- A tract divided into two or more parts for subdivision, lots, streets, parks, alleys, squares, or similar public or lot-owner purposes must comply with the regulations and Texas Local Government Code Section 232.001.
- A plat is not required for specified divisions that satisfy the listed exceptions, including primarily agricultural use, certain family transfers of four or fewer parts, certain retained/remainder tracts, lots over 10 acres, Veterans Land Board sales, certain state-owned land, and the specific two-part exception in Section 3.B(7).
- Section 3.C states that exempt divisions remain subject to applicable county rules and development-permit procedures, including driveway permits, OSSF, floodplain hazard management, and 9-1-1 addressing.
- If property lies entirely outside city corporate limits and ETJs, county platting procedures apply; if it lies in a city ETJ, the applicable interlocal agreement controls.
- The county subdivision page lists a $3,000 plus $100 per lot subdivision-plat fee, $100 simplified-plat fee, $80 recording fee, and $50 subdivision-exception filing fee.
subdivision plat fee: 3000 USD (plus $100 per lot) · simplified plat fee: 100 USD · recording fee: 80 USD (paid to Burleson County Clerk) · subdivision exception filing fee: 50 USD (due when exception form and plat are submitted to Commissioners Court)
“a plat is required when a Parent Tract is divided into two or more Daughter Tracts.”
Subdivision Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Published fees for specified Burleson County permits, including subdivision plats, recording, OSSF permits, and oil-and-gas floodplain development.
- Subdivision Plat fee is $3,000 plus $100 per lot.
- Simplified Plat fee is $100.
- County Clerk recording fee is $80.00 and must be submitted separately from the plat-submittal fee.
- Residential OSSF permit fee is $330.
- Commercial OSSF permit fee is $540.
- Oil-and-gas floodplain development application fee is $500.00.
- The driveway access policy states there is no application fee for an Access Permit.
subdivision plat fee: 3000 USD (plus $100 per lot) · simplified plat fee: 100 USD · recording fee: 80 USD (County Clerk fee; separate check or money order) · residential OSSF permit fee: 330 USD · commercial OSSF permit fee: 540 USD · oil and gas floodplain application fee: 500 USD · driveway access permit application fee: 0 USD
“Plat Fees: Subdivision Plat - $3,000 + $100 per lot Simplified Plat - $100”
Subdivision Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
The county lists no zoning; Texas counties generally lack zoning authority in unincorporated areas, and the county's own page describes only subdivision, driveway, floodplain, utility, and OSSF permits.
Burleson County - Construction Permits ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

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

Inside cities and towns in Burleson County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land-use zoning within the incorporated City of Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas.
- The City of Caldwell page describes zoning districts, permitted-use controls, building size, height, placement, lot coverage, density, and setbacks.
- This claim does not apply to unincorporated Burleson County or other municipalities.
“Zoning is the regulatory system by which the City of Caldwell divides land into different districts (or zones) and establishes rules about how each area can be used—such as agricultural, large-lot residential, residential, mixed-residential, mixed-use, downtown core, general commercial, highway commercial, or industrial.”
Zoning & Land Use ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 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-permit or building-inspection requirements in unincorporated Burleson County.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings or structures in unincorporated Burleson County.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation methods other than permitted septic/OSSF systems in Burleson County.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Burleson County.

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 Burleson County, Texas

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

Burleson County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: about 149,476 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Burleson County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Burleson County Environmental Office (TCEQ-authorized agent), Burleson County Courthouse Suite 303. 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 Burleson County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Burleson County is allowed: Unincorporated Burleson County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burleson County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing burlesoncountytx.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. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Burleson County, Texas?

Land in Burleson County runs about $4,731 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Burleson County?

Burleson County gets about 40.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 19.5% of years.

How remote is Burleson County?

A representative private-land location has about 149,476 people within a 30-minute drive and 9,873,026 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building, floodplain and septic permits in Burleson County?

Does Burleson County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Burleson County?

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

Building a home in Burleson County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Burleson County

Watch-outs

Sources

Burleson County in Texas

How Burleson County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Burleson County

Burleson County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Burleson County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Burleson County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Burleson County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Burleson County?

How remote is Burleson County?

How Burleson compares in Texas