Bolthole Index

Denton County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Argyle, Texas

Argyle, Texas requires building permits for new construction, additions, alterations and repairs inside town limits.1 In Denton County, Argyle administers its own municipal zoning and publishes septic installation and repair permit fees; the county septic program covers unincorporated land.234 RV dwelling use is prohibited in Argyle’s SF-10 and SF-20 districts.5

At a glance

Building permits
Required for new construction, additions, alterations and repairs1
Zoning
Town zoning; standards depend on the district2
Septic permits
Argyle lists $700 for installation and $300 for repair3
RV living
No on-site RV dwelling use in SF-10 or SF-205
Minimum home size
1,600 square feet per dwelling in SF-10 and SF-2067
Owner-builder
Homeowner work allowed with code compliance; plumbing, electrical and mechanical work require appropriate state licensing8

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Argyle Permits

Building applications, contractor registration and the town permit portal; ask this counter about municipal septic and driveway applications.

940-464-7273

[email protected]

308 Denton Street Argyle, TX 76226

Online permits →

Zoning

Town of Argyle Community Development

Town planning, zoning maps and development applications.

940-464-7273

308 Denton Street E Argyle, TX 76226

Online permits →

Septic permits

Denton County Public Health, Environmental Health Division

County OSSF program for unincorporated land outside Argyle town limits.

940-349-2920

3900 Morse Street Denton TX 76208

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Argyle, TX?

Argyle requires a building permit before new construction, additions, alterations or repairs to existing buildings and structures inside town limits.1 Argyle requires complete applications, properly zoned and platted property, and approved plans before building-permit issuance.1 Argyle has adopted construction codes with local amendments, including the International Residential Code.9

Argyle homeowners may perform their own work without registering as town contractors, but must comply with applicable codes; homeowners doing plumbing, electrical or mechanical work must hold the appropriate state license.8 The homeowner pathway does not remove Argyle’s building-permit requirement.81

Who issues building permits in Argyle, and what do they cost?

The Town of Argyle Permits division sits within Community Development and oversees the building phase of development.10 Submit Argyle building applications through the town permit portal; call 940-464-7273 for portal assistance.10

Argyle’s published residential building-permit fee is $0.86 per square foot, with a $100 plan-review fee for a new single-family residence.11 Residential projects are subject to grading and drainage requirements, and some may incur roadway or wastewater impact fees.11 Argyle also lists a $200 driveway permit fee, so include driveway approval in the project budget rather than treating access as part of the house permit alone.12

Does Argyle have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

Argyle administers municipal zoning, and Community Development links to the town’s zoning maps.213 Ask Community Development to identify the parcel’s district before selecting a house plan.13

In Argyle’s SF-20 district, minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet, with a minimum neighborhood average of 22,000 square feet; minimum width is 100 feet and depth is 150 feet.14 In SF-10 and SF-20, main-building setbacks are 30 feet at the front, 10 feet on an interior side and 15 feet at the rear; corner-lot and garage-entry conditions differ.1516 Maximum coverage, including main and accessory buildings, is 35% in SF-10 and 30% in SF-20.1718 These are district standards, not a townwide substitute for checking the parcel’s zoning.2

How do septic permits and utility connections work inside Argyle?

Argyle publishes septic-system permit fees of $700 for installation and $300 for repair.3 Start with the Argyle permit counter for a town-limits project, rather than assuming Denton County’s unincorporated-area septic program covers the address.3104 Texas generally requires an approved plan and septic permit, and local programs may impose stricter requirements.19

Argyle’s SF-10 and SF-20 standards require water and town sewer services to be provided or provided for, naming Argyle Water Supply Water Corporation and Town of Argyle sewer services.2021 Ask Community Development how those district requirements affect the specific lot before planning an off-grid wastewater system.132021 We could not confirm a town rule for composting toilets or private-well permits; ask Community Development about both before buying.13

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Argyle?

Argyle prohibits recreational vehicles, travel trailers and motor homes from on-site dwelling use in SF-10 and SF-20.5 Argyle’s residential-district placement rules limit mobile homes, manufactured homes and RVs to approved licensed parks or subdivisions, subject to the stated exceptions.5 A parked RV should therefore not be treated as an approved home while construction proceeds.5

Argyle requires at least 1,600 square feet per dwelling in SF-10 and SF-20, a direct obstacle to a small main dwelling in either district.67 Argyle allows the manufactured-home district only through a Planned Development.22 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home category, independent accessory-dwelling permission or a general temporary-camping rule; ask Community Development about the proposed use and district.13

What are the steps to build a home in Argyle?

  1. Ask Argyle Community Development to confirm town limits and the parcel’s zoning district using the town’s maps.13
  2. Confirm platting and fit the design to the applicable district standards before seeking a building permit.232
  3. Resolve the required water and sewer provisions if the lot is in SF-10 or SF-20, and ask the town permit counter about any septic application.2021310
  4. Submit a complete application and plans through Argyle’s permit portal and budget for building, plan-review and applicable additional fees.2411
  5. Arrange building inspections before construction is covered and at completion.25

For land outside town limits, consult the Denton County guide: unincorporated development requires a county Development Permit, and the county Environmental Health Division administers that area’s septic program.264

Watch-outs

  • Argyle’s SF-10 and SF-20 RV dwelling prohibition makes an RV unsuitable as an assumed temporary residence during a home build.5
  • We could not confirm a categorical Argyle agricultural building-permit exemption; ask the town permit counter before starting a barn or accessory structure.10
  • We could not confirm Argyle’s general certificate-of-occupancy requirement or town-limits septic final-inspection procedure; ask the town permit counter what must be approved before use.10

Sources

  1. Permits (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  2. Community Development (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  3. Permit Fees (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  4. Denton County Public Health, Environmental Health Division (dentoncounty.gov)
  5. Permits; authorized locations for placement of mobile homes and recreational vehicles (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  6. SF-10—Single-Family Residential-10 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  7. SF-20—Single-Family Residential-20 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  8. argyletx.com (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  9. Permits (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  10. Town of Argyle Permits (argyletx.com)
  11. Permit Fees (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  12. Permit Fees (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  13. Town of Argyle Community Development (argyletx.com)
  14. SF-20—Single-Family Residential-20 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  15. SF-10—Single-Family Residential-10 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  16. SF-20—Single-Family Residential-20 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  17. SF-10—Single-Family Residential-10 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  18. SF-20—Single-Family Residential-20 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  19. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. SF-10—Single-Family Residential-10 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  21. SF-20—Single-Family Residential-20 District (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  22. MH—Manufactured Home District (Allowed as PD Only) (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  23. Development Standards, zoning and building-permit provisions (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  24. Permits (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  25. argyletx.com (Argyle), quoted and re-checked
  26. Development Services, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Argyle

Argyle’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction, additions, alterations, repairs, moved structures, and structural changes inside Argyle city limits.

    • Complete applications are required before issuance.
    • A zoning/building-code permit must comply with the applicable ordinance unless a variance or special exception is authorized.
    • The zoning code states the property must be properly zoned and platted and plans approved before issuance.
    “Permits are required prior to the new construction, addition, alteration or repair of existing buildings and structures.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Homeowners performing work on property inside Argyle city limits.

    • Homeowners may do the work themselves and need not register as Town contractors.
    • They must comply with all applicable codes.
    • Homeowners performing plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work must be licensed by the appropriate state agency.
    “Homeowners may do all the work themselves if they so wish.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Argyle city limits.

    • The Town states that the listed codes are adopted with local amendments.
    • Adopted codes include the 2021 International Building, Existing Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel and Gas, Residential, Energy Conservation, Fire, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes, plus the 2020 National Electrical Code.
    “The Town of Argyle has adopted the following codes with local amendments:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building and development projects inside Argyle city limits.

    • Inspections are used to ensure compliance with building codes and Town development standards.
    • The supplied residential permit application states that all permits require final inspection.
    “Basically, inspections are required before any part of the construction may be covered up and at the completion of the project.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Argyle city limits; Argyle administers municipal zoning and publishes zoning districts and zoning maps.

    • The Community Development page directs users to zoning maps.
    • District-specific standards apply according to the zoning district.
    “Zoning and other relevant maps can be viewed from the following link:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and standards inside Argyle city limits.

    • Published district standards include SF-10, SF-20, and MH as a Planned Development-only district.
    • The Community Development page links to zoning maps.
    “Zoning and other relevant maps can be viewed from the following link:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Main dwelling units in the SF-10 district inside Argyle city limits.

    • The district requires a minimum floor area per dwelling unit of 1,600 square feet.

    minimum floor area per dwelling unit: >= 1600 square feet

    “Minimum Floor Area per Dwelling Unit. One thousand six hundred square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the SF-20 district inside Argyle city limits.

    • Minimum average lot area is 22,000 square feet within each SF-20 neighborhood.
    • Minimum lot width is 100 feet and minimum lot depth is 150 feet.

    minimum lot area: >= 20000 square feet (minimum average lot area 22,000 square feet per SF-20 neighborhood) · minimum lot width: >= 100 feet · minimum lot depth: >= 150 feet

    “Minimum Lot Area. Twenty thousand square feet; also, the minimum average lot area shall be 22,000 square feet in order to provide diversity in lot sizes within each SF-20 neighborhood.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Main buildings in the SF-10 district inside Argyle city limits.

    • Front setback is 30 feet; interior side setback is 10 feet; corner and key-corner side setbacks vary by street classification; rear setback is 15 feet.
    • Garage entries require at least 24 feet from the street right-of-way or the applicable side/rear setback, whichever is greater.

    front yard: >= 30 feet · interior side yard: >= 10 feet · rear yard: >= 15 feet

    “Minimum Front Yard. Thirty feet. 2. Minimum Side Yard. Ten feet for an interior side yard; 15 feet from a street right-of-way line for a corner lot on a residential or collector street; 20 feet for a corner lot on an arterial street; 25 feet from a street right-of-way line for a key corner lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Main buildings in the SF-20 district inside Argyle city limits.
      “Minimum Front Yard. Thirty feet. 2. Minimum Side Yard. Ten feet for an interior side yard; 15 feet from a street right-of-way line for a corner lot on a residential or collector street; 20 feet for a corner lot on an arterial street; 30 feet from a street right-of-way line for a key corner lot.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots in the SF-10 district inside Argyle city limits.

    • Coverage includes main and accessory buildings.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 35 percent (including main buildings and accessory buildings)

    “Maximum Lot Coverage. Thirty-five percent including main buildings and accessory buildings.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Main buildings in the SF-10 district inside Argyle city limits.

    • Accessory-building height is governed by Section 14.3.68 and other requirements by Section 14.3.71.

    maximum height: <= 35 feet (two and one-half stories maximum)

    “Two and one-half stories but not to exceed 35 feet for the main building/house.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Mobile-home, manufactured-home, and recreational-vehicle placement or residential use inside Argyle city limits.

    • Placement is not permitted in residential districts except in an approved, licensed park or subdivision, or under the stated commercial/industrial zoning-board or temporary-office exceptions.
    • Recreational vehicles may not be used for on-site dwelling purposes in SF-10 and SF-20 districts.
    • RV parks must satisfy sanitary-facility requirements.
    “Recreational vehicles, travel trailers or motor homes may not be used for on-site dwelling purposes.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy inside Argyle city limits.

    • The MH district is allowed only as a Planned Development; no stand-alone MH district is allowed.
    • Residential-district placement is limited to approved licensed parks/subdivisions, with additional commercial/industrial and temporary-office exceptions.
    • MH areas must provide or make provision for Argyle Water Supply Corporation water and Town sewer services.
    “The "MH" Residential District shall be allowed as Planned Developments only—no stand-alone "MH" Districts shall be allowed.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation or repair of a septic system inside Argyle city limits.

    • Argyle publishes separate septic-system installation and repair permit fees.
    • Applicable municipal and state OSSF requirements may impose additional conditions.

    installation fee: 700 USD · repair fee: 300 USD

    “Septic System (Install) | $700.00 Septic System (Repair) | $300.00”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Areas zoned SF-10 inside Argyle city limits.

    • The district standard says the area shall have or make provision for Argyle Water Supply Water Corporation water and Town of Argyle sewer services.
    “Areas zoned for the "SF-10" District shall have or shall make provision for, Argyle Water Supply Water Corporation water and Town of Argyle sewer services.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Water and sewer (with conditions) — Areas zoned SF-20 inside Argyle city limits.
      “Areas zoned for the "SF-20" District shall have or shall make provision for, Argyle Water Supply Water Corporation water and Town of Argyle sewer services.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and building development inside Argyle city limits.

    • The building-permit provision requires property to be platted in accordance with the Subdivision Ordinance before permit issuance.
    • Development applications are reviewed by the Town's Community Development process.
    “A building permit shall not be issued [...] until the property is platted in accordance with the Subdivision Ordinance”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or altered driveway access inside Argyle city limits.

    • Argyle publishes a driveway permit fee of $200.
    • Additional access, drainage, culvert, and roadway requirements may apply depending on the project and road jurisdiction.

    driveway permit fee: 200 USD

    “Driveway Permit | $200.00 Swimming Pool Permit (In-ground) | $625.00”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Permits issued by Argyle for construction and development inside city limits.

    • Residential building permits are $0.86 per square foot.
    • All new single-family-residence permits must pay a $100 plan-review fee.
    • Residential permits are subject to grading and drainage requirements.
    • Some residential permits may be subject to roadway or wastewater impact fees.
    • Commercial fees are valuation-based; plan review is a non-refundable fee equal to 65 percent of the permit fee and is due at building-permit plan submittal.
    • Commercial values use ICC Building Valuation Data and fees are adjusted annually for applications received on or after October 1.

    residential building permit: 0.86 USD per square foot · new SFR plan review fee: 100 USD · grading/drainage/erosion-control permit: 200 USD · mechanical/electrical/plumbing permit: 100 USD · driveway permit: 200 USD

    “Residential Building Permit* (New Construction, Remodels, Additions, Accessory Buildings, etc.) | $0.86/ sq. ft.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building and development permit applications inside Argyle city limits.

    • Applications are submitted through the online permit portal.
    • Complete applications are required.
    • Applicants submit plans describing the work with an application.
    • Contractors must register annually; initial registration is $125 and renewal is $50.
    • The residential permit application states that complete submittals are required and provides a minimum review period.

    contractor initial registration: 125 USD · contractor annual renewal: 50 USD

    “To submit applications, please click on the link below:”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Argyle or Denton County directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings or land inside Argyle city limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside approved recreational-vehicle parks inside Argyle city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Argyle city limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Argyle city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Final inspection of septic systems inside Argyle city limits.
4 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Argyle publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Denton County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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