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 the county has no zoning ordinance12. That leaves no county-set minimum dwelling size, lot size, setback, or RV/tiny-home restriction on unincorporated land3. Septic systems generally need an OSSF permit, but we could not confirm the current county-specific permitting authority; ask the County Judge's office before planning a system45.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance2
Septic (OSSF) permits
Generally required; confirm the current permitting authority with the County Judge's office45
RV / tiny home / manufactured home on your land
No county zoning restriction, because the county has no zoning ordinance3
Minimum lot size / setbacks
No county rule; the county has no zoning authority in place3
Owner-builder exemption
No formal mechanism documented; there is no county building permit to be exempt from6
Driveway onto a state highway
TxDOT Form 1058 permit required before construction7

Who to call

Also useful

Collingsworth County Judge / Commissioners Court

General Collingsworth County government contact for confirming which office handles a parcel-specific question

806-447-5408

800 W. Avenue # 13, Wellington, TX 79095

Septic permits

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), OSSF Program

Statewide OSSF (septic) program information; this page directs permitting and local issues to a search for the applicable local permitting authority, since Collingsworth County lists no county septic office

512-239-3799

[email protected]

TCEQ OSSF Program MC-235, PO Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

No. Unincorporated Collingsworth County does not require a building permit to build a home1. Texas counties generally have no statewide grant of building-permit authority over unincorporated land; the narrow exception is limited to counties over 250,000 people (or adjacent to one) adopting a fire code that covers only commercial buildings, public buildings, and multifamily dwellings of four or more units -- not ordinary single-family homes, and not Collingsworth County, which is far below that population threshold8. Because there's no county building permit, there's also no county owner-builder exemption to speak of, since there's nothing to be exempt from6. This changes inside Wellington or another incorporated town, which can set its own building rules.

Who handles county business in Collingsworth County, and how do you reach them?

For general county government questions -- and for anything not covered by a specific department, since Collingsworth County has no building or zoning office -- contact the County Judge / Commissioners Court at 800 W. Avenue # 13, Wellington, TX 79095, phone 806-447-54085. For septic (OSSF) questions, the county's own website lists no local septic department, so the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's OSSF Program is the default statewide contact at 512-239-3799 or [email protected]; before assuming TCEQ handles your specific permit, confirm with the County Judge's office whether any local entity has since taken over authorized-agent status95.

Does Collingsworth County have zoning?

No. Collingsworth County has no countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land2, and Texas law grants counties zoning power only for specific, narrowly defined areas -- Padre Island in Cameron or Willacy County, the Amistad Recreation Area, certain lakes, and a handful of other named places -- none of which include Collingsworth County10. Because of that, unincorporated Collingsworth County has no county-set minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage, or building-height rule, and no county restriction on RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, or temporary camping on your own land3. That's an absence of a county rule, not a rule that everything is permitted everywhere: Wellington and any other incorporated town would zone within its own limits.

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

On-site sewage facilities (OSSFs, including septic systems and holding tanks) are regulated under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC 28511. We could not confirm the current county-specific permitting authority; TCEQ's contact page directs applicants to search for the applicable local permitting authority, so ask the County Judge's office who currently receives Collingsworth County applications before planning a system95. Statewide, a permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF unless it qualifies for Texas's 10-acre exemption, which requires a single-family home on at least 10 acres, a site evaluation by a licensed evaluator, all system parts at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent disposed of on the property, and no other dwelling on the tract4. Once a permit is issued, the installer must give the permitting authority at least five working days' notice before the system is ready for a construction inspection12.

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

Yes, as far as county zoning is concerned: because Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance, there's no county rule restricting RV, tiny-home, or manufactured-home occupancy on unincorporated land3. That covers land use, not utilities: any wastewater system still needs an OSSF permit unless it qualifies for the state's 10-acre exemption, and you should confirm the current local permitting authority before installing one49. For parcel-specific questions about long-term RV or tiny-home living, ask the County Judge's office whether another county process applies5.

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

  1. Confirm your parcel is truly unincorporated and outside Wellington or another municipality, since city rules don't apply outside city limits but do apply inside them.
  2. Before installing septic, call the County Judge's office to confirm the current local OSSF permitting authority, then apply through TCEQ or the confirmed local authority unless your property qualifies for the state's 10-acre exemption594.
  3. Give the permitting authority at least five working days' notice before your OSSF is ready for its construction inspection12.
  4. If your driveway connects to a state highway, contact the local TxDOT district office and submit Form 1058 before construction; no work may begin in the right of way until the permit is fully executed and TxDOT has 24 hours' notice7.
  5. For anything else -- general questions, road issues, or county process -- contact the County Judge / Commissioners Court5.

What to check before you buy land in Collingsworth County

Water and drought are real considerations here: Collingsworth County gets about 24 inches of rain a year and sits in severe drought roughly 37% of years, so budget for a resilient water source1314. Soils are moderate for septic, with about 25% of the county's soils free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation still matters15. The land is mostly open and gentle, with 97% at 15% slope or less and under 1% forest cover, and no federal land in the county, so access and clearing are rarely obstacles161718. It's sparsely populated, with about 2.8 people per square mile and roughly 2,600 residents countywide; the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 91 miles from the county center192021. Property taxes run a typical effective rate of 1.3% with a median annual bill of $1,3782223. Before closing, confirm the current septic permitting authority and any well-permit rules with the County Judge's office5.

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 you3.
  • The county's website lists no local septic department; TCEQ's own contact page says to search for the applicable local permitting authority rather than naming one for Collingsworth County, so confirm who actually issues your OSSF permit before you plan a system9.
  • Local OSSF permitting programs can be more stringent than the state minimum, so don't assume the statewide 10-acre exemption automatically applies here without checking with the permitting authority first4.

Sources

  1. Collingsworth County, Texas (official county site) (2026 county census)
  2. Collingsworth County, Texas (official county site) (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  5. Collingsworth County Judge / Commissioners Court (co.collingsworth.tx.us)
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials, quoted and re-checked
  8. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), OSSF Program (tceq.texas.gov)
  10. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. TCEQ On-Site Sewage Facility Program Contacts (2026 county census)
  12. On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation, quoted and re-checked
  13. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  14. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  15. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  16. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  18. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  20. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Collingsworth County in Texas

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

How Collingsworth County scores

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%Septic soil without severe limits
141,803 acWorkable land screen
0.6%Wooded land
3.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.9°FAvg temp

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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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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 permitNot required

    Texas counties have no general authority to require building permits or inspections in unincorporated areas, and the official Collingsworth County site lists no building/permit department; septic (OSSF) and floodplain permits may still apply.

    Collingsworth County, Texas (official county site) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • 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) ↗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
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Collingsworth County under Texas minimum requirements.

    • A permit and approved plan are required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.
    • Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • A permit exemption may apply under the 10-acre rule only if the property receives a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; serves a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; is not causing a nuisance or polluting groundwater; all OSSF parts are at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent is disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the applicable date, are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have not had a significant increase in use or otherwise been altered.

    minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all stated conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF setback for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: 72 hours after repairs begin (written report to permitting authority)

    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    On-site sanitation through an OSSF or septic system for property in Collingsworth County where the system complies with Texas OSSF requirements.

    • OSSFs, including septic systems and holding tanks, are allowed subject to permit and approved-plan requirements unless a stated exemption applies.
    • The system must comply with applicable planning, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance requirements.
    • A qualifying 10-acre single-family dwelling exception may remove planning, permit, and inspection requirements only when every stated condition is met.
    • Boreholes, cesspools, and seepage pits are prohibited for installation or use.

    minimum tract size for specified permit and inspection exception: >= 10 acres (all stated 10-acre rule conditions apply)

    “Permits are required for on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) including septic systems and holding tanks. This page offers guidance on selecting a system and installer.”
  • 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 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.”
  • 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 in unincorporated Collingsworth County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or compliance in unincorporated Collingsworth County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning controls within Collingsworth County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Well permit — Private water-well permitting in Collingsworth County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer utilities for property in Collingsworth County.
3 more unanswered
  • Subdividing land
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

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

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.

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

Collingsworth 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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) OSSF Program - Region 1 (Amarillo). 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 Collingsworth County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Collingsworth County is allowed: Unincorporated Collingsworth County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Collingsworth County has no zoning ordinance. 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. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Collingsworth compares in Texas

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