Bolthole Index

Burnet County, Texas

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

57Index Score / 100
#106 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Burnet County, Texas requires a limited development "Building Permit" for new residence or business projects in its permitting process, and you must obtain one before a county septic permit1. The permit and inspection path changes inside a designated flood-hazard area23. Burnet County generally handles septic permits, but LCRA regulates systems in parts of the Highland Lakes area45.

At a glance

Building permit
Limited county permit: Class A outside flood-hazard areas; Class B inside1
Zoning
No countywide zoning ordinance6
Septic permit
County-issued except where LCRA has Highland Lakes jurisdiction45
RV living
Not restricted by county zoning outside city limits7
Tiny home
Not restricted by county zoning outside city limits7
Minimum home size
No county zoning minimum in unincorporated areas7
Driveway and address
Driveway approval comes before a new 911 address89

Who to call

Building permits

Burnet County Development Services

Building (development) permits, 911 addressing and OSSF (septic) permits, as TCEQ's authorized agent, for unincorporated Burnet County

512-756-5445

[email protected]

220 S Pierce Street, Burnet, TX 78611

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

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

Burnet County uses a limited development-permit system for new residence or business projects rather than a blanket answer for every structure1. A Class A Building Permit applies outside a flood-hazard area, costs $25, and does not require a structure inspection; a Class B permit applies inside a designated flood-hazard boundary, costs $400, and requires flood-zone documentation12. All development within a designated flood-hazard area needs a permit, a site plan and pre-construction elevation certificate, followed by pre-pour and finished-construction inspections3. A county Building Permit is also a prerequisite for a county septic permit1. Ask Development Services which class applies before preparing the packet; the county has not confirmed a general structural-code or certificate-of-occupancy rule for unincorporated projects.

Who is the Burnet County building department, and how do you reach it?

Burnet County Development Services handles the county's development and OSSF paperwork; call 512-756-5445 or email [email protected]10. The office is at 220 S Pierce Street, Burnet, TX 7861110. Apply for a 911 address before filing permit applications for a new residence or business, and allow 14 to 21 business days for a complete address request9. The county will not accept or process an incomplete permit packet, but completed applications and supporting documents may be mailed or emailed9. Published application fees are non-refundable, and major credit cards carry a transaction fee11. The county has not confirmed an owner-builder exemption, so an owner acting as contractor should ask Development Services what documentation applies.

Does Burnet County have zoning?

Unincorporated Burnet County has no countywide zoning ordinance6. Because Burnet County lacks general zoning authority, county zoning does not set a minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot coverage or building-height limit, and it does not restrict accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy7. That zoning answer does not erase the county's development, septic, floodplain or driveway requirements138. City rules can differ from the rules for unincorporated land, and a complete inventory of municipal zoning was not confirmed. Buyers should verify that a parcel is outside city limits and check private deed restrictions or subdivision covenants separately, because the absence of county zoning does not answer those private restrictions.

How do septic permits work in Burnet County?

Burnet County is the usual TCEQ-authorized OSSF permitting agent, but the correct authority depends on the parcel45. LCRA regulates OSSF installation and operation within a 2,200-foot zone around the upper Highland Lakes and a 2,000-foot zone around Lake Travis; confirm the parcel on LCRA's jurisdiction map or with LCRA before applying5. For county-handled permits, obtain the county Building Permit first; a licensed installer generally submits the OSSF application with the site evaluation, system design, and any required affidavits or maintenance contract19. Most county OSSF permits cost $250, while an aerobic-system permit costs $40011. Only about 0.8% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency12.

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

On unincorporated Burnet County land, county zoning does not restrict RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping, because the county has no general zoning rule for those uses7. The same answer does not waive sanitation, floodplain or development requirements: a project using an OSSF must follow the applicable county or LCRA septic path, and development in a designated flood-hazard area requires a permit and inspections53. A new address off a county or TxDOT road also requires driveway approval before the address is assigned8. If the parcel lies inside a municipality, ask that city about its zoning and occupancy rules; a complete countywide inventory of city rules could not be confirmed. Private deed restrictions may impose separate limits even where county zoning does not.

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

  1. Determine whether the parcel is unincorporated, inside a designated flood-hazard area, and within LCRA's OSSF jurisdiction near the Highland Lakes35.
  2. Obtain driveway approval from the county commissioner for a county road or from TxDOT for an FM, RR or SH road, then submit the approved form with the 911-address application8.
  3. Apply for the 911 address and allow 14 to 21 business days for a complete request9.
  4. File the applicable Class A or Class B county Building Permit packet; incomplete packets are not processed19.
  5. Use the correct OSSF authority, then have the licensed professionals prepare the evaluation, design and supporting documents59.
  6. In a flood-hazard area, complete the required pre-pour and finished-construction inspections2.

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

Start with access: a new 911 address off a county or TxDOT road depends on prior driveway approval, so confirm that the proposed entrance can be approved before closing8. Check the flood map next, because development within a designated flood-hazard area needs a permit, elevation documentation, a site plan, inspections and 1 foot of freeboard for new or substantially improved structures3. Verify septic jurisdiction with both the county and LCRA when land is near the Highland Lakes, then make the site evaluation a purchase contingency because only about 0.8% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations512. Water-well permitting and countywide utility-connection requirements could not be confirmed; ask the applicable groundwater district and utility before relying on an off-grid plan. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, with a median annual bill near $3,4951314.

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume Burnet County is always the septic authority near the Highland Lakes; confirm whether the parcel falls in LCRA's OSSF jurisdiction before applying5.
  • A Class A permit has no structure inspection, but development in a designated flood-hazard area requires pre-pour and finished-construction inspections2.
  • Driveway approval is required before Burnet County assigns a new 911 address off a county or TxDOT road8.
  • Burnet County has not confirmed an owner-builder exemption; ask Development Services before assuming that acting as your own contractor changes the permit path15.

Sources

  1. On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) & Development Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) & Development Permits, quoted and re-checked
  3. Floodplain Development, quoted and re-checked
  4. Burnet County - On-Site Sewage Facilities and Development Permits (2026 county census)
  5. On-Site Sewage Facilities Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas (2026 county census)
  7. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  8. 9-1-1 Addressing, quoted and re-checked
  9. On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) & Development Permits, quoted and re-checked
  10. Burnet County Development Services (burnetcountytexas.org)
  11. On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) & Development Permits, quoted and re-checked
  12. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  13. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  14. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  15. (2026 county census)

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Burnet County in Texas

57
County map
Burnet County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Burnet County scores

Seclusion34100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency5296% ev.
Admin Boringness7290% ev.
Durability40100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% 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 →

$434kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$3,738Land / acre
32.1"Annual rain
30.8% of yrsSevere drought
37.3 / yr (+28.3)Mid-century 100°F days
28.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.02" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,292Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
3,298,822People within 2 hr
36,291Radius comparison (15 mi)
54.3People / sq mi
1.9%Federal land
88.9%Land at 15% slope or less
0.8%Septic soil without severe limits
5,033 acWorkable land screen
41.8%Wooded land
15.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
66.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Burnet County

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

Burnet County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    New residence or business projects requiring Burnet County development/septic permitting, including projects in and outside designated flood-hazard areas.

    • A 911 address must be applied for before any permit application.
    • A Building Permit is required to obtain a Septic/OSSF Permit.
    • Class A applies outside any flood-hazard area.
    • Class B applies in a designated flood-hazard boundary.
    • Class B requires an application, payment, an elevation certificate from a surveyor or a letter from an engineer, and/or a site plan showing the flood zone.

    Class A permit fee: 25 USD (No inspections required for the structure.) · Class B flood-zone permit fee: 400 USD (Requires flood-zone documentation described in the conditions.)

    “There are 2 types of Building Permits: Class A is "outside" of any flood hazard area, and Class B is "in" a Designated Flood Hazard Boundary; both Class permits require the same one-page application.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Burnet County building/development permits.

    • No inspections are required for the Class A structure permit.
    • Floodplain development requires pre-pour and finished-construction inspections.
    • The floodplain inspection requirement applies within designated flood-hazard boundaries.
    “Pre-pour and finished construction inspections to ensure the project meets federal, state, and local laws.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Burnet County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Burnet County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.

    • 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.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Properties in Burnet County that fall within the Lower Colorado River Authority's OSSF jurisdiction, including applicable areas near the Highland Lakes.

    • LCRA's jurisdiction must be confirmed for the specific property using the LCRA jurisdiction map or by contacting LCRA.
    • LCRA regulates OSSF installation and operation within a 2,200-foot zone around the upper Highland Lakes and a 2,000-foot zone around Lake Travis.
    • The Burnet County order excludes areas regulated under an existing rule from its general county rule.
    • The LCRA map states that the red area represents where LCRA regulates installation and operation of septic systems with OSSF.

    upper Highland Lakes jurisdiction zone: 2200 feet · Lake Travis jurisdiction zone: 2000 feet

    “Since September 1971, LCRA has regulated the installation and operation of on-site sewage facilities within a 2,200-foot zone around the upper Highland Lakes and in a 2,000-foot zone around Lake Travis.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New 911 addresses off a county road or TxDOT road.

    • Driveway approval must be obtained before the 911 address is assigned.
    • The signed and approved form must be submitted by the applicant with the address application.
    • County-road driveway approval requires a form and contact with the county commissioner to schedule an inspection.
    • FM, RR, or SH driveway approval is handled through TxDOT rather than the county commissioner.
    “All New Addresses off of a County Road or Txdot Road Must Receive Driveway Approval by the County Commissioner for That Road or Txdot Before an Address Will Be Assigned.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All development within designated flood-hazard boundary areas in Burnet County.

    • A development permit is required for any work in a designated flood-hazard boundary area.
    • Pre-pour and finished-construction inspections are required.
    • A site plan and pre-construction elevation certificate must accompany the application.
    • All new construction and substantially improved structures must have a 1-foot freeboard.
    • An A-zone 2-foot freeboard is recommended.
    • Substantially damaged or improved structures require building permits and elevation certificates when repair or improvement cost equals or exceeds 50% of the building's market value.
    • Development without a permit is illegal.

    substantial damage or improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of building market value (Applies to repair or improvement cost.) · required freeboard: 1 foot (For new construction and substantially improved structures.) · recommended A-zone freeboard: 2 feet (Recommendation, not stated as the basic required standard.)

    “All development in the Burnet County floodplain requires a permit per the Burnet County order.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Burnet County building/development and OSSF permit applications described on the official permitting page.

    • Listed application fees are non-refundable.
    • Major credit cards are accepted with a transaction fee.
    • Class B flood-zone applications require the listed flood-zone documentation.

    Class A building permit fee: 25 USD · Class B flood-zone building permit fee: 400 USD · Most OSSF permit fee: 250 USD (Aerobic system permit fee is $400.) · Aerobic OSSF permit fee: 400 USD

    “The cost of the permit for most systems is $250. The cost of a permit for an aerobic system is $400.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Burnet County 911-address, building/development, and OSSF permitting process.

    • A 911 address is required before applying for permits for a new residence or business project.
    • Incomplete permit packets will not be accepted or processed.
    • Applications may be mailed or emailed with supporting documents.
    • For OSSF permits, the licensed installer generally submits the application; a site evaluation, system design, and applicable affidavits or maintenance contracts may be required.

    911-address processing time: 14 to 21 business days (For complete requests.)

    “This page will guide you through the basic permitting process. Please follow the steps below to obtain your building/development or Septic/On Site Sewage Facility Permits.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally have no zoning authority over unincorporated areas, and Burnet County publishes no zoning ordinance; regulation is limited to plats, septic, and floodplain development.

    Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas ↗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:”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas

    • A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
    • A 10-acre exemption may apply only if all listed conditions are met: site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may also 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 OSSF distance from property line for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun; written report to permitting authority)

    “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”:”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — A homeowner acting as their own contractor for construction in unincorporated Burnet County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements in unincorporated Burnet County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning status across Burnet County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Burnet County.
  • Well permit — Water-well permitting in Burnet County.
4 more unanswered
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Burnet County, Texas

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

Burnet County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 36,291 people within 15 miles and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Burnet 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 Burnet County Environmental Services (TCEQ authorized agent). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

Land in Burnet County runs about $3,738 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Burnet County?

Burnet County gets about 32.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 30.8% of years.

How remote is Burnet County?

A typical private-land location has about 36,291 people within 15 miles and 4,017,280 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Burnet County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Burnet compares in Texas

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