Harrison County, TX Building Permits & Zoning

Unincorporated Harrison County, Texas does not require a general building permit for an ordinary home, but construction in a flood hazard area needs a county floodplain development permit¹². Septic permits go through Harrison County Environmental Health³. Land divisions outside a city generally need Commissioners Court approval, with a conditional exemption for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production land⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: No general permit for an ordinary home in unincorporated Harrison County; floodplain development requires a permit¹²
Zoning: No county zoning rule for unincorporated land; municipal rules can differ⁶⁷
Septic permits: Handled by Harrison County Environmental Health³
RV / tiny home living: No county zoning restriction on a single unincorporated tract; park developments have a county application process⁶⁸
Minimum home size: No county zoning minimum on unincorporated land⁶
Owner-installed septic: Conditionally allowed under the Ten Acre Rule⁹
Agricultural land division: A conditional plat exemption is available for qualifying agricultural and similar uses⁵

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Harrison County Road & Bridge

Floodplain development permits and county road matters

(903) 935-4868

3800 Five Notch Road, Marshall, Texas 75672

Septic permits

Harrison County Environmental Health

OSSF permits and subdivision, mobile-home, RV and tiny-home park applications

(903) 935-4870, Ext. 1362

2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas 75672

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 Harrison County, Texas?

An ordinary single-family home on unincorporated Harrison County land does not need a general county building permit¹. Texas grants counties only limited building-regulation powers, and the county's published program is for floodplain development rather than routine home construction¹⁰². If a structure or substantial improvement will be in a flood hazard area, obtain the floodplain development permit before placing the structure or starting work; the residential fee is $20². Floodplain work receives an initial site inspection before construction and a final inspection after completion¹¹. The county asks applicants to contact the office at least two working days before construction for the initial inspection¹¹.

Who handles Harrison County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Harrison County does not publish a general building department for routine home permits on unincorporated land¹. Harrison County Road & Bridge is the practical first stop for floodplain development and county road questions; its official page lists the office at 3800 Five Notch Road in Marshall and phone (903) 935-4868¹². Harrison County Environmental Health handles OSSF permits and publishes application information for subdivision, mobile-home, RV and tiny-home parks; its page lists 2005 Warren Drive in Marshall and phone (903) 935-4870, Ext. 1362⁸. A land division outside city limits generally goes through the Harrison County Commissioners Court before the plat can be recorded⁴.

Does Harrison County have zoning?

Unincorporated Harrison County has no county zoning rule setting minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height⁶. The same county zoning answer leaves RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home, accessory-dwelling and temporary-camping occupancy unrestricted on unincorporated land⁶. That does not erase septic, floodplain or subdivision requirements¹³¹⁴⁴. City rules are different: the City of Marshall has zoning and handles zoning changes, special-use permits, appeals and variances⁷. For a parcel inside a city or affected by city jurisdiction, ask that municipality which zoning and development standards apply⁷.

How do septic permits work in Harrison County?

Harrison County Environmental Health is the local OSSF permitting authority³. The published process calls for planning materials, a site and soil evaluation, accurate directions, any required recorded affidavit and a two-year service contract¹⁵. An Authorization to Construct remains valid for one year, the system must be inspected before it is covered, and the Notice of Approval is issued approximately five working days after a successful inspection¹⁵. Only 6.5% of Harrison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early feasibility step¹⁶. The conditional Ten Acre Rule can let a knowledgeable owner install the OSSF serving the owner's single-family dwelling, but ownership, use, installation and TCEQ conditions all still apply⁹.

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

On a single tract in unincorporated Harrison County, county zoning does not restrict RV or tiny-home occupancy and does not impose a minimum dwelling size⁶. A subdivision, mobile-home park, RV park or tiny-home park is different: Harrison County Environmental Health publishes a development application process for those projects⁸. Any on-site sewage system still falls under the OSSF rules, so an off-grid label does not bypass septic review³¹⁴. The county materials do not confirm every possible off-grid sanitation arrangement or whether a certificate of occupancy is required; ask Environmental Health about sanitation and Road & Bridge about floodplain status before placing a dwelling. Inside Marshall, municipal zoning applies instead of the unincorporated-county zoning answer⁷.

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

Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits; Marshall has its own zoning process⁷.

Check the flood hazard area before designing the site, because covered development needs a permit before construction or placement begins¹³.

Arrange the septic site and soil evaluation, then submit the OSSF materials to Harrison County Environmental Health¹⁵⁸.

If the driveway connects to a Texas state highway, submit Form 1058 to TxDOT and wait for the executed driveway permit before work in the right of way¹⁷.

If dividing the tract, determine whether Commissioners Court plat approval applies or the conditional agricultural exemption fits⁴⁵.

Complete required floodplain and septic inspections; ordinary unincorporated home construction has no general county building permit¹¹¹.

What should you check before buying land in Harrison County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only 6.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁶. Check flood maps and access before closing, because floodplain development requires county approval and a new or revised state-highway driveway requires a TxDOT permit¹³¹⁸. Harrison County land is 71.5% wooded and 99.6% of it has slopes of 15% or less, so clearing may matter more than steep grading on many tracts¹⁹²⁰. Typical annual precipitation is 50.4 inches, while severe drought occurs in 17.3% of years²¹²². The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, with a median annual bill of $1,811²³²⁴. Ask the relevant water provider or groundwater authority about service or well requirements because a Harrison County-specific private-well permit rule could not be confirmed.

Watch-outs

A $20 floodplain permit is required before covered construction begins, even though Harrison County has no general permit for an ordinary unincorporated home²⁵¹.
The county zoning answer applies to unincorporated land; the City of Marshall has municipal zoning⁶⁷.
Harrison County's current OSSF fee was not confirmed on the Environmental Health page, so ask the office for the amount before filing⁸.

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 Harrison County scores

Seclusion39100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.

Admin Boringness87100% ev.

Durability59100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$209kTypical home

1%Property tax

$4,360Land / acre

50.4"Annual rain

17.3% of yrsSevere drought

27.5 / yr (+21.7)Mid-century 100°F days

20.3 daysMid-century dry spell

2.44" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.41×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,091Home insurance / yr

0.4% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

91,886People within 30 min

1,784,047People within 2 hr

49,040Radius comparison (15 mi)

78.8People / sq mi

1.5%Federal land

99.6%Land at 15% slope or less

6.5%Septic soil without severe limits

36,697 acWorkable land screen

71.5%Wooded land

40.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac

65.6°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Harrison County

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

Harrison County rules

Building permitLimited
Construction or substantial improvements to structures located in a Harrison County flood hazard area.
- The requirement applies to all construction and development in a floodplain.
- A permit must be obtained before construction or placing the structure begins.
- The application requires a completed flood-hazard-area application, scaled site drawing, proposed-structure drawings, FEMA Elevation Certificate prepared by a professional engineer or land surveyor, proof of ownership, and directions to the site.
- Residential permit fee is $20.00 and permit fees are non-refundable.
- Plans and applications are reviewed case by case; additional information may be required to satisfy the Harrison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and FEMA development standards.
- An initial site inspection is required before construction begins; the applicant must contact the office at least two working days before construction.
- Permit approval is issued approximately five working days after successful inspection and documentation review.
- The source addresses floodplain development only and does not establish a general countywide building-permit requirement outside flood hazard areas.
residential floodplain permit fee: 20 USD (Permit fees are non-refundable.) · notice before construction inspection: >= 2 working days (Applicant must contact the office at least two working days before beginning construction.) · approximate permit issuance time: 5 working days (Following successful inspection approval of all permit documentation.)
“Compliance with this order is required for all construction and development in a floodplain. [...] If a structure or substantial improvements to an existing structure are to be located within a flood hazard area (usually the area of land next to any lake, stream, or creek), the property owner will need to complete the following steps to apply for a PERMIT before any construction or placing of the structure begins.”
How to Apply for a Floodplain Development Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A homeowner installing an on-site sewage facility for a single-family dwelling in Harrison County under the county Environmental Health Department's Ten Acre Rule.
- The homeowner must have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to perform the work.
- The OSSF must serve a single-family dwelling that the homeowner owns.
- The homeowner 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.
- The homeowner must follow TCEQ rules and regulations for the system.
- Some systems cannot be purchased by a homeowner because they must be installed by a factory representative.
- If anyone else assists with any phase of installation, including backhoe work or trenching, that person must be a licensed installer of the correct level.
- If more than one home is installed on the ten-acre property, the property is treated as multifamily and the property owner must obtain a permit from Harrison County Environmental Health.
- Commercial and multifamily residences require a permit and must be installed by a licensed installer.
property area threshold: 10 acres (The page identifies this as the Ten Acre Rule.)
“If the HOMEOWNER has the knowledge, skills, and equipment to do so AND: the OSSF is for a single-family dwelling that you own, you also own the property, no part of the property will be developed for sale or lease, all permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority are met, follow TCEQ rules and regulations for the system.”
Environmental Health ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Development and construction covered by Harrison County floodplain permitting.
- An initial inspection of the development site is required before construction begins.
- A final inspection is required after construction is completed.
- The owner or owner's representative must contact the office to schedule the final inspection.
- If alterations or changes were made to the original permitted plans, as-built plans must be submitted and approved before final approval can be completed.
- The requirement is limited to floodplain development and is not evidence of a general countywide building-inspection program.
advance contact for initial inspection: >= 2 working days (Contact the county office at least two working days before construction begins.)
“An inspection of the development site is required before any construction is to begin. Contact our office at least two working days prior to beginning of construction to arrange an inspection. [...] Once construction has been completed, the owner, or owner’s representative, will need to contact our office to schedule a final inspection.”
How to Apply for a Floodplain Development Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Harrison County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Harrison County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land outside the corporate limits of any city in Harrison County, Texas.
- Every person, firm, or corporation must comply with the subdivision regulations before a plat may be approved, whether the plat is by lots and blocks or by metes and bounds.
- A plat may not be filed for record in Harrison County deed records without prior approval of the Harrison County Commissioners Court.
- The regulations define subdivision as division of land outside city corporate limits into two or more parts for specified subdivision, addition, lot, building-lot, street, alley, park, or other public-use purposes.
- Preliminary plat review requires submission at least 15 days before a regular Commissioners Court meeting, two copies, and a $100 non-refundable filing fee.
- Preliminary plat approval indicates approval for construction but not approval for recording or sanitary facilities.
- Preliminary plat approval expires 12 months after approval; an extension may be requested for good cause, and if denied a new preliminary plat and another $100 non-refundable filing fee are required.
- Construction begun before preliminary approval does not prejudice approval or disapproval of the preliminary plat.
- A 2022 amendment effective June 21, 2022 waives and nullifies requirements requiring approval from, or assigning duties to, the County Engineer.
- If an incorporated city affirmatively exercises extraterritorial jurisdiction over property otherwise subject to the county regulations, the city's regulations apply unless the county requirements are more stringent, in which case the more stringent county requirements apply.
- The regulations state that requirements may be waived by majority vote of the Commissioners Court upon good cause and/or recommendation of the County Engineer; however, County Engineer approval or assigned duties are subject to the June 21, 2022 amendment.
preliminary plat filing fee: 100 USD (non-refundable; a new $100 fee is required if an extension is denied) · preliminary plat submission deadline: 15 days before a regular Commissioners Court meeting · preliminary plat approval validity: 12 months (extension may be requested for good cause) · minimum subdivision parts: >= 2 parts (applies to the regulation's definition of subdivision outside city corporate limits)
“NOW HERE BE IT RESOLVED, that every person, firm, or corporation shall comply with these regulations before any plat will be approved, whether platted by lots and blocks or by metes and bounds and such person shall be responsible for assuring compliance with these regulations; and no plat shall be filed for record in the Deed Records of Harrison County without first having obtained the approval of the Commissioner’s Court.”
Harrison County Subdivision Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of a tract situated outside the corporate limits of a city into two or more parts, including platting by lots and blocks or by metes and bounds.
  “no plat shall be filed for record in the Deed Records of Harrison County without first having obtained the approval of the Commissioner’s Court.”
  Harrison County Subdivision Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction, substantial improvements, structures, and related development located in a Harrison County flood hazard area or floodplain.
- Compliance with the Harrison County Flood Damage Prevention Order is required for all construction and development in a floodplain.
- A permit is required before construction or placing a structure begins in a flood hazard area.
- Commercial applications may require additional information on a case-by-case basis to satisfy the Harrison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and FEMA development standards.
- Residential applications require a FEMA Elevation Certificate completed by a Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor, proof of ownership, accurate directions, scaled site and structure drawings, and applicable elevation or anchoring information.
- The residential form states that detailed planning materials must be provided if the project is in a floodplain.
- A final inspection and final approval are required after construction.
“Compliance with this order is required for all construction and development in a floodplain.”
How to Apply for a Floodplain Development Permit — Residential ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit feesPublished
Harrison County consumer-health permits and inspections for food establishments, food vendors, catering trucks, temporary permits, day-care establishments, homes, seasonal permits, and health re-inspections.
- Accepted payment methods are check or money order.
- Annual food establishment permits are $250 for establishments with 1–13 employees and $300 for establishments with 14 or more employees.
- Food vendor/festival concession stand fee is $50 per vendor.
- Catering truck/mobile unit fee is $200 per year.
- Temporary permit fee is $75 for a permit good for 14 days.
- Replacement food purveyor permit fee is $50.
- Day-care establishment fee is $200 with a food establishment and $100 without one.
- Group home/registered home and foster home fees are $50 per inspection.
- Seasonal food permit and health re-inspection fees are each $100.
annual food establishment permit, 1-13 employees: 250 USD · annual food establishment permit, 14 or more employees: 300 USD · food vendor/festival concession stand: per 50 USD (vendor) · catering truck/mobile unit: per 200 USD (year) · temporary permit: 75 USD (good for 14 days) · replacement food purveyor permit: 50 USD · day-care with food establishment: 200 USD · day-care without food establishment: 100 USD · group home/registered home inspection: per 50 USD (inspection) · foster home inspection: per 50 USD (inspection) · seasonal food permit: 100 USD · health re-inspection: 100 USD
“Annual Food Establishment Permits | 1-13 Employees | $250 | 14 or more | $300 Food Vendor/Festival Concession Stand | per Vendor | $ 50 Catering Trucks/Mobil Units | per Year | $200 Temporary Permits | Good for 14 days | $ 75 Replacement Food Purveyors Permit | | $ 50 Day Care w/Food Establishment | | $200 Day Care w/out Food Establishment | | $100 Group Home/Registered Home | per inspection | $ 50 Foster Home | per inspection | $ 50 Seasonal Food Permit | | $100 Health Re-Inspection | | $100”
Consumer Health/Inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published — Residential and non-residential/commercial development in Harrison County flood hazard areas.
  “HOW TO APPLY FOR A FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT RESIDENTIAL PERMIT FEES: $20.00”
  How to Apply for Residential Floodplain Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Harrison County floodplain-development permits and Environmental Health OSSF permits.
- Floodplain applications must be submitted in the property owner's name with the appropriate fee and required plans, drawings, FEMA Elevation Certificate, proof of ownership, and directions.
- A pre-construction inspection is required, with at least two working days' notice to arrange it.
- Floodplain permit approval is issued approximately five working days after successful inspection and approval of documentation.
- A final inspection is required after construction; altered plans require as-built plans and approval before final approval.
- OSSF applicants must submit planning materials, site and soil evaluation, accurate directions, required recorded affidavit where applicable, and a two-year service contract.
- OSSF Authorization to Construct is valid for one year from issuance; inspection is required before covering the system; Notice of Approval is issued approximately five working days after successful inspection.
- Floodplain permits are reviewed case by case and additional information may be required.
pre-construction inspection notice: >= 2 working days (floodplain development) · floodplain permit approval time: approximately 5 working days (after successful inspection approval of all permit documentation) · OSSF Authorization to Construct validity: 1 year (from date of issuance) · OSSF Notice of Approval time: approximately 5 working days (after successful inspection)
“Upon satisfactory review, an “Authorization to Construct” (ATC) will be issued. The ATC will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.”
How to Apply for a Floodplain Development Permit — Residential ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas; Harrison County publishes no county zoning ordinance.
Bexar County (official) - County Zoning Authority FAQ (Texas statewide statute) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

Building code adoptedPartial
Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
- The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
- The effective date is July 1, 2024.
- The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
- Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
- Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
- Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.
effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)
“July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Who permits septicMixed
On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
- In most areas, local governments act as TCEQ-authorized agents and administer the OSSF program.
- The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
- Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
“TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
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 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.”
Basics for Septic Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Division of land outside municipal limits in Harrison County when the land is primarily used for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes and no part of the tract is laid out for public-use dedication.
- The owner must not lay out a street, alley, square, park, or other part of the tract intended for public use or for use by purchasers or owners of adjacent lots as described by Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3).
- The land must be used primarily for agricultural use under Texas Constitution Article VIII, Section 1-d, or for farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use under Article VIII, Section 1-d-1.
- If the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use, the platting requirements apply.
- This state exemption does not eliminate OSSF, floodplain, health, road, or other applicable requirements.
“(c) A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if: (1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and (2) the land is to 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.”
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, Section 232.0015 ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 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
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

Inside cities and towns in Harrison County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning regulation within the City of Marshall, Harrison County, Texas.
- The City of Marshall's Planning and Zoning Commission handles requests for zoning changes and special use permits.
- The City of Marshall's Zoning Board of Adjustment hears appeals, decides exceptions, and grants variances concerning the city's Zoning Ordinance.
- The Planning and Zoning Commission also reviews and approves subdivision plats in the city limits and within one mile of the city limits.
“The Zoning Board of Adjustment conducts hearings on appeals to the enforcement of the city's Zoning Ordinance, decides on exceptions to the Zoning Ordinance, and grants a variance to the Zoning Ordinance.”
Planning and Zoning Commission ↗Re-checked Sep 27, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Certificate of occupancy — A certificate of occupancy for buildings in Harrison County.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation arrangements, including sanitation independent of public sewer, in Harrison County, Texas.
Well permit — Private water-well permitting in Harrison County, Texas.
Mandatory utility hookup — Whether connection to public water or sewer is required for property development in Harrison County, Texas.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Harrison County, Texas.

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 Harrison County, Texas

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

Harrison County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 91,886 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Harrison 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 Harrison County Environmental Health Department (TCEQ-authorized OSSF 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 Harrison County?

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

Land in Harrison County runs about $4,360 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Harrison County?

Harrison County gets about 50.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.3% of years.

How remote is Harrison County?

A representative private-land location has about 91,886 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,784,047 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 Harrison County, Texas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles Harrison County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Does Harrison County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Harrison County?

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

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

What should you check before buying land in Harrison County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Harrison County in Texas

How Harrison County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Harrison County

Harrison County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Harrison County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Harrison County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Harrison County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Harrison County?

How remote is Harrison County?

How Harrison compares in Texas