Building permits, zoning and land rules in Dallam County, Texas
38Index Score / 100 #223 of 254 in Texas
Unincorporated Dallam County, Texas does not require a general building permit, according to the county legal census, although no county order expressly confirming that result was found1. The census also reports no county zoning, while Dallam County administers septic as the TCEQ-authorized agent234. Subdivision platting and septic approval can still matter before construction56.
At a glance
Building permit
No general permit reported for unincorporated Dallam County; confirm with the County Judge's Office17
Zoning
No county zoning reported for unincorporated land; Dalhart has separate city rules28
Septic permits
Dallam County is the TCEQ-authorized OSSF permitting agent34
RV / tiny home
No county zoning restriction, but septic and subdivision rules still apply910
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 Dallam County, Texas?
The county legal census reports that an ordinary home on unincorporated Dallam County land does not require a general county building permit1. The official materials reviewed did not include a county adoption order expressly confirming building-code, inspection, or occupancy requirements, so ask the Dallam County Judge's Office before relying on the absence of a permit desk7. Septic and subdivision approvals are separate: an OSSF normally needs a permit, and dividing land may trigger plat review65. Industrialized housing remains subject to Texas's statewide program12.
Who is the Dallam County building department, and how do you reach it?
Dallam County does not publish a dedicated building-department contact, consistent with the census result that no general county building permit is required1. Start with the Dallam County Judge's Office for current guidance on unincorporated construction, inspections, occupancy documents, and the day-to-day OSSF contact7. The office page says the County Judge presides over and votes on the Commissioners Court7. Subdivision applicants first submit a plat to the County Judge for review, then request placement on a regular Commissioners Court agenda after approval13.
Does Dallam County have zoning?
The county legal census reports no zoning ordinance for unincorporated Dallam County2. Texas grants county zoning authority only in limited special areas, not general zoning power here14. The county therefore sets no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, building-height limit, or accessory-dwelling restriction9. Platted subdivisions are different: proposed plats must show ingress, egress, and building setback lines15. Inside Dalhart city limits, city zoning applies and manufactured-home placement requires Planning and Zoning Board approval8.
How do septic permits work in Dallam County?
Dallam County is the TCEQ-authorized agent for on-site sewage facilities, although the county website does not identify the office processing applications day to day4. A permit and approved plan are normally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF6. Texas allows a narrow exemption for a qualifying single-family tract of at least 10 acres when every condition is met, including professional evaluation and at least 100 feet between every system component and the property line16. About 80.8% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field17. Ask the County Judge's Office for the current application contact7.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Dallam County?
Unincorporated Dallam County has no county zoning rule restricting RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, temporary camping, or minimum dwelling size9. That answer does not override septic, deed restrictions, floodplain conditions, or municipal requirements. On a subdivision lot or ranchette, a dwelling, trailer, or mobile home must connect to a septic or disposal facility meeting state specifications10. Dalhart has separate city zoning, and manufactured homes inside city limits need Planning and Zoning Board approval8. Ask the County Judge's Office about any occupancy document before moving in7.
Building a home in Dallam County: the steps, in order
Confirm the parcel is outside municipal limits; Dalhart applies city rules within the city188.
If land is being divided, determine whether platting applies and submit the plat first to the Dallam County Judge513.
Contact the county before installing or repairing septic67.
Confirm access; subdivision plats must show vehicle ingress and egress, while state-highway driveways use the TxDOT process1519.
Ask whether any inspection or occupancy document applies7.
What should you check before buying land in Dallam County?
Verify legal access, plat status, city limits, deed restrictions, flood exposure, water supply, and the proposed septic area before closing. Subdivided land cannot be conveyed until Commissioners Court approval and recording, subject to statutory exceptions20. Dallam County averages about 16.1 inches of precipitation, and severe drought occurs in about 39.1% of years, making dependable water central to due diligence2122. Private-well requirements were not confirmed countywide, so identify the groundwater authority for the parcel. Typical effective property tax is about 1.5%, with a median annual bill near $2,0652324.
Watch-outs
Dallam County's published materials did not confirm a building-inspection or certificate-of-occupancy program; ask the County Judge's Office7.
Dallam County is the authorized OSSF agent, but its day-to-day septic office and current fees were not identified47.
Dalhart's city zoning and building-code process applies inside Dalhart, not automatically to unincorporated Dallam County818.
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.
Dallam County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Dallam County scores
Seclusion79100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1392% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability26100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% ev.
Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
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Answers from the rulebook for Dallam County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Dallam County rules
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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.”
SetbacksSpecified
Structures on lots in a subdivision bordered by intersecting roads in unincorporated Dallam County
Applies to lots bordered by intersecting roads.
The setback is measured from the convergence of the curb lines or edges of the roads bordering the lot.
Obstructions to the prescribed lines of sight may be ordered removed upon 30 days written notice.
The owner may request a hearing before the Dallam County Commissioners Court within the 30-day notice period.
If the owner does not comply, the Commissioners Court may remove the obstruction and assess expenses against the owner; notice of expenses within 60 days may result in a lawsuit and judgment lien.
minimum setback: >= 30 feet (From the convergence of the curb lines or edges of the bordering roads; applies to structures on lots bordered by intersecting roads.)
“structures situated on lots bordered by intersecting roads shall be set back at least 30 feet from the convergence of the curb lines”
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 homesLimited
Manufactured or mobile homes placed on subdivision lots or ranchettes in unincorporated Dallam County.
The home must be connected to septic or disposal facilities meeting state-law specifications and conditions.
If the subdivision is within a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, approval of the nearest incorporated city is required before final Commissioners Court approval.
“all dwellings, trailers or mobile homes placed on subdivision lots or ranchettes must be connected to septic or disposal facilities”
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org.
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 (with conditions)
On-site sewage facility permitting and administration in Dallam County, including review of OSSF permit applications, inspections, complaint investigations, and administration of the OSSF program within the agent's jurisdiction.
The county acts as the TCEQ-listed OSSF Authorized Agent for Dallam County.
Administration is under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, and the TCEQ-approved OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution.
The authorized agent must submit monthly reports accounting for collected $10 fees.
TCEQ may investigate the authorized agent's compliance not more than once a year.
The specific Dallam County office or staff role that processes applications day to day was not identified on the official county main page or the official TCEQ pages opened.
authorized agent identifier: 620240 · monthly OSSF fee accounted for by agent: 10 USD
“AUTHORIZED AGENT [...] DALLAM COUNTY (DALLAM) AR NUM 620240 ATC 5”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
County — OSSF permitting authority for Dallam County, including systems reported under the Dallam County authorized-agent entry.
“AUTHORIZED AGENT DALLAM COUNTY (DALLAM) AR NUM 620240 ATC 5”
County — OSSF permitting and administration in Dallam County, Texas, within the authorized agent's area of jurisdiction.
“AUTHORIZED AGENT DALLAM COUNTY (DALLAM) AR NUM 620240 ATC 5”
Septic permitRequired
Constructing, installing, altering, extending, repairing, or operating an OSSF in Dallam County under the county's OSSF permitting jurisdiction.
A permit and approved plan are required for the covered OSSF activities.
Local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
The 10-acre exemption applies only if all stated conditions are met: a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer; 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; effluent disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is 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.
Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the applicable local program or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have not had a significant increase in use or otherwise been altered.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (Single-family dwelling and all other TCEQ conditions must also be satisfied.) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (All parts of the OSSF must satisfy the setback.) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours after repairs begin (Applies to listed emergency repairs exempt from permitting.)
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Owner-initiated subdivision of land outside the city limits of incorporated cities in Dallam County into two or more parts, including individual lots or public-use areas or amenities
The regulation is subject to the exceptions found at Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, including sections 232.001 and 232.0015.
No portion of subdivided land may be conveyed until the plat has been approved by the Dallam County Commissioners Court and recorded in Dallam County public records.
Plat review begins with submission to the Dallam County Judge; after approval by the Judge, the applicant requests placement on a regular public meeting agenda of the Commissioners Court.
A subdivision plat must include required roads, drainage, utility, septic or waste-disposal, easement, dedication, and related information.
If the subdivision is within a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, the nearest incorporated city or applicable city must approve the relevant portions before final county approval.
The listed plat fee schedule includes a $275 total for plats/maps, $40 for plat extra pages, $155 recording fee plus $10 management fee and $10 record archive fee for replats, and $40 for replat extra pages.
minimum number of parts triggering plat requirement: >= 2 parts (Owner must be subdividing one tract into two or more parts outside city limits, subject to statutory exceptions.) · plat/map total fee: 275 USD (Fee schedule in the regulations.) · plat extra pages: 40 USD (Fee schedule in the regulations.)
“No portion of subdivided land may be conveyed until a plat of same has been approved by the Dallam County Commissioners Court and recorded”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Land in Dallam County outside the city limits of an incorporated city when the owner proposes to divide one tract into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision, individual lots, or public-use areas or amenities.
“who proposes to subdivide one tract into two or more parts [...] must prepare a plat for approval as provided in section D below.”
Driveway accessRequired
Proposed subdivisions on land in Dallam County outside the city limits of incorporated cities, including vehicle ingress and egress to the proposed subdivision.
The requirement applies through the subdivision plat process and is subject to the exceptions in Texas Local Government Code § 232.001 and exemptions in § 232.0015.
The plat must be approved by the Dallam County Commissioners Court and recorded in Dallam County public records before subdivided land may be conveyed.
If any portion of the proposed subdivision is within a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, the governing body of that city must approve the applicable portion before submission to the Commissioners Court and before final county approval.
Plat submissions must also designate building setback lines for lots.
The fee schedule lists a $225.00 recording fee, $10.00 management fee, $10.00 record archive fee, and $275.00 total for plats/maps; plat extra pages are $40.00.
“A plat must also illustrate ingress and egress points for vehicle traffic flowing into and out the proposed subdivision, and must designate building setback lines for lots.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Dead-end roads in Dallam County subdivisions outside incorporated city limits when the road does not terminate at an intersection or at a traffic circle providing access to an intersection.
“Dead-end roads that terminate at a point other than intersection with another street, or at a traffic circle that provides for access to an intersection with another street, must extend to and terminate in a cul-de-sac with a minimum radius of 50 feet right-of-way and that allows for driveway access off of the cul-de-sac and onto the adjoining lots.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Subdivision plat approval for land outside incorporated city limits in Dallam County.
The applicant should first submit the plat to the Dallam County Judge for review and comment.
After the Judge's approval, the applicant should request that the matter be placed on the agenda for a regular public meeting of the Dallam County Commissioners Court.
No portion of subdivided land may be conveyed until the plat is approved by the Commissioners Court and recorded in Dallam County public records.
A subdivision in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction requires approval by the relevant city before final Commissioners Court approval.
The Commissioners Court may require surety, cash deposit, or other financial security for roads and drainage, not exceeding estimated construction cost.
“submit the plat to the Dallam County Judge”
Building permitNot required
Dallam County's only land-use controls are subdivision platting and OSSF; consistent with Texas counties lacking authority to require building permits in unincorporated areas, no county residential building permit is imposed.
The county regulates only subdivision platting and on-site sewage; Texas counties have no general zoning authority over unincorporated land and none is exercised here.
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 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.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
A tract outside municipal limits divided into two or more parts in Texas, including Dallam County, when no part is laid out as described by Texas Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3) and the land is to be used primarily for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use.
The exemption applies only if the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3).
The land must be used primarily for agricultural use under Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production under 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 Dallam County regulations state that they are subject to the exemptions found at Section 232.0015.
“the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use [...] or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use”
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.”
Inside cities and towns in Dallam County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedPartial
Building-code requirements for construction subject to the City of Dalhart permit process
Plans must be submitted to the Inspector in person at City Hall or by email.
The city page states compliance with the 2015 International Building Codes.
The page also lists city building-permit fees, including $100 minimum for new residential construction and $200 minimum for new commercial construction.
new residential building permit fee: 0.15 USD per square foot ($100 minimum) · new commercial building permit fee: 0.2 USD per square foot ($200 minimum)
“Plans must be submitted to the Inspector either in person at City Hall or via email. Plans must be compliant with the 2015 International Building Codes.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning and related land-use approval within the City of Dalhart municipal boundaries
Manufactured homes must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board before placement within city limits.
The city states that zoning of the property may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning.
The official city forms page links to the municipal Code of Ordinances and a Zoning Map.
“Manufactured homes must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board before they can be placed in the city limits. Zoning of the property may also need to be changed to Special Use zoning.”
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 building permit, inspection, or occupancy requirements in Dallam County, including unincorporated areas.
Inspections — Building inspection requirements in Dallam County, including unincorporated areas.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy or certificate-of-compliance requirements in Dallam County, including unincorporated areas.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Dallam County, Texas, including systems other than a conventional permitted OSSF.
Well permit — Private water-well permitting in Dallam County, Texas.
2 more unanswered
Mandatory utility hookup
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.
Water rights & wells in Dallam County
Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Texas’s water agency.
Actively managed
This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.
Household wellExempt up to a limit
Texas groundwater is governed by the rule of capture; a Groundwater Conservation District must exempt qualifying domestic/livestock wells and may not restrict their production, but well registration and spacing rules can still apply and the exemption does not cover wells serving a platted subdivision.
Limit: Domestic/livestock well exempt from GCD production permitting if on a tract >10 acres AND incapable of producing >25,000 gal/day (Tex. Water Code §36.117)
Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Texas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.
Living off-grid in Dallam County, Texas
Is Dallam County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Dallam County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16.1″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Dallam County, Texas?
Dallam 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 Dallam County Environmental Health Department (TCEQ authorized agent, 30 TAC Ch. 285). 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 Dallam County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Dallam County is allowed: Unincorporated Dallam County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Dallam County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing dallam.org. 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 Dallam County, Texas?
Land in Dallam County runs about $1,909 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Dallam County?
Dallam County gets about 16.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 39.1% of years. On water rights, Dallam County lies in the Dallam County Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ-designated northern-Panhandle Ogallala critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply..
How remote is Dallam County?
A representative private-land location has about 8,387 people within a 30-minute drive and 351,243 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Dallam County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
