Bolthole Index

Collingsworth County, Texas

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

39Index Score / 100
#215 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Collingsworth County, Texas does not require a building permit for a home and has no county zoning ordinance1. Cities may set their own building-permit and zoning rules, while septic permits remain with the applicable OSSF authority and county-administered floodplain development requires a permit2,3.

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

No. Unincorporated Collingsworth County does not require a building permit to build a home.

No. Unincorporated Collingsworth County does not require a building permit to build a home1. A missing county building permit does not erase Texas energy standards: the statewide minimum for a single-family home is Chapter 11 of the 2015 International Residential Code, while the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code applies to other residences and commercial or industrial buildings10. Texas's county residential inspection framework applies only if a qualifying county adopts it by resolution or order, and we could not confirm a Collingsworth County adoption11. The framework does not require prior county approval before construction11. A septic permit generally remains necessary, and development in a county-administered mapped floodplain requires a floodplain development permit2,3. Incorporated municipalities may set their own building-permit rules; ask the city about building permits and zoning, and ask the applicable OSSF authority about septic permits.

Who issues building permits in Collingsworth County, and how do you reach them?

Unincorporated Collingsworth County has no county building permit to issue.

Unincorporated Collingsworth County has no county building permit to issue1. For parcel-specific county questions, contact the County Judge / Commissioners Court at 800 W. Avenue # 13, Wellington, TX 79095, phone 806-447-54085. We could not confirm a separate county building or zoning office. Inside an incorporated city, ask the city about its building permits and zoning approval; septic permits do not shift automatically to the city, so identify the applicable OSSF authority separately. TCEQ's OSSF Program can be reached at 512-239-3799 or ossf@tceq.texas.gov, and its contact page directs local permitting questions to the applicable authority12. County-administered mapped floodplain development also requires a floodplain development permit; ask the County Judge's office who handles that review3,5.

Does Collingsworth County have zoning?

No. Collingsworth County has no countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land.

No. Collingsworth County has no countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land1. Unincorporated Collingsworth County therefore has no county-set minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot coverage, building height, or zoning restriction on RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, or temporary camping on your own land6. No zoning does not mean no land-division rules: a rural owner dividing a tract into two or more parts for lots, a subdivision, or specified public uses generally must prepare a plat, subject to statutory exceptions7. A conditional exception covers qualifying divisions used primarily for agriculture, farming, ranching, wildlife management, or timber production, but platting requirements return if that qualifying primary use ends8. Ask the County Judge's office about any local subdivision order before splitting land5.

How do septic (OSSF) permits work in Collingsworth County?

Almost all septic systems need an OSSF permit before construction, installation, repair, extension, or alteration.

Almost all septic systems need an OSSF permit before construction, installation, repair, extension, or alteration2. Paid OSSF work must be done by a state-licensed person; a homeowner may work directly on the homeowner's own single-family residence2. A narrow exemption can apply to the only single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres after a licensed site evaluation, provided every system part is at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent stays on the property, and the system causes no nuisance or groundwater pollution13. For a permitted installation, the installer gives at least five working days' notice before the system is ready, and the permitting authority conducts the construction inspection4. The authorized agent sets OSSF permit and inspection fees, with an additional $10 commission fee per OSSF permit4. We could not confirm the current Collingsworth County OSSF authority; ask the County Judge's office or TCEQ before hiring an installer5,12.

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

Yes, as far as county zoning is concerned: Collingsworth County has no county zoning restriction on RV, tiny-home, or manufactured-home occupancy on unincorporated land.

Yes, as far as county zoning is concerned: Collingsworth County has no county zoning restriction on RV, tiny-home, or manufactured-home occupancy on unincorporated land6. That answer does not waive sanitation rules; constructing, installing, repairing, extending, or altering an off-grid septic system or holding tank almost always requires an OSSF permit2,13. Development in a county-administered mapped floodplain also requires a floodplain development permit3. We could not confirm a separate county rule for long-term RV utility connections or tiny-home construction, so ask the County Judge's office about the parcel and ask the identified OSSF authority about wastewater before moving onto the land5,12.

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

Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated; inside a city, ask that city about its building permit and zoning approval.

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated; inside a city, ask that city about its building permit and zoning approval.
  2. Ask the County Judge's office whether the site is in a county-administered mapped floodplain and who issues the required floodplain development permit3,5.
  3. Design the home to the statewide residential energy standard even though unincorporated Collingsworth County does not require a county building permit1,10.
  4. Ask the County Judge's office or TCEQ to identify the OSSF authority, then obtain the septic permit and learn the inspection fee unless every exemption condition is met4,5,12,13.
  5. If access connects to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and wait for the executed driveway permit before starting work in the right of way9.
  6. If dividing the tract, resolve platting before sale or construction; qualifying agricultural-use divisions have a conditional exception7,8.

What to check before you buy land in Collingsworth County

Collingsworth County gets about 24 inches of rain a year and experiences severe drought roughly 37% of years, so price a dependable water source before closing.

Collingsworth County gets about 24 inches of rain a year and experiences severe drought roughly 37% of years, so price a dependable water source before closing14. Only about 25% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, making a site evaluation important even on acreage14. Check the flood map and budget for the county floodplain development permit if the site lies in a county-administered mapped floodplain3. For frontage on a state highway, a new or modified driveway needs an executed TxDOT driveway permit and advance notice before right-of-way construction; the rule does not cover every driveway on a county or local road9. The typical effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, with a median annual bill of $1,37814. We could not confirm the private-well permit rule or current OSSF authority, so ask the County Judge's office before closing5.

Watch-outs

  • Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance, so there's no county-set minimum lot size, setback, or dwelling-size rule -- but that also means there's no county protection against what a neighbor builds next to you6.
  • Confirm who issues the septic permit and what the OSSF permit and inspection fees will be before designing the system; the current Collingsworth County authority remains unconfirmed4,12.
  • Development in a county-administered mapped floodplain needs a floodplain development permit even though unincorporated Collingsworth County does not require a general building permit1,3.
  • The Texas owner-builder provision is only a conditional exception from a notice-related penalty for someone building or contracting their own primary residence; it is not a blanket waiver of inspections, septic, fire, or other rules11.
  • Dividing unincorporated land can trigger platting even without zoning, and the agricultural-use exception is conditional on the tract's use and layout7,8.

Sources

14 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Collingsworth County, Texas (official county site) (2026 county census)
  2. Basics for Septic Systems
  3. Appendix C — Region 1 Existing Floodplain Management Practices
  4. tceq.texas.gov
  5. Collingsworth County Judge / Commissioners Court (co.collingsworth.tx.us)
  6. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  7. Local Government Code Chapter 232, County Regulation of Subdivisions
  8. Local Government Code Section 232.0015, Exceptions to Plat Requirement
  9. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials
  10. Local Ordinances
  11. 81(R) H.B. No. 2833 — Enrolled version
  12. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), OSSF Program (tceq.texas.gov)
  13. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System
  14. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Collingsworth County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleCollingsworth CountyWheeler CountyDonley CountyChildress CountyHall CountyGray CountyHardeman County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTCEQTX Commission on Env. QualityTCEQ Regional OfficeTCEQTCEQTCEQ Region 1Not published

County locator

Collingsworth County in Texas

39
County map
Collingsworth County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Collingsworth County scores

39 / 100 · #215 of 254 in Texas · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1496% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability25100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8196% 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 →

$102kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$1,213Land / acre
24.2"Annual rain
36.8% of yrsSevere drought
48.4 / yr (+28.8)Mid-century 100°F days
27.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.59" (+2.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.31×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,361Home insurance / yr
-6.9% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
2,743People within 30 min
366,178People within 2 hr
2,685Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
96.7%Land at 15% slope or less
25.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
141,803 acWorkable land screen
0.6%Wooded land
3.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Collingsworth County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Dodson · Wellington

Answers from the rulebook for Collingsworth County

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

Collingsworth County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Collingsworth County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.collingsworth.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 in a floodplainRequired

    Development in mapped floodplain areas of Collingsworth County, including county-administered areas.

    • The Texas Water Development Board table reports that Collingsworth County has floodplain management regulations.
    • The county has adopted minimum regulations pursuant to Texas Water Code Section 16.3145.
    • The county is an NFIP participant.
    • The table reports that the county has not adopted higher standards.
    • The table's Low rating is under floodplain management practices, not level of enforcement; the level-of-enforcement field is blank.
    • The source definition states that Low floodplain management practices provide permitting of development in the floodplain, may not perform inspections, and may not issue fines or violations.
    • No existing stormwater or drainage fee is reported in the table.

    floodplain management regulations: yes · adopted minimum regulations pursuant to Texas Water Code Section 16.3145: yes · NFIP participant: yes · higher standards adopted: no · floodplain management practices: Low · existing stormwater or drainage fee: no

    “Collingsworth County Yes Yes Yes No Low No [...] Low – provides permitting of development in the floodplain, may not perform inspections, may not issue fines or violations.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally lack zoning authority in unincorporated areas, and the official Collingsworth County site shows no planning or zoning department.

    Collingsworth County, Texas (official county site) ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.

    • A person purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for their own use or their company’s use may file for an installation permit instead of registering as an industrialized builder.
    • A person responsible for assembly, connection, and on-site construction for persons other than themselves must be registered as an industrialized builder.
    • Municipalities may require applicable local permits and licenses before construction begins when the municipality regulates the installation.
    “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual building the individual's own new residential construction or acting as the individual's own contractor under the Texas residential building-code subchapter.

    • The exemption applies to the penalty for failure to provide proper notice under Sections 233.154(b) and (c), not to a general exemption from all building, inspection, septic, fire, or other requirements.
    • The individual must build the new residential construction or act as the individual's own contractor.
    • The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
    • The underlying residential building-code subchapter must apply to the county through a county resolution or order and the statutory geographic or population condition.
    “Sec. 233.157. PENALTY. [...] (c) An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection if: (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • 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:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Building energy codes applicable statewide in Texas, including Collingsworth County.
      “The minimum state-mandated code for single-family homes is Chapter 11 of the 2015 International Residential Code. The applicable code for other residences and commercial and industrial buildings is the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. These energy codes are effective statewide.”
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective 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:”
  • InspectionsLimited

    New residential construction in the unincorporated area of a Texas county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring the residential building-code subchapter and meets the statutory geographic or population condition.

    • The subchapter applies only if the county has adopted a resolution or order requiring its application.
    • The county must either be within 50 miles of an international border or have a population of more than 100.
    • New residential construction means a single-family house or duplex on a vacant lot, or an addition to an existing single-family house or duplex increasing the existing building's square footage or value by more than 50 percent.
    • The definition excludes structures constructed under Occupations Code Chapter 1201 and modular homes constructed under Chapter 1202.
    • For a vacant-lot single-family house or duplex, at least three inspections are required, as applicable, at foundation before concrete, framing and mechanical systems before drywall or other interior wall covering, and completion.
    • For an addition, inspections are performed as necessary based on the scope of work.
    • The builder must contract with one of the listed qualified inspectors and may use the same or different inspectors.
    • If the county requires it, the builder must provide preconstruction notice and submit post-final-inspection notice no later than the 10th day after the final inspection.
    • A municipality's building code in its extraterritorial jurisdiction controls if applicable.
    • The subchapter does not require prior county approval before new residential construction and the county may not charge a fee to defray enforcement costs.
    • The enactment took effect immediately if it received the required two-thirds vote; otherwise it took effect September 1, 2009.

    minimum inspections for vacant-lot new residence: >= 3 inspections (as applicable) · post-final-inspection notice deadline: <= 10 days (only if required by the county)

    “Sec. 233.152. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only to a county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring the application of the provisions of this subchapter and that: (1) is located within 50 miles of an international border; or (2) has a population of more than 100. [...] Sec. 233.154. INSPECTION AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS. (a) A person who builds new residential construction described by Section 233.153 shall have the construction inspected to ensure building code compliance in accordance with this section as follows: (1) for new residential construction on a vacant lot, a minimum of three inspections must be performed during the construction project to ensure code compliance”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction and first installation of industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings in Texas; on-site inspections outside a municipality or in a jurisdiction without a building-inspection department are addressed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Site inspections are required for the first installation of all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Industrialized housing and buildings subject to the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings rules, where a local building official administers certificate-of-occupancy rules.

    • The certificate of occupancy is issued by the local building official in accordance with locally adopted rules and regulations.
    • A building or structure may not be used or occupied, and its occupancy classification may not be changed, until the local building official issues a certificate of occupancy under those locally adopted rules.
    • The state rule provision does not itself create a uniform certificate-of-occupancy process for all Texas construction; local adoption and administration control for this industrialized-housing/buildings provision.
    “The local building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the locally adopted rules and regulations.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    OSSF permitting, inspection, and administration throughout Texas.

    • TCEQ administers the program in areas where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • A local governmental entity may administer the program only after an order, ordinance, or resolution is approved by TCEQ.
    • The authorized agent administers the program within its approved area of jurisdiction.
    • Local programs may adopt requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    “The authorized agent is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, including reviewing OSSF permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and more.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
      “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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs in Texas, subject to stated exemptions and local requirements.

    • A permit and approved plan are required for construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF.
    • A permit is generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.
    • A local permitting authority must be checked because local programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation standards; a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; service to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; on-site effluent disposal; and the single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the local program was authorized or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny planning materials and the permit application within 30 days of receipt.

    minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other stated conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun) · permit application decision deadline: <= 30 days (from receipt by permitting authority)

    “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Collingsworth County under Texas minimum requirements.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of an OSSF, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Collingsworth County, subject to the Texas minimum rules and any more-stringent local permitting requirements.
      “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    • Limited — On-site sewage facilities in Texas, including Collingsworth County.
      “Almost all OSSFs must have a permit prior to any construction, installation, repair, extension, or other alteration. Any work on an OSSF must be performed by a licensed installer or directly by the homeowner when it is their single-family residence. If someone is paid for any part of the process, that person must be licensed by the state.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OSSF construction inspections in Collingsworth County under the cited Texas OSSF rules, subject to the rule's exemptions and any authorized-agent requirements.

    • The installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days, Monday through Friday excluding holidays, before the OSSF will be ready for inspection.
    • The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.
    • If the OSSF fails inspection, it cannot be used until it passes inspection.
    • A reinspection fee may be assessed and must be paid before reinspection.
    • No planning materials, permit, or inspection are required for a qualifying OSSF serving a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres when the OSSF is not causing a nuisance or polluting groundwater, all parts are at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent is disposed of on the property, and the dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
    • The cited TCEQ compilation identifies the reproduced rule as adopted December 5, 2012, effective December 27, 2012, and revised May 2017.

    inspection notice: >= 5 working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) · reinspection fee payment: before reinspection

    “The installer shall notify the permitting authority at least five working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) before the date the OSSF will be ready for inspection. The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSF installation oversight in Texas, including Collingsworth County, where an authorized agent or designated representative performs the stated functions.
      “In most areas of the state, local authorities have taken on the responsibility for ensuring that OSSFs in their area comply with all state requirements. Many local governments are "authorized agents" (AA) of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for administering the OSSF Program. 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.”
    • Limited — OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
      “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.”
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

    • An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
    • A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    • Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the 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”:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid domestic sewage treatment through an OSSF, including a septic system or holding tank, in Collingsworth County.
      “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies”
    • Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
      “Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.

    • A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
    • A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
    • Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
    • Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Utility service to subdivided land in a county any part of which is within 100 miles of an international border, contains the majority of the area of a municipality with a population greater than 250,000, and is not a county within 50 miles of an international border, where Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, Subchapter B applies.

    • The utility must receive either a commissioners-court certificate under Local Government Code §232.028(a), or a commissioners-court determination under §232.028(b)(1) that the plat has been reviewed and approved.
    • The operative restriction excepts Local Government Code §232.0291(d) and §232.037(c).
    • The underlying subchapter applies only to land subdivided into two or more lots intended primarily for residential use in the county's jurisdiction; a lot of five acres or less is presumed residential.
    • The underlying subchapter does not apply if the subdivision is a qualifying gift between relatives within the third degree, if all subdivision lots exceed 10 acres, or to a county to which Subchapter G applies.
    • For this subchapter, county jurisdiction means land in the county outside municipal corporate limits, except where a municipal-county agreement under Local Government Code §242.001 authorizes municipal plat and permit regulation in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
    “Except as provided by Subsection (d) or Section 232.037(c), a utility may not serve or connect any subdivided land with water or sewer services unless the utility receives a certificate issued by the commissioners court under Section 232.028(a) or receives a determination from the commissioners court under Section 232.028(b)(1) that the plat has been reviewed and approved by the commissioners court.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Water and sewer (with conditions) — Utility service to subdivided land in a county any part of which is within 50 miles of an international border, where Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, Subchapter B applies.
      “Except as provided by Subsection (c) or Section 232.037(c), a utility may not serve or connect any subdivided land with water or sewer services unless the utility receives a certificate issued by the commissioners court under Section 232.028(a) or receives a determination from the commissioners court under Section 232.028(b)(1) that the plat has been reviewed and approved by the commissioners court.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A tract outside municipal limits divided into two or more parts in a manner covered by Local Government Code § 232.0015(c), where the land is used primarily for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes.

    • The owner must not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3), which concerns streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use.
    • The land must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
    • If the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use, the platting requirements of the subchapter apply.
    • Other Chapter 232 requirements or statutory exceptions may also apply.

    divided parts: >= 2 parts (The exemption described applies when the owner divides the tract into two or more parts.) · qualifying land use: primarily agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production

    “A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if: (1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and (2) the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Texas professional-engineering licensing for a person or entity constructing or preparing plans for a private building used exclusively for farm, ranch, or agricultural purposes, or storage of raw agricultural commodities.
      “exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter if: [...] (E) a private building to be used exclusively for: (i) farm, ranch, or agricultural purposes”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Texas professional-engineering licensing for a garage or other structure pertinent to a qualifying private dwelling or limited-size apartment building.

    • The person or entity must not make or imply a representation that engineering services have been or will be offered to the public.
    • The accessory structure must be a garage or other structure pertinent to a private dwelling, a one-story apartment building with no more than eight units, or an apartment building no more than two stories high with no more than four units.
    • This is an exemption from Chapter 1001 engineering-licensing requirements, not an affirmative exemption from locally administered building permits, zoning, septic, floodplain, well, or other requirements.
    • The Section 1001.056 exemption does not apply to engineering design or inspection necessary for residential-dwelling windstorm certification under Insurance Code Chapter 2210, Subchapter F.
    • The Section 1001.056 exemption does not apply to engineering design for a residential-dwelling slab on qualifying expansive soil unless the work meets IRC requirements as applied in the jurisdiction where the dwelling is located.
    “exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter [...] (D) a garage or other structure pertinent to a building described by Paragraph (A), (B), or (C);”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of a tract located outside municipal limits in Collingsworth County when the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, lots, or public-use streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts.

    • The state rule applies to land outside the limits of a municipality.
    • The plat requirement is subject to statutory exceptions, including Section 232.0015 and other applicable Chapter 232 provisions.
    • Municipal or extraterritorial-jurisdiction rules may apply where authorized by law.

    minimum divided parts: >= 2 parts (The statute describes divisions into two or more parts.)

    “The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: (1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition; (2) lots; or (3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicated to public use”
  • 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 construction or modification of access driveways on state highway right-of-way serving property in Collingsworth County.
      “The width of a private residential driveway shall not exceed 24 feet”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    OSSF permit and inspection fees applicable to OSSF permitting in Collingsworth County, depending on whether the program is administered by an authorized agent or by TCEQ.

    • The authorized agent sets OSSF permit and inspection fees within its jurisdiction.
    • A $10 fee is assessed for each OSSF permit for the commission under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 367.
    • TCEQ states that local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    • This claim does not establish which entity is the current Collingsworth County OSSF permitting authority or whether Collingsworth County has a separate fee schedule.

    commission fee per OSSF permit: 10 USD

    “The OSSF permit and inspection fees will be set by the authorized agent. Additionally, a fee of $10 shall be assessed for each OSSF permit for the commission as required in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 367.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Municipal building-permit fees for constructing, renovating, or remodeling structures in Texas municipalities.
      “In this section, "building permit fee" means a fee charged by a municipality as a condition to constructing, renovating, or remodeling a structure.”
    • Published (with conditions) — A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation residential or commercial installation permit for each building containing industrialized-housing or industrialized-building modules or modular components.
      “Residential and Commercial Installation Permit | $75 for each building containing industrialized housing or buildings modules or modular components | Installation permit is in lieu of an industrialized builder’s registration in accordance with rule §§ 70.20 and 70.25.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — New or modified access driveways on state highway right-of-way serving property in Collingsworth County.
      “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058,”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
      “As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
      “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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Aggregate of municipal and other local zoning controls within Collingsworth County, including the City of Wellington and any airport-hazard zoning.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Collingsworth County, including unincorporated areas.

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 Collingsworth County, Texas

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

Collingsworth County scores 39/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,743 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (24.2″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

How much does land cost in Collingsworth County, Texas?

Land in Collingsworth County runs about $1,213 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Collingsworth County?

Collingsworth County gets about 24.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 36.8% of years.

How remote is Collingsworth County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,743 people within a 30-minute drive and 366,178 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.

How Collingsworth compares in Texas

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