Bolthole Index

Concho County, Texas

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

47Index Score / 100
#157 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Concho County, Texas does not require a county building permit for a home and has no county zoning ordinance12. The Concho County OSSF Program handles septic permits and inspections outside incorporated cities, subject to Texas exemptions34. Parts of the county also fall within a groundwater district that requires a notice before any well is drilled5.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required by the county in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
No county zoning ordinance on unincorporated land2
Septic permits
Handled by the Concho County OSSF Program outside incorporated cities3
RV and tiny-home living
No county zoning restriction on unincorporated land6
Minimum home size and setbacks
No county zoning rule on unincorporated land6
Owner-builder exemption
No formal county exemption mechanism was confirmed7
Water wells
District rules apply in the Hickory UWCD portion of the county5

Who to call

Also useful

Concho County Judge / Commissioners Court

General county-government questions when no specialized county office is listed

(325) 732-4322

152 N. Roberts, Paint Rock, Texas 76866

Septic permits

Concho County OSSF Program

OSSF inspections for Concho County outside incorporated cities

325-456-4607

Also useful

Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1

Water-well notices, registration and permits within the district's portion of Concho County

325-597-2785

[email protected]

111 E. Main Street, Brady, TX 76825

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Concho County does not require a county building permit for a home1. No separate county building-inspection requirement or certificate-of-occupancy rule could be confirmed, so ask the County Judge / Commissioners Court about current county practice before construction8. Texas gives counties only limited building authority: qualifying counties may adopt fire-code permits for commercial buildings, public buildings and larger multifamily projects, while a separate residential framework requires county adoption9.

The county has no documented owner-builder exemption mechanism7. For an ordinary unincorporated home, that is not the same as needing an exemption from a county building permit. Parcels inside Paint Rock or another incorporated city need a separate city-level check because municipal requirements are outside the county answer. Factory-built industrialized housing and modular components can also fall under a partial statewide code program even where a conventional site-built home has no county permit10.

Who handles building permits and land questions in Concho County?

Concho County does not list a separate building, planning or zoning department, which is consistent with the finding that a home-building permit is not required on unincorporated land1. For a parcel-specific question, contact the Concho County Judge / Commissioners Court at 152 N. Roberts in Paint Rock or call (325) 732-43228.

Septic work has its own contact: the Concho County OSSF Program handles county inspections outside incorporated cities at 325-456-460711. Water-well questions require another jurisdiction check. In the part of Concho County within Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, contact the district in Brady before drilling512. A new or modified driveway connecting to a Texas state highway goes through the local TxDOT district using Form 1058, and right-of-way construction cannot begin until the permit is executed13.

Does Concho County have zoning?

Unincorporated Concho County has no county zoning ordinance2. Texas county zoning authority is limited to specifically authorized places and subjects rather than being a general statewide county power14. As a result, Concho County sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit on unincorporated land6.

The same conclusion applies to county zoning restrictions on accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, tiny homes, RV occupancy and temporary camping on unincorporated land6. That answer concerns county zoning only. It does not remove septic rules, groundwater-district rules, state-highway access permits, private deed restrictions or rules inside an incorporated city. The county website does not expressly publish a building-code adoption statement, and no county floodplain-development rule could be confirmed; ask the County Judge / Commissioners Court about both before buying or placing improvements8.

How do septic permits work in Concho County?

The Concho County OSSF Program handles septic inspections in unincorporated Concho County and expressly excludes incorporated cities3. Texas generally requires a permit to construct, install, alter, extend or repair a septic system, and an authorized agent inspects construction after authorization415. Contact the county program at 325-456-4607 before choosing or installing a system11.

The Texas exemption for a single-family home on a tract of at least 10 acres is narrow: it also requires a licensed site evaluation, at least 100 feet between every system part and the property line, on-property effluent disposal, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, and no other dwelling on the tract4. Concho County's soils add practical risk because only about 9% are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field16. Budget for a site evaluation before treating a conventional system as feasible.

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

Unincorporated Concho County has no county zoning restriction on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or temporary camping6. Concho County also sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size or setback on unincorporated land6.

Wastewater remains regulated even when the dwelling type is not restricted by county zoning. Septic systems and holding tanks generally require approval, while the state's acreage exemption applies only when every listed condition is satisfied17. The Concho County OSSF Program serves locations outside incorporated cities, so call that office before planning an RV hookup or tiny-home wastewater system11. No separate county certificate-of-occupancy or utility-connection rule could be confirmed. Ask the County Judge / Commissioners Court about current practice, and verify city rules separately if the parcel is within municipal limits8.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside an incorporated city; the county permit and zoning answers here apply to unincorporated Concho County12.
  2. Call the Concho County OSSF Program before septic design or installation, and determine whether the state acreage exemption actually fits the tract114.
  3. Locate the parcel relative to Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 15. Within the district's part of Concho County, submit a Notice of Intent before drilling any well; non-exempt wells need a permit before drilling5.
  4. If access will connect to a Texas state highway, contact the local TxDOT district and submit Form 1058 before work in the right of way13.
  5. Ask the County Judge / Commissioners Court whether any parcel-specific floodplain or county process applies, because a published county floodplain-development rule could not be confirmed8.

What should you check before buying land in Concho County?

Start with water and septic feasibility. Only about 9% of Concho County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, annual precipitation is about 25 inches, and severe drought occurs in roughly 19% of years161819. Parts of Concho County lie inside Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, where every well needs a Notice of Intent and non-exempt wells need permits5.

The terrain is mostly gentle, with about 97% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but legal access still needs verification20. A driveway onto a state highway requires the TxDOT process13. Concho County is sparsely settled at about 3.4 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 82 miles from the county center2122. The typical effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, with a median annual bill near $1,6002324.

Watch-outs

  • A septic acreage exemption is not automatic: every state condition, including the site evaluation and property-line separation, must be met4.
  • Hickory Underground Water Conservation District rules apply only in its portion of Concho County, so confirm the parcel boundary before planning a well5.
  • No official Concho County floodplain-development rule was confirmed; ask the County Judge / Commissioners Court before building in or near mapped flood hazard areas8.

Sources

  1. Concho County, Texas - Official County Website (2026 county census)
  2. Concho County, Texas - Official County Website (2026 county census)
  3. Concho County Septic Site Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  4. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  5. About Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, quoted and re-checked
  6. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Concho County Judge / Commissioners Court (co.concho.tx.us)
  9. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Concho County OSSF Program (co.concho.tx.us)
  12. Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 (hickoryuwcd.org)
  13. TxDOT Access Management Manual: Permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. How to Become a Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Authorized Agent, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  18. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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

Concho County in Texas

47
County map
Concho County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Concho County scores

Seclusion81100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1696% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability37100% 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 →

$174kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$2,193Land / acre
25.1"Annual rain
19.1% of yrsSevere drought
47.1 / yr (+29)Mid-century 100°F days
27.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.85" (+6.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.34×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,993Home insurance / yr
-1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
160,467People within 2 hr
3,287Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
97.2%Land at 15% slope or less
9%Septic soil without severe limits
55,743 acWorkable land screen
2.8%Wooded land
5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
65.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Concho County

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

Concho County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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 Concho County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Concho County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.concho.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.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    OSSF/septic inspections and the county OSSF program in unincorporated Concho County.

    • The county page identifies Charles McDonald as Designated Representative for Concho County.
    • The page states that the program is for Concho County inspections only and does not include any incorporated city in Concho County.
    “Designated Representative for Concho County [...] For Concho County Inspections ONLY. This does not include any incorporated city in Concho County.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water wells located within the portions of Concho County inside the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.

    • The district covers portions of Concho County, not the entire county.
    • A Notice of Intent to Drill is required before drilling any well, whether exempt or permitted.
    • Non-exempt wells require permit applications and issuance of permits before drilling.
    • No permit is required for a well used solely for domestic use, or solely for livestock or poultry on a tract larger than 10 acres, when the well is incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day.
    • No permit is required for specified oil-and-gas-rig, Railroad Commission mining, and temporary groundwater-rig wells, subject to the conditions stated in Rule 8.2.
    • The district separately exempts a one-well-per-lot well on a lot of 10 acres or less serving no more than four households solely for domestic use, subject to the stated relationship or employment conditions.
    • A subdivision water-supply well for which plat approval is required under Local Government Code Chapter 232 is not exempt under Rules 8.2(A) and 8.2(C).
    • All non-permitted wells must be registered; exempt wells remain subject to registration and district rules.
    • Exemptions do not allow groundwater waste; exceeding an exemption or changing the exempted use or location ends the exemption and continued use without a permit violates district rules.
    • The amended rules were approved and became effective March 26, 2026.

    production threshold for specified domestic/livestock exemption: <= 25000 gallons per day (The well must be incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day.) · livestock or poultry tract threshold: > 10 acres (Applies to the stated livestock or poultry exemption.) · small-lot exemption size: <= 10 acres (Only one well per lot, no more than four households, solely domestic use, and the specified household/owner/employee relationship conditions apply.) · temporary groundwater-rig exemption duration: <= 180 days (May be extended by the District.)

    “No person shall begin to drill, substantially alter, or produce from a well without having received a permit or permit amendment from the District”
  • Building permitNot required

    The official Concho County site lists no building-permit or inspection department; under Texas law counties generally cannot require building permits in unincorporated areas.

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

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department appears among Concho County's offices; Texas counties generally lack zoning authority in unincorporated areas.

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

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.

    • The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
    • The effective date is July 1, 2024.
    • The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
    • Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
    • Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
    • Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.

    effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF/septic system in Texas, including Concho County, subject to the stated exemptions and local permitting authority requirements.

    • Local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    • An OSSF may be exempt under the 10-acre rule only if it complies with all other 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation requirements; receives a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer; serves a single-family dwelling on a tract of 10 acres or larger; 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 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 have begun.
    • Grandfathered OSSFs may not need a permit if installed before a local authorized program or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
    • Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority; the TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt and provide a written explanation for a denial.

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

    “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.”
    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 installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

    • Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
    • Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
    • Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
    • Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.

    reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)

    “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation using an OSSF, septic system, or holding tank in Texas, including Concho County.

    • OSSF permits are generally required, but the 10-acre exemption may apply if all listed conditions are satisfied.
    • The source states that local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    • Emergency repairs may be performed without a permit if reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may be exempt if all stated grandfathering conditions are met.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other TCEQ conditions) · property-line separation: >= 100 feet (all parts of the OSSF under the 10-acre exemption)

    “Permits are required for on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) including septic systems and holding tanks.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction of a new driveway or revision of an existing driveway connecting to a highway on the Texas state highway system, including applicable highways in Concho County.

    • The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
    • The applicant must complete and submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • Applications must be made by the property owner or authorized representative representing all parties in interest.
    • The application must be for securing or changing access to the owner's property, not for parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
    • No driveway construction may begin in the right of way until a fully executed permit is received and 24-hour notice is given to TxDOT.
    • The driveway must be constructed under the fully executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection determines acceptability or required modifications.
    • Drainage impacts on the state highway system must be coordinated with and approved by TxDOT before any local approval where a local agency has permitting authority.
    • A completed Form 1058 is necessary whenever new access driveways are constructed or existing access driveways are modified.

    TxDOT advance notification: 24 hours (After receipt of the fully executed driveway permit and before right-of-way construction begins.)

    “To obtain a permit to construct a driveway or to revise any existing driveway, the applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office. The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.

    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    • Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
    • The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.

    Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)

    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.

    • Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
    • Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
    • The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
    • A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
    • The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
    • Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
    • Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
    • A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
    • Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.

    county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)

    “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from county building requirements in Concho County.
  • Inspections — Building inspections in Concho County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Concho County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate of municipal or other local zoning within Concho County; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to the county.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and wastewater utility connection requirements in Concho County.
3 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Concho County, Texas

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

Concho County scores 47/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (25.1″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

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

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

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

Land in Concho County runs about $2,193 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Concho County?

Concho County gets about 25.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 19.1% of years.

How remote is Concho County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,287 people within 15 miles and 577,840 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Concho compares in Texas

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