Bolthole Index

Hood County, Texas

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

57Index Score / 100
#109 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Hood County, Texas does not require a building permit to construct a house1. You will still need a septic permit, a Road Access Permit, and, if any part of the lot is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a floodplain development permit and possibly a water well permit1. Hood County also has no general zoning ordinance, so it sets no minimum home size, setbacks, or use restrictions outside city limits2. Only 19.1% of the county's soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so plan on a site evaluation before you count on a standard system3.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Hood County1
Zoning
None countywide outside city limits/ETJ2
Septic permits
Required through Hood County Environmental Health4
Road access permit
Required from Hood County Road Operations for a new house5
RV / tiny home / manufactured home living
Unrestricted by county zoning, because the county has no zoning ordinance6
Owner-builder exemption
Available: there is no county building permit to be exempt from7
Water wells
Permit from the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District if a well is needed8
Floodplain permit
Required if any part of the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area9

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Hood County Floodplain Administrator (Hood County Development)

Floodplain development permits and administration; Hood County Development also handles site development permits and lot replats

817-408-2515

1402 W Pearl Street, Suite 2, Granbury, TX 76048

Septic permits

Hood County Environmental Health Department

OSSF (septic) permit applications for Hood County, as the local TCEQ-authorized agent

817-579-3288

[email protected]

5417 Acton Hwy, Granbury, TX

Roads & driveways

Hood County Road Operations

Road Access Permits for new construction in unincorporated Hood County

817-579-3304

[email protected]

3640 W Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048

Well permits

Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

Water well permits for Hood County (and Parker, Montague, and Wise counties)

817-523-5200

1859 W Hwy 199, Springtown, Texas 76082

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Hood County, Texas does not require a building permit to construct a house1. Hood County's own Development Department FAQ says plainly that you will not need a Hood County Building Permit for a house on a lot in the unincorporated area8. That same FAQ makes clear the exemption from a building permit is not an exemption from every permit: you will still need a septic permit, a Road Access Permit, and, if the property is near a floodplain, a water well permit and a floodplain development permit8. Texas law would only let Hood County require a general building permit if the county's population exceeded 250,000 or it sat next to a county that large, and Hood County's population of 67,774 falls well short1011.

Who issues permits in Hood County, and how do you reach them?

Hood County has no building department because unincorporated land needs no building permit1. Floodplain development permits are handled by the Hood County Floodplain Administrator inside Hood County Development, at 1402 W Pearl Street, Suite 2, Granbury, TX 76048, phone 817-408-251512. Septic (OSSF) permits go through the Hood County Environmental Health Department at 5417 Acton Hwy, Granbury, TX, phone 817-579-3288, email [email protected]13. Road Access Permits, required before building a house in the unincorporated area, come from Hood County Road Operations at 3640 W Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048, phone 817-579-3304145. A water well permit, if one is needed, comes from the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District at 1859 W Hwy 199, Springtown, Texas 76082, phone 817-523-520015.

Does Hood County have zoning?

Hood County has no general zoning ordinance for unincorporated land: the Development Department's FAQ lists septic, road-access, water-well, and floodplain permits, but no zoning approval2. Zoning does exist inside the City of Granbury, where the city's own zoning ordinance regulates land uses, setbacks, parking, and lot sizes within city limits16. If your land sits in a Hood County city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), that city's additional regulations may apply even though the county itself has none17. Outside any city or ETJ, because Hood County has no zoning ordinance, it sets no minimum dwelling size, no minimum lot size, no setbacks, no lot-coverage limit, and no building-height limit6. That same lack of zoning authority means Hood County does not restrict living in an RV, tiny home, or manufactured home, or temporary camping, on unincorporated land6. Combining or splitting an existing lot is still regulated even without zoning: Hood County requires a replat through the Development Office under Section IV of the county's development regulations18.

How do septic permits work in Hood County?

Every on-site sewage facility (OSSF) installation, modification, or replacement in Hood County needs a county OSSF permit194. The Hood County Environmental Health Department issues the permit as the local OSSF authorized agent413. Permit and inspection fees are payable to Hood County, and the county adds a further $10 per permit that it forwards to the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account as state law requires20. Only 19.1% of Hood County's soil is rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so plan on a site evaluation and likely an aerobic or engineered system on most lots3. Texas exempts some large tracts from OSSF permitting altogether: a single-family home on 10 acres or more can skip the state permit if a licensed site evaluator confirms no nuisance or groundwater risk, every part of the system sits at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent stays on the property, and the house is the only dwelling on the tract21.

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

Yes: unincorporated Hood County places no zoning restriction on living in an RV, tiny home, or manufactured home on your own land, because the county has no zoning ordinance to set that rule62. Moving a mobile home onto the property still triggers the same permits required to build a house: a septic permit, a Road Access Permit, and, if applicable, a water well permit and a floodplain development permit8. If the parcel sits in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction rather than open county land, that city's own rules may still restrict RV or tiny-home living even though Hood County's rules do not17.

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

  1. Confirm you don't need a Hood County building permit: unincorporated Hood County has none for a house1.
  2. Apply for a Road Access Permit from Hood County Road Operations before you build, since it's required for a house in the unincorporated area514.
  3. Apply for an OSSF (septic) permit with Hood County Environmental Health; expect a county fee plus the $10 the county forwards to TCEQ per permit2013.
  4. If any part of the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, get a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator before construction or excavation912.
  5. If you'll need a water well, apply for a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District815.
  6. If the land is inside a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, check that city's additional regulations before you finalize plans17.
  7. If you're combining or splitting lots, confirm whether you need a replat through the Development Office under Section IV of the county's regulations18.

What to check before you buy land in Hood County

Water: a water well on Hood County land may need a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, a separate agency from the county815. Soils: only 19.1% of Hood County's soil carries no severe limitation for a conventional septic drain field, and the county adds a $10 state pass-through fee to every OSSF permit, so budget for both a site evaluation and the possibility of an engineered system320. Flood: if any portion of a lot is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, plan on a floodplain development permit from the county's Floodplain Administrator before construction or excavating912. Access: building a house also requires a Road Access Permit from Hood County Road Operations, separate from any state permit needed where a driveway meets a state highway522. Taxes: Hood County's effective property tax rate runs about 1.2%, with a median annual property tax bill of about $3,240, higher than many rural Texas counties2324. Setting: at 161.1 people per square mile and about 37 miles from the nearest metro area, Hood County is far more developed than most Bolthole Index counties, with severe drought in about 28.1% of years and a typical home value around $382,68125262728.

Watch-outs

  • Hood County's FAQ states that no building permit is required but does not address building inspections or a certificate of occupancy for an unincorporated house, so confirm with the Development Office if your project is commercial or multifamily, which may trigger other rules112.
  • Zoning and building rules change at a city limit or extraterritorial jurisdiction line, so confirm with the City of Granbury or another Hood County city before assuming countywide rules apply near town1617.
  • No official Hood County source addresses short-term rentals or an agricultural exemption from the county's permit and replat rules, so ask the Development Office directly before relying on either212.

Sources

  1. FAQs (2026 county census)
  2. Hood County Development Department FAQs (2026 county census)
  3. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  4. Hood County Environmental Health - OSSF (2026 county census)
  5. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  6. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  7. FAQs (2026 county census)
  8. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  9. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  10. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  12. Hood County Floodplain Administrator (Hood County Development) (hoodcounty.texas.gov)
  13. Hood County Environmental Health Department (hoodcounty.texas.gov)
  14. Hood County Road Operations (hoodcounty.texas.gov)
  15. Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (uppertrinitygcd.com)
  16. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  18. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  19. On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF), quoted and re-checked
  20. On-site sewage facility Order, quoted and re-checked
  21. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 24, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Hood County in Texas

57
County map
Hood County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Hood County scores

Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4896% ev.
Admin Boringness90100% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost64100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$383kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$5,910Land / acre
35.1"Annual rain
28.1% of yrsSevere drought
50 / yr (+29.6)Mid-century 100°F days
24.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.09" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,746Home insurance / yr
2.6% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
39,374People within 30 min
8,292,077People within 2 hr
59,555Radius comparison (15 mi)
161.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
91.4%Land at 15% slope or less
19.1%Septic soil without severe limits
49,642 acWorkable land screen
30.7%Wooded land
10.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
65.7°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Hood County

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

Hood County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    Building a house on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County, Texas.

    • A septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department is required.
    • A Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department is required.
    • A Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District is required if needed.
    • If any portion of the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator may be required before construction or excavation.
    “You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Hood County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • A septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department is required.
    • A Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department is required.
    “You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local-zoning status across Hood County: municipal zoning is documented within the City of Granbury, while the county FAQ states that additional city regulations may apply in a city's ETJ; this claim does not attribute municipal ordinances to Hood County.

    • The City of Granbury zoning ordinance applies within the City of Granbury.
    • The Hood County FAQ states that additional regulations imposed by a city may apply in that city's ETJ.
    • No countywide conclusion about unincorporated zoning was established by the reviewed official sources.
    “However, if your location is in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of a Hood County city then additional regulations imposed by that city may apply.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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 Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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 Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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 Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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 Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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 Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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 Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Hood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Hood County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing hoodcounty.texas.gov.

    • 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.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Combining two lots into one lot or dividing one lot into two lots in unincorporated Hood County.

    • The lots must be replatted in accordance with Section IV of the Hood County Development Regulations.
    • The applicant must follow the procedures in Section IV and submit the necessary forms to the Development Office.
    “You must replat the lots in accordance with Section IV of the Hood County Development Regulations. This section explains the procedures you must follow and contains the necessary forms that must be submitted to the Development Office.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    House construction on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County when access is through a county road right-of-way.

    • The FAQ identifies a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department as required for building a house in the unincorporated area.
    • The FAQ does not specify whether different rules apply to private lanes or state highways.
    “You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed).”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or excavation on property in the unincorporated area of Hood County where any portion of the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

    • A floodplain development permit may be required before any construction or excavating.
    • The source uses a conditional 'may need' formulation and does not specify the full permit criteria.
    “If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Fees for Hood County on-site sewage facility permits and inspections.

    • All permit and inspection fees are payable to Hood County, Texas.
    • An additional $10 is collected for each on-site sewage facility permit and paid to the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 367.

    TCEQ water resources management account fee: 10 USD (per on-site sewage facility permit)

    “All fees collected for permits and/or inspections shall be made payable to Hood County, Texas. A fee of $10 will also be collected for each on-site sewage facility permit to be paid to the credit of the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account as required by the THSC Chapter 367.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Installation, modification, and replacement of on-site sewage facilities in Hood County.

    • An OSSF permit must be obtained for installation, modification, or replacement work.
    “An On-Site Sewage Facility permit is required for all installation, modification, and replacement of On-Site Sewage Facilities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building a house on a lot in the unincorporated area of Hood County.
      “You will not need a Hood County Building Permit. However, you will need to obtain a Septic permit from the Hood County Environmental Health Department, a Road Access Permit from the Hood County Road Operations Department and a Water Well Permit from the Upper Trinity Water Conservation District (if needed). If any portion your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may need a floodplain development permit from the Hood County Floodplain Administrator prior to any construction, or excavating.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    As a Texas county, Hood County has no general zoning authority over unincorporated land; the Development FAQ lists only septic, road-access, water-well and floodplain permits, not zoning approval.

    Hood County Development Department FAQs ↗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:”
  • 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.”
  • 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”:”
  • 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.”
  • 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 Hood County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury, Hood County, Texas.

    • A change of zoning may be required if property is not zoned properly.
    • Certain uses require a Specific Use Permit approved by the City Council before the use is permitted.
    • The city zoning ordinance defines requirements related to landscaping, parking, exterior construction materials, lighting, land uses, building setbacks, tree preservation and lot sizes.
    “The City of Granbury Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses and development requirements within the City of Granbury.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Inspections — Building inspections for residential construction in the unincorporated area of Hood County, Texas.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential construction in the unincorporated area of Hood County, Texas.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for development or occupancy in Hood County, Texas.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from applicable development, permitting, or subdivision requirements in unincorporated Hood County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Hood County.

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 Hood 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)

Texas Water Code §36.117 / TWDB ↗
  • North-Central Texas Trinity & Woodbine Aquifers Priority Groundwater Management Areapartial of county

    TCEQ-designated DFW-region Trinity/Woodbine critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply.

    TCEQ — Priority Groundwater Management Areas ↗

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 Hood County, Texas

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

Hood County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 39,374 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Hood 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 Hood County Environmental Health Department. 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 Hood County?

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

Land in Hood County runs about $5,910 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hood County?

Hood County gets about 35.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28.1% of years. On water rights, Hood County lies in the North-Central Texas Trinity & Woodbine Aquifers Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ-designated DFW-region Trinity/Woodbine critical-groundwater area; drives GCD coverage. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt but spacing/registration may apply..

How remote is Hood County?

A representative private-land location has about 39,374 people within a 30-minute drive and 8,292,077 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 Hood County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Hood compares in Texas

Compare side-by-side →See all 254 Texas counties ranked →