Crosby County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Q: Does Crosby County have zoning?

Unincorporated Crosby County has no county zoning program. As a result, county zoning does not impose a minimum home size, minimum lot size, setback, building-height limit or use district on rural land. That answer is limited to county zoning: a deed restriction, subdivision covenant, utility condition or incorporated city's ordinance is a separate layer. We could not confirm countywide rules for floodplain development, short-term rentals or utility connections; ask the Crosby County Judge's Office about the parcel rather than treating the lack of zoning as a waiver of every possible approval. Agricultural land divisions outside municipal limits can qualify for a state platting exception when the land remains in a qualifying agricultural, ranch, wildlife-management or timber use and no streets or other purchaser-use areas are laid out.

Unincorporated Crosby County, Texas does not require a general building permit for a home and has no county building department¹. Crosby County also has no county zoning, so county rules do not set land-use limits such as setbacks or minimum home size²³. Septic systems still require approval unless a narrow state exemption applies; TCEQ identifies Garza County as the authorized agent administering Crosby County⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: No general county permit for a home in unincorporated Crosby County¹
County zoning: No county zoning in unincorporated Crosby County²
Septic permits: Garza County administers Crosby County's TCEQ-authorized OSSF program⁴
RV / tiny home: No county zoning restriction, but septic, utilities and any city rules still need separate confirmation³⁵
Minimum size / setbacks: No county zoning standard in unincorporated areas³
Owner-installed septic: Potentially allowed for an owner-occupied single-family property, subject to the permitting authority's requirements⁶⁷
Water wells: HPWD permits apply only within the district's part of Crosby County; wells below 17.5 gallons per minute do not need an HPWD permit⁸

Who to call

Septic permits

Crosby County OSSF Authorized Agent (administered by Garza County)

OSSF permit administration for Crosby County; the record separately lists the permit office at 201 W Aspen St, Crosbyton, TX, 79322

(806) 990-4810

[email protected]

412 E 15TH ST POST, TX, 79356 - 2716

Well permits

High Plains Water District, Lubbock Office

Water-well permits and registration within the district's portion of Crosby County

806.762.0181

2930 Avenue Q Lubbock, TX 79411-2499

Also useful

Crosby County Judge's Office

County-level questions when no specialized building, zoning, floodplain or road office is published

806-675-2011

[email protected]

201 W Aspen St Crosbyton, TX 79322

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 Crosby County, Texas?

No general residential building permit is required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Crosby County, and the county publishes no building department¹. Texas county building authority is limited to specified circumstances, and we could not confirm that Crosby County adopted a residential code, inspection program or certificate-of-occupancy process⁹. A factory-built modular project is different: industrialized housing and building components must meet the statewide codes governing that program¹⁰. Property inside an incorporated city can also face city requirements, so confirm municipal rules when the parcel is inside city limits. For a rural parcel, the practical approvals are more likely to involve septic, a regulated well, floodplain questions or access than a general county house permit.

Who handles permits and land questions in Crosby County?

Crosby County does not publish a building or planning department because the county does not run general residential building-permit or zoning programs¹². TCEQ's official record identifies the Crosby County OSSF Authorized Agent, administered by Garza County, for septic questions and lists a permit-office location in Crosbyton¹¹⁴. High Plains Water District handles regulated wells only for the part of Crosby County inside its boundary¹²⁸. For county-level questions without a published specialist—especially floodplain development, county-road access or an unusual use—start with the Crosby County Judge's Office at the courthouse¹³. A driveway connecting to a state highway goes through the local TxDOT district process, not a general Crosby County building desk¹⁴.

Does Crosby County have zoning?

Unincorporated Crosby County has no county zoning program². As a result, county zoning does not impose a minimum home size, minimum lot size, setback, building-height limit or use district on rural land³. That answer is limited to county zoning: a deed restriction, subdivision covenant, utility condition or incorporated city's ordinance is a separate layer. We could not confirm countywide rules for floodplain development, short-term rentals or utility connections; ask the Crosby County Judge's Office about the parcel rather than treating the lack of zoning as a waiver of every possible approval¹³. Agricultural land divisions outside municipal limits can qualify for a state platting exception when the land remains in a qualifying agricultural, ranch, wildlife-management or timber use and no streets or other purchaser-use areas are laid out¹⁵.

How do septic permits work in Crosby County?

TCEQ identifies Garza County as the authorized agent administering OSSF permits for Crosby County⁴¹¹. Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan before an OSSF is constructed, installed, altered, extended or repaired⁵. The installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the system is ready, and the authority conducts a construction inspection before an inspected system can be used¹⁶. The statewide exemption for a single-family home on at least 10 acres is narrow: it also requires a licensed site evaluation, at least 100 feet from every system part to the property line, on-property effluent disposal, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, and no other dwelling on the tract⁵. Only 34.9% of Crosby County soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, so obtain the site evaluation before fixing the house location¹⁷. An owner may install a qualifying single-family OSSF only when the local authority allows it and all local requirements are met⁷.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Crosby County?

County zoning does not restrict RV or tiny-home occupancy on land in unincorporated Crosby County, and county zoning sets no minimum home size or setback³. That does not answer sanitation: an OSSF normally needs approval, and the state acreage exemption applies only when every listed condition is satisfied⁵. We could not confirm a Crosby County rule specifically addressing off-grid toilets, utility connections or short-term rentals, so ask the Crosby County Judge's Office and the septic authorized agent before placing or occupying a unit¹³¹¹. A tiny home built as industrialized housing must comply with the state codes for that program even though Crosby County has no general residential permit¹⁰. Parcels inside a city require a separate check of that city's ordinances because the county answer is for unincorporated land.

What are the steps to build a home in Crosby County?

Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits and review the deed and survey; Crosby County's no-permit and no-zoning answers apply to unincorporated land¹².

Ask the Crosby County Judge's Office about floodplain status and county-road access because we could not confirm a published county process for either issue¹³.

Contact the septic authorized agent for a site evaluation, local application requirements and inspection scheduling before installing an OSSF¹¹⁵¹⁶.

Check the High Plains Water District boundary; within its part of Crosby County, a well expected to produce at least 17.5 gallons per minute requires a permit¹²⁸.

For access to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and wait for an executed driveway permit before construction on the right of way¹⁴.

Build without a general Crosby County home permit, while still meeting any project-specific state, city, utility or private requirements¹.

What should you check before buying land in Crosby County?

Water and septic feasibility deserve early attention in Crosby County. Annual precipitation is about 20.7 inches, and severe drought occurs in 40.2% of years¹⁸¹⁹. Only 34.9% of the county's soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field¹⁷. Check whether the parcel lies inside High Plains Water District before assuming a planned well is exempt from district review⁸. The terrain is generally gentle, with 95% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but wooded cover is only 0.5%²⁰²¹. Confirm legal access, floodplain status, utility availability, deed restrictions and city limits before closing. For budgeting context, the typical home value is about $82,679, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.8%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,345²²²³²⁴.

Watch-outs

Crosby County does not publish a floodplain-development or county-driveway process; ask the County Judge's Office about the specific parcel and road¹³.
High Plains Water District covers only part of Crosby County, so confirm the parcel boundary before relying on its well-permit threshold⁸.
The statewide septic fee schedule applies when TCEQ is the direct permitting authority, not necessarily when Garza County administers the local program; ask the authorized agent for current local fees²⁵¹¹.

Sources

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.

How Crosby County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.

Admin Boringness8790% ev.

Durability32100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$83kTypical home

1.8%Property tax

$1,357Land / acre

20.7"Annual rain

40.2% of yrsSevere drought

37 / yr (+27.5)Mid-century 100°F days

30.5 daysMid-century dry spell

1.53" (+3.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.26×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,538Home insurance / yr

0% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

1,033People within 30 min

438,696People within 2 hr

4,546Radius comparison (15 mi)

5.5People / sq mi

0%Federal land

95%Land at 15% slope or less

34.9%Septic soil without severe limits

186,860 acWorkable land screen

0.5%Wooded land

1.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac

61.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Crosby County

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

Crosby County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Crosby County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Crosby County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.crosby.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Well permitLimited
Water wells in the portion of Crosby County within the jurisdiction of High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.
- A permit is required before drilling or operating a well that is not exempt under HPWD Rule 4.1.
- Wells producing less than 17.5 gallons per minute, or less than 25,000 gallons per day, are exempt from HPWD permitting but may be registered.
- An exempt well loses its exemption if the nature of its use changes so that it no longer qualifies; the owner must notify the District in writing within 30 days of facts that may cause loss of exemption.
- HPWD rules also impose well-spacing and construction requirements, including requirements that apply regardless of whether a District permit is required.
- The exact parcel-level applicability within Crosby County should be confirmed against the HPWD boundary map.
permit threshold: >= 17.5 gallons per minute (wells below this threshold are exempt from HPWD permitting) · permit threshold: > 25000 gallons per day (HPWD Rule 4.1 exempts wells producing less than this amount) · notice of changed exemption circumstances: 30 days (written notice to HPWD)
“No Person may drill or operate a Well that is not exempt from permitting under Rule 4.1”
Well Registration ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Water wells in the portion of Crosby County within High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1
  “Groundwater owners are required to apply for a permit prior to drilling and production of water from any well expected to produce 17.5 gallons of water per minute or more.”
  Elections - High Plains Underground Water Conservation District #1 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building permitNot required
Texas counties have no general statutory authority to require residential building permits in unincorporated areas, and Crosby County's official government site lists no building/permit department.
Crosby County, Texas official website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties lack zoning authority in unincorporated areas; Crosby County's official site shows no planning/zoning department.
Crosby County, Texas official website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An owner installing an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) for a single-family dwelling in Texas, including Crosby County, subject to the local permitting authority's requirements.
- The local permitting authority must allow owner installation under its local requirements.
- The owner must have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to perform the installation.
- The OSSF must be for a single-family dwelling that the owner owns.
- The owner must also own the property.
- No part of the property may be developed for sale or lease.
- All permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority must be met.
- Some systems may not be available for homeowner purchase because they must be installed by a factory representative.
- If another person assists during any phase of installation, that person must be a licensed installer of the correct level, except for a licensed electrician installing electrical components or a person delivering a treatment or pump tank and setting the tank or tanks into an excavation.
“This depends on whether the permitting authority allows this in their local requirements.”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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:”
Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components located in Crosby County and elsewhere in Texas under the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
  “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
OSSF/septic permitting in Crosby County when no local jurisdiction has been authorized by TCEQ.
- Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority.
- The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
- A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
- A permit may not be required under the stated 10-acre rule if all listed conditions are satisfied, including a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer, service to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line, on-property effluent disposal, and the single-family dwelling being the only dwelling on the tract.
- Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ are exempt from permitting but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
permit application review deadline: 30 days (The permitting authority must approve or deny the planning materials and permit application within 30 days of receipt.) · TCEQ regional office: Region 2, Lubbock · regional office address: 5012 50th St, Ste 100, Lubbock TX 79414-3426 · regional office main line: 806-796-7092 · regional office fax: 806-796-7107
“Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority. To find your permitting authority, search by the county the OSSF is to be located. The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Mixed (with conditions) — OSSF permitting and administration in Texas, including Crosby County
  “The executive director is the permitting authority unless a local governmental entity has an OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution approved by the executive director. In areas where the executive director is the permitting authority, the staff from the appropriate regional office shall be responsible for the proper implementation of this chapter.”
  On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Mixed — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
  “TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
  Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
- A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
- A 10-acre exemption may apply only if all listed conditions are met: site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
- Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin.
- Grandfathered systems may also be exempt if the stated conditions are met.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other TCEQ conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF distance from property line for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun; written report to permitting authority)
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Construction inspection of OSSFs in Crosby County under 30 TAC Chapter 285
- The installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days 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 inspection is required for the state 10-acre single-family-dwelling exemption when all listed conditions are met.
- Certain systems may require permits under other TCEQ chapters rather than the OSSF subchapter.
inspection notice lead time: >= 5 working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) · reinspection fee: may be assessed (must be paid 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.”
On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction inspection of OSSFs in Crosby County under Texas OSSF rules.
  “The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.”
  Chapter 285 - On-Site Sewage Facilities, adopted rule text ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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.”
  Basics for Septic Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production land outside municipal limits that is divided into two or more parts in Texas, including Crosby County.
- The owner must not lay out a part of the tract described by Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3), namely streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use or for use of purchasers or owners of lots.
- The land must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
- If the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use, the platting requirements apply.
- The exception applies only to land subdivided or a plat filed on or after September 1, 1999, under the Act's express applicability clause.
effective date: 1999-09-01 (Applies only to land subdivided or a plat filed on or after that date.)
“A county may not require [...] a plat of the subdivision prepared if: [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
76(R) SB 710 Enrolled version - Bill Text ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
OSSF permit applications submitted to the TCEQ executive director in Crosby County or elsewhere in Texas where TCEQ is the permitting authority.
- The source states that local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
- The cited rule provides $200 for an OSSF serving a single-family dwelling and $400 for all other OSSFs.
- A $10 fee is also collected for each OSSF permit for the commission.
- Fees are payable when the owner or owner's agent applies; payment is submitted to the appropriate regional office by money order or check payable to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
- The re-inspection fee equals one-half of the permit fee in effect when the original application was submitted.
- Application-fee refunds are not granted.
single-family OSSF application fee: 200 USD · other OSSF application fee: 400 USD · commission fee per OSSF permit: 10 USD · re-inspection fee: one-half of the permit fee in effect at original application USD
“(1) $200 for an OSSF serving a single family dwelling; or (2) $400 for all other types of OSSFs.”
On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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”
Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Inspections — Building inspections in Crosby County, including unincorporated areas
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Crosby County, including unincorporated areas
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning controls in Crosby County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas; this claim does not attribute municipal rules to the county.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Crosby County, Texas
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements for property in Crosby County.

2 more unanswered

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 Crosby County, Texas

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

Crosby County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and deep seclusion — about 1,033 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.7″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Crosby 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 Garza County, as Crosby County's TCEQ authorized agent. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

Land in Crosby County runs about $1,357 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Crosby County?

Crosby County gets about 20.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 40.2% of years.

How remote is Crosby County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,033 people within a 30-minute drive and 438,696 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles permits and land questions in Crosby County?

Does Crosby County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Crosby County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Crosby County?

What are the steps to build a home in Crosby County?

What should you check before buying land in Crosby County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Crosby County in Texas

How Crosby County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Crosby County

Crosby County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Crosby County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Crosby County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Crosby County?

How remote is Crosby County?

How Crosby compares in Texas