Bolthole Index

Coke County, Texas

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

63Index Score / 100
#79 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Coke County, Texas requires no building permit and enforces no zoning on rural land12. Texas gives counties no general zoning power, so the county sets no minimum lot size, setback or building-height rule3. Septic is different: Coke County runs its own On-Site Sewage Department, permitting every system directly as a TCEQ authorized agent rather than referring residents elsewhere45. A completed application needs up to 30 days for the county to review before issuing an Authorization to Construct, and no one may begin building the system before that authorization is in hand6.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Coke County; the county has no building department1
Zoning
None countywide; no planning or zoning department appears among the county's offices2
Septic (OSSF)
Coke County's own On-Site Sewage Department permits every system: $250 for a single-family residence, $410 for commercial7
RV, tiny home & manufactured home living
Unrestricted by county rule, since Texas gives the county no general zoning power3
Minimum lot size / setbacks
None set by the county; state law doesn't give Texas counties general zoning authority3
OSSF 10-acre exemption
Available for a single-family home on a 10+ acre tract if every TCEQ site condition is met8
Septic application review
Up to 30 days for the county's Designated Representative to review before an Authorization to Construct is issued6

Who to call

Septic permits

Coke County On-Site Sewage Department (Designated Representative)

On-site sewage facility (septic) permit applications, fees and the Authorization to Construct for Coke County, as a TCEQ authorized agent

325-895-0395

2550 State Highway 70, Blackwell, TX 79506

Online permits →

Also useful

Coke County Courthouse (County Judge's Office)

General county government contact at the Coke County Courthouse; the county has no separate building or planning department to direct land-use questions to

325-453-2641

13 East 7th, Robert Lee, TX 76945

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

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

No, not on unincorporated land. Texas counties generally have no authority to require residential building permits outside city limits, and Coke County's official site lists no building-inspection department1. Texas law would let commissioners court adopt residential building standards by resolution, but only for new single-family or duplex construction started after September 1, 2009, and Coke County's official site shows no such resolution9. Texas municipalities are a different story statewide: state law adopts the International Residential Code (as it existed May 1, 2012) as the municipal residential building code, and the International Building Code as the municipal commercial code, so any incorporated city in or near Coke County follows that baseline10. If your land is inside an incorporated city, check with that city hall rather than the county.

Who do you contact about permits in Coke County?

There's no county building or planning department to call, because unincorporated Coke County has neither a building-permit program nor a zoning ordinance12. For septic systems, Coke County's own On-Site Sewage Department at 2550 State Highway 70 in Blackwell handles permits, fees and inspections directly5. For general county-government questions, the County Judge's office sits at the Coke County Courthouse in Robert Lee11.

Does Coke County have zoning?

No, not countywide. Texas gives counties no general zoning power, and Coke County has adopted no zoning ordinance for its unincorporated land, so there's no minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage or building-height rule imposed by the county itself3. No planning or zoning department appears among Coke County's listed offices at all2. If your land sits inside an incorporated city, check with that city hall directly, since a municipality's own building code and any local zoning would apply there instead of this county-level answer10.

How do septic permits work in Coke County?

Coke County runs its own On-Site Sewage Department and permits every system directly as a TCEQ authorized agent, rather than sending residents to a neighboring county or a regional TCEQ office45. Fees are $250 for a single-family residence and $410 for a commercial facility, payable to the county's Designated Representative7. The Designated Representative has up to 30 days to review a completed application before issuing an Authorization to Construct, and Coke County states there are no exceptions to having that authorization in hand before construction begins6. Once the system is installed, the county issues a permit to operate only after a successful inspection confirms it meets the state's OSSF rules12. Statewide, a single-family home on a tract of at least 10 acres can skip the OSSF permit only if every TCEQ condition is met: a licensed site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, every part of the system at least 100 feet from the property line, on-site effluent disposal, and no other dwelling on the tract8. Soils are a real constraint here: only about 17.4% of Coke County's land has no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so get a site evaluation early13.

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your land in Coke County?

Yes, as far as county rules go — Coke County has no zoning ordinance to restrict RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home or temporary-camping use on your own land, because Texas counties have no general zoning power here3. That's a statement about county land-use rules only: any structure with plumbing still needs a compliant septic system, so an RV or tiny home with a bathroom still triggers Coke County's OSSF permitting through its On-Site Sewage Department5. This freedom stops at any city line: an incorporated municipality's own building code and land-use rules apply inside its limits instead10.

Building on land in Coke County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm whether your parcel is unincorporated county land or inside an incorporated city, since the rules differ sharply2.
  2. If unincorporated, know that no county building permit or zoning approval is required before you start construction1.
  3. If you need a septic system, apply through Coke County's On-Site Sewage Department, budgeting $250 for a residential system or $410 for commercial, and wait for the Authorization to Construct before any work begins57.
  4. Once the system is installed, schedule your inspection with the county before you use it, since a permit to operate follows only a successful inspection12.
  5. If your driveway will connect to a state highway, submit TxDOT's Permit Form 1058 before you build any new or modified access14.
  6. If you're building inside an incorporated city, get building approval from that city first — the county's rules above don't apply there10.

What to check before you buy land in Coke County

Soils: only about 17.4% of Coke County's land has no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so get a site evaluation from the On-Site Sewage Department before you count on a standard system135. Access: a new or modified driveway onto a state highway needs a completed TxDOT Permit Form 105814. Flooding: Coke County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, but no official source confirms a specific county floodplain-development permit process, so ask the County Judge's office directly if your parcel is near mapped flood hazard area11. Taxes: Coke County's effective property tax rate runs about 1.2%, with a median annual bill near $1,3401516. Setting: the county has no federal land, population density is very light at about 3.7 people per square mile, and the nearest metro area is roughly 61 miles away171819.

Watch-outs

  • Coke County's official site does not explicitly say whether the county requires residential building permits or inspections; the "not required" answer here follows from Texas counties generally lacking that authority and the county's site listing no building department, so confirm with the County Judge's office for your specific project11.
  • No official Coke County floodplain-development permit rule was confirmed during research, even though the county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program; ask the County Judge's office before you build near a floodplain11.
  • "Unrestricted" RV, tiny-home and manufactured-home rules apply only to unincorporated county land; any incorporated city in Coke County follows its own building code10.

Sources

  1. Coke County, Texas - Official County Website (2026 county census)
  2. Coke County, Texas - Official County Website (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Coke County On-Site Sewage Department (2026 county census)
  5. Coke County On-Site Sewage Department (Designated Representative) (co.coke.tx.us)
  6. Coke County On-Site Sewage Facility Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  7. Coke County On-Site Sewage Facility Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  8. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 214, Section 214.212 — International Residential Code, quoted and re-checked
  11. Coke County Courthouse (County Judge's Office) (co.coke.tx.us)
  12. On-Site Sewage Facilities Permit, quoted and re-checked
  13. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  14. General Access Driveway Policy, quoted and re-checked
  15. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  16. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  18. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 24, 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Coke County in Texas

63
County map
Coke County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Coke County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency3196% ev.
Admin Boringness84100% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$156kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$1,542Land / acre
22.1"Annual rain
22.6% of yrsSevere drought
44.8 / yr (+30.4)Mid-century 100°F days
30.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.6" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.31×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,115Home insurance / yr
-1.7% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
530People within 30 min
397,164People within 2 hr
2,806Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
88.4%Land at 15% slope or less
17.4%Septic soil without severe limits
90,165 acWorkable land screen
19%Wooded land
5.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
64.9°FAvg temp

Scout Coke County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Coke County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Coke County

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

Coke County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Coke County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Coke County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.coke.tx.us.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF in Coke County

    • Coke County states that no one may begin construction until they possess the Authorization to Construct and that there are no exceptions to that construction prerequisite.
    • The county's application instructions state that the county Designated Representative has up to 30 days to review applications.
    • TCEQ states that a 10-acre-rule exemption may apply when all listed conditions are met: licensed site evaluation; 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.
    • TCEQ also states that emergency repairs may be permit-exempt but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • County fees stated in the county instructions are $250.00 for a single-family residence and $410.00 for commercial.

    single-family application fee: 250 USD · commercial application fee: 410 USD · application review period: <= 30 days · 10-acre exemption minimum tract: >= 10 acres (All TCEQ-listed exemption conditions must also be met.) · OSSF distance from property line for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet (All TCEQ-listed exemption conditions must also be met.) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (Emergency repair must be reported in writing after repairs begin.)

    “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installed OSSFs in Coke County requiring authorization to operate

    • The county application states that a permit to operate is granted only following successful inspection of the installed system.
    • The inspection must show installation compliance with the commission's OSSF rules in 30 TAC Chapter 285.
    “following successful inspection on the installed system”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Coke County on-site sewage facility permits

    • A check must be made payable to Ann Pate, Coke County Designated Representative.
    • The stated fee is $250.00 for a single-family residence and $410.00 for commercial facilities.
    • The source does not establish fees for county building, zoning, floodplain, or other permits.

    single-family residence OSSF permit fee: 250 USD · commercial OSSF permit fee: 410 USD

    “Upon completion of the forms, please mail them to me at the address below, along with a check made out to Ann Pate, Coke County DR, in the amount of $250.00 for a single family residence, or $410.00 for commercial.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Coke County on-site sewage facility permit applications

    • Completed forms and supporting materials must be mailed to the Coke County Designated Representative.
    • Incomplete forms are returned with instructions for additional information and may delay processing.
    • The County Designated Representative has up to 30 days to review applications before issuing an Authorization to Construct.
    • No construction may begin until the applicant has a copy of the Authorization to Construct; the source states there are no exceptions in Coke County.
    • Systems must meet state requirements.

    application review period: <= 30 days

    “The Coke County Designated Representative has up to 30 days to review all applications before an Authorization to Construct is issued. If the forms are incomplete in any way, they will be returned back to the owner, the installer, or site evaluator with instructions for what additional information is needed to complete the application.”
  • Building permitNot required

    Coke County's official site lists no building/inspection department, consistent with Texas unincorporated counties which lack authority to require residential building permits.

    Coke County, Texas - Official County Website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No zoning or planning department appears among the county's listed offices; Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas.

    Coke County, Texas - Official County Website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    With no county residential building permit regime, an owner may build without a county building permit; no explicit exemption statute is published.

    Coke County, Texas - Official County Website ↗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:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Municipalities in Texas, including municipalities located in or serving parts of Coke County: residential structures are subject to the statutory municipal International Residential Code, and commercial buildings are subject to the statutory municipal International Building Code.
      “To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2012, is adopted as a municipal residential building code in this state. The International Residential Code applies to all construction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, and repair of residential structures in a municipality. [...] To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the International Building Code, as it existed on May 1, 2012, is adopted as a municipal commercial building code in this state. The International Building Code applies to all commercial buildings in a municipality and to any alteration, remodeling, enlargement, or repair of those commercial buildings.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas

    • In most areas, local governments act as TCEQ-authorized agents and administer the OSSF program.
    • The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
    • Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    “TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or modified access driveways for property abutting state highways in Coke County
      “A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary whenever new access driveways are constructed or existing access driveways are modified.”
  • 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.

  • Inspections — Building inspections for residential construction in Coke County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential buildings in Coke County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Municipal and other local zoning within Coke County, aggregated countywide; the county itself is not treated as administering municipal ordinances.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Connection to public water or sewer utilities in Coke County, Texas
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in flood hazard areas of Coke County, including unincorporated areas
1 more unanswered
  • 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 Coke County, Texas

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

Coke County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 530 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (22.1″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Coke County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Coke County On-Site Sewage Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. 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 Coke County?

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

How much does land cost in Coke County, Texas?

Land in Coke County runs about $1,542 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Coke County?

Coke County gets about 22.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 22.6% of years.

How remote is Coke County?

A representative private-land location has about 530 people within a 30-minute drive and 397,164 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.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Coke compares in Texas

Compare side-by-side →See all 254 Texas counties ranked →