Howard County, TX: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Q: Does Howard County have zoning?

Howard County has no countywide zoning ordinance. In unincorporated Howard County, no county zoning rule sets minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, lot coverage, building height, accessory-dwelling use, tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping. A platted subdivision may still carry a building or setback line, and no structure may be placed between that line and the street right of way. A manufactured home rental community also follows separate development rules: before construction, its infrastructure plan must receive Commissioners Court approval and address drainage, water, waste, sanitation, surveying and roads. Inside the City of Big Spring, zoning is different: the city administers its own Zoning Ordinance and zoning maps, and allowed uses vary by zoning district. Dividing unincorporated land into lots is also regulated: the Howard County Commissioners Court must approve a plat before a division for residential, commercial or other development proceeds. Land divided for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production use outside city limits can qualify for an exemption, but septic, floodplain and road requirements still apply, and platting applies if the use ends. Check the recorded plat and development type before choosing a homesite.

Unincorporated Howard County, Texas does not require a county building permit to build a home¹. Texas gives counties no general authority to require prior approval for ordinary residential construction, and Howard County runs no building-permit department¹. The county has no countywide zoning ordinance¹. Most new septic systems require approval through the Howard County OSSF Office, although Texas provides a narrow large-tract exemption^2,3.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated Howard County¹
Zoning: No countywide zoning ordinance^1,4
Septic permit: Generally required through the Howard County OSSF Office; a narrow state exemption may apply^2,3
RV / tiny home living: Unrestricted on unincorporated land with no zoning ordinance⁴
Minimum home size: None set countywide⁴
Owner-builder exemption: Yes, for industrialized/modular homes built for the owner's own use⁵
Driveway permit: County Road Administrator for county roads; TxDOT for state highways^6,7

Who to call

Septic permits

Howard County OSSF Office

On-site sewage facility (septic) permits for unincorporated Howard County, Texas, including the septic permit application form

432-264-2208

permits@howardcountytx.gov

3604 Old Colorado City Road, Big Spring, TX 79720

Roads & driveways

Howard County Road Administrator

County road and driveway permits (underground, overhead, temporary, commercial and residential driveway) in unincorporated Howard County

432-264-2208

brian.klinksiek@howardcountytx.gov

3604 Old Colorado City Hwy, Big Spring, TX 79720

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

No. Unincorporated Howard County, Texas has no county building-permit department, and Texas counties generally lack the authority to require prior approval for ordinary residential construction.

No. Unincorporated Howard County, Texas has no county building-permit department, and Texas counties generally lack the authority to require prior approval for ordinary residential construction¹. A conventional site-built house on land outside a city therefore does not need a Howard County building permit¹. Industrialized or modular housing follows a separate state process: an owner installing a home for personal use may use a residential installation permit and owner-builder exemption⁵. Land inside the City of Big Spring is different because city permits and technical codes apply there⁸.

Who handles permits and inspections in Howard County?

There is no county building department to call for a home-construction permit, because Howard County does not operate one.

There is no county building department to call for a home-construction permit, because Howard County does not operate one¹. The Howard County OSSF Office handles on-site sewage facility permits and posts the septic permit application for unincorporated Howard County^2,9. Contact the Howard County Road Administrator for a new or modified driveway onto a county road⁶. Subdivision driveways that cross drainage courses need permanent drainage structures, with the Commissioners Court setting their dimensions and type during plat review². An industrialized or modular home needing a state residential installation permit goes through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation rather than a county building office⁵.

Does Howard County have zoning?

Howard County has no countywide zoning ordinance.

Howard County has no countywide zoning ordinance¹. In unincorporated Howard County, no county zoning rule sets minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, lot coverage, building height, accessory-dwelling use, tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping⁴. A platted subdivision may still carry a building or setback line, and no structure may be placed between that line and the street right of way¹⁰. A manufactured home rental community also follows separate development rules: before construction, its infrastructure plan must receive Commissioners Court approval and address drainage, water, waste, sanitation, surveying and roads². Inside the City of Big Spring, zoning is different: the city administers its own Zoning Ordinance and zoning maps, and allowed uses vary by zoning district¹¹. Dividing unincorporated land into lots is also regulated: the Howard County Commissioners Court must approve a plat before a division for residential, commercial or other development proceeds². Land divided for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production use outside city limits can qualify for an exemption, but septic, floodplain and road requirements still apply, and platting applies if the use ends¹². Check the recorded plat and development type before choosing a homesite^2,10.

How do septic permits work in Howard County?

Howard County regulates on-site sewage facilities (OSSF, commonly called septic) in the unincorporated area, and the county's OSSF Office posts the permit application.

Howard County regulates on-site sewage facilities (OSSF, commonly called septic) in the unincorporated area, and the county's OSSF Office posts the permit application^2,9. Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan before an OSSF is constructed, altered, extended or repaired³. A single-family home on at least 10 acres may qualify for an exemption only if every state condition is met, including professional site evaluation, 100-foot property-line clearance for the system, on-site effluent disposal and no other dwelling on the tract³. The permitting authority or its representative inspects installation, but the available rule does not establish periodic inspection for every system¹³. On subdivided land, a lot using septic must have a permitted OSSF or be legally serviceable under state standards before certain utility connections can proceed². Only about half of Howard County's soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before buying¹⁴.

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

Unincorporated Howard County has no zoning rule barring tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping on your own land, and no county zoning rule sets a minimum home size.

Unincorporated Howard County has no zoning rule barring tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping on your own land, and no county zoning rule sets a minimum home size⁴. An RV or manufactured home placed in a manufactured home rental community is different: a community with rented or leased residential spaces must obtain Commissioners Court approval of an infrastructure plan before construction². That plan must address drainage, water, solid waste, sewer or OSSF facilities, surveying and roads². OSSF is allowed as an alternative to sewer service for an unincorporated subdivision only when the lot has a permitted system or the subdivision can legally support systems meeting state standards².

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

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Howard County rather than Big Spring, where city permits and codes apply.

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Howard County rather than Big Spring, where city permits and codes apply⁸.

Check the recorded plat for a building line and determine whether subdivision or manufactured home rental community review applies^2,10.

Arrange the OSSF site evaluation and ask the Howard County OSSF Office whether the system needs a permit or qualifies for the state exemption^3,9.

For an industrialized or modular home built for your own use, apply for the state residential installation permit and owner-builder certification⁵.

Apply to the Road Administrator for county-road access, including any drainage structure required where a subdivision driveway crosses a drainage course^2,6. A state-highway driveway instead requires TxDOT Form 1058 through the local district office⁷.

For subdivided land, confirm the required plat approval and water, sewer or OSSF infrastructure before requesting utility service².

What to check before you buy land in Howard County

Only about half of Howard County's soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so test the homesite rather than assuming it will support the planned system.

Only about half of Howard County's soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so test the homesite rather than assuming it will support the planned system¹⁴. Nearly all of the county, 98.5%, has a slope of 15% or less¹⁴. Howard County averages 18.5 inches of precipitation a year and experiences severe drought in roughly 32% of years, making the water source worth verifying before purchase¹⁴. Confirm legal access and road maintenance; county-road driveways go through the Road Administrator, while state-highway access follows TxDOT's permit process^6,7. If any part of land intended for residential housing lies in a floodplain, the Commissioners Court cannot approve the plat unless the subdivision meets National Flood Insurance Program minimums and the county's Flood Damage Prevention Order². Subdivision and manufactured home rental community review carries published fees paid before county review, in addition to filing or recording charges². The effective property-tax rate is 1.1%, the median annual bill is about $1,642, and typical annual home insurance is about $2,355¹⁴.

Watch-outs

We could not confirm a Howard County well-permit process or which groundwater conservation district covers the county from official sources; ask the OSSF Office or County Judge's office who administers well permits before you drill⁹.
We could not confirm from official sources whether Howard County requires a certificate of occupancy for a new home; ask the OSSF Office before you finish construction⁹.

Sources

14 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

Written October 9, 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Howard County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	Howard County	Mitchell County	Martin County	Borden County	Glasscock County	Sterling County	Dawson County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Septic permits	County OSSF Office	Mitchell County	County OSSF Program	TCEQ	Glasscock County	TCEQ Region 8	Dawson County

Answers from the rulebook for Howard County

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

Howard County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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 Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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 Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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
SetbacksSpecified
Buildings and structures on lots subject to the Howard County subdivision regulations in the unincorporated area.
- No building or structure may be permitted between the building/setback line and the street right of way.
- The regulations are effective December 11, 2023.
setback control: Building or setback line established generally parallel to the front street line; no building or structure permitted between that line and the street right of way.
““Building Line” or “Setback Line” means a line established, in general, parallel to the front street line. No building or structure may be permitted in the area between the building line and the street right of way.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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 Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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 RVLimited
Occupancy of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling or for overnight lodging in a manufactured home rental community in unincorporated Howard County.
- The county regulation defines manufactured housing to include a mobile home, trailer, vehicle, camper, or recreational vehicle designed for use as a dwelling or overnight accommodation.
- The use is addressed within a manufactured home rental community framework; construction of a proposed MHRC requires submission and approval of an infrastructure development plan by the Commissioners Court.
- The plan must address drainage, water supply, solid waste collection, sewer or septic/OSSF facilities, land surveying, roads, and compliance with county, state, and federal requirements.
“recreational vehicle designed for use as a dwelling [...] manufactured home rental communities (MHRC) located in the unincorporated area”
Howard County Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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 Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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 homesLimited
Manufactured-home occupancy in a manufactured home rental community in unincorporated Howard County.
- A manufactured home rental community is regulated as a tract divided into two or more rented, leased, or offered spaces or lots for installation of manufactured homes for use and occupancy as residences.
- Construction of a proposed MHRC may not begin before an infrastructure development plan is submitted to and approved by the Commissioners Court.
- The plan must provide or identify drainage, water, solid-waste, sewer or septic/OSSF facilities, survey information, roads, and compliance with county, state, and federal requirements.
- The county regulation's manufactured-housing definition also includes qualifying mobile homes, trailers, vehicles, campers, and recreational vehicles.
“"Manufactured Home Rental Community" or "MHRC" means a plot or tract of land that is separated into two or more spaces or lots that are rented, leased, or offered for rent or lease, for a term of less than 60 months without a purchase option, for the installation of manufactured homes for use and occupancy as residences.”
Howard County Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Howard County: no county rule sets this, because Howard County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing trerc.tamu.edu.
- 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
Who permits septicCounty
OSSF and septic regulation in the unincorporated area of Howard County.
- The county regulations govern plats and subdivisions in the unincorporated area; incorporated municipalities may have separate authority.
- The regulations incorporate the County's Order Adopting Rules of Howard County, Texas for On-Site Facilities dated August 11, 2008, approved by TCEQ on September 29, 2008, or as amended.
- The subdivision regulations state that active, most recent versions of cited authority apply.
local OSSF order date: August 11, 2008 · TCEQ approval date: September 29, 2008
“The Howard County Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations are provided to assist persons considering the subdivision and development of property in the unincorporated areas of Howard County.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
OSSF service for subdivided land in the unincorporated area of Howard County, particularly when electricity or gas utility service is requested.
- A utility may not connect subdivided land with electricity or gas unless the Commissioners Court determines that adequate water and sewer services, or OSSF services as an alternative to sewer services, have been constructed or installed.
- If septic systems are used, the lot must be served by a permitted OSSF, or the subdivision lots must be capable of being adequately and legally served by septic systems meeting minimum state standards.
- These requirements are subject to the stated exceptions in the regulations and applicable Texas Local Government Code requirements.
“alternatively, if septic systems{OSSF) are used, that the lot is served by a permitted OSSF, or that lots in the subdivision can be adequately and legally served by septic systems that meet the minimum requirements of state standards.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
On-site sanitation through septic/OSSF rather than a public sewer connection for subdivisions in unincorporated Howard County.
- OSSF is an alternative to sewer service under the county utility-connection rules.
- The lot must be served by a permitted OSSF, or the subdivision must be adequately and legally serviceable by septic systems meeting minimum state standards.
- The rule is located in the subdivision regulations and does not establish that every off-grid sanitation technology is allowed.
“adequate water and sewer services (or OSSF services as an alternative to sewer services) have been constructed or installed to service the lot or subdivision.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Water, sewer, electricity, and gas utility connections for subdivided land in the unincorporated area of Howard County.
- Water or sewer connections generally require a Certificate of Approved Plat or a Commissioners Court determination that the plat was reviewed and approved.
- Electricity or gas connections generally require a Commissioners Court determination that adequate water and sewer services, or OSSF services as an alternative to sewer, are installed.
- Water facilities must be fully operable and meet minimum state water-quality and connection standards; sewer facilities must be fully operable and meet minimum state sewer standards.
- For OSSF use, the lot must have a permitted OSSF or the subdivision must be legally serviceable by septic systems meeting minimum state standards.
- The regulations contain exceptions for specified preexisting conveyances, residences, funding-program projects, and other listed circumstances.
- A certificate fee applies according to the attached fee schedule.
- If these provisions conflict with active Texas Local Government Code §232.029 requirements, §232.029 controls.
regulations effective date: December 11, 2023
“Except as herein provided, a utility may not serve or connect any subdivided land with water or sewer service unless the utility receives a Certificate of Approved Plat issued by the Commissioners Court, or receives a determination from the Commissioners Court, that the plat has been reviewed and approved by the Commissioners Court.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production divisions of land in unincorporated Howard County, Texas.
- The tract must be outside the limits of a municipality.
- The owner must divide the tract into two or more parts without laying out a part described by Texas Local Government Code §232.001(a)(3).
- The land must be used primarily for agricultural use under Article VIII, §1-d of the Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use under Article VIII, §1-d-1.
- If the tract ceases to be used primarily for one of those agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes, the county platting requirements apply.
- The exemption does not eliminate other applicable requirements, including wastewater, septic/OSSF, floodplain, road, or utility requirements.
“the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
Howard County subdivision regulations, Exhibit F: Exceptions to Plat Requirements ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Division of a tract into two or more parts for a subdivision, lots, or streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts intended for public use in unincorporated Howard County, outside municipal limits.
- A plat must be prepared and approved by the Howard County Commissioners Court before the covered division proceeds.
- A division for residential, commercial, or other development is a subdivision subject to the regulations.
- The final plat is reviewed only after all required documents and fees are submitted; approval occurs by recorded vote at a public meeting, and recording requires payment of fees and submission of required bonds or other financial security.
- A short-form plat procedure may apply at the developer's discretion for four or fewer lots fronting an existing public street, with no new street or alley and no extension of public facilities; the County Road and Bridge Engineer must approve and sign it.
- The regulations are effective December 11, 2023 and supersede prior County subdivision regulations adopted before that date.
- Plat exceptions in Exhibit F apply, including agricultural or farm/ranch/wildlife-management/timber uses, certain family transfers of four or fewer parts, lots over 10 acres, Veterans' Land Board sales, specified state or political-subdivision land, certain transfers to adjoining landowners, specified retained-and-transferred parts, transfers among existing undivided-interest owners, qualifying nonresidential divisions without water or wastewater facilities, and qualifying oil, gas, or mineral-production divisions.
- If an exception applies and no plat is required, the project location must still be submitted to the Howard County 911 Coordinator; no County fee is charged for that submission.
- Floodplain, drainage, utility, water, sewer, septic/OSSF, fire-suppression, road, lot-frontage, survey, monumentation, disclosure, and applicable state and federal requirements remain applicable where stated by the regulations.
- For residential land in a floodplain, approval requires compliance with the NFIP and the County's active flood-damage-prevention regulations, plus a restrictive covenant prohibiting noncompliant residential construction.
- Required fees include, for a final plat with 1 to 10 lots or divided parts, $500 plus $100 per lot or divided part; for 11 to 50, $1,000 plus $100 per lot or divided part; for more than 50, $1,500 plus $100 per lot or divided part; short-form or voluntary preliminary review is $350; a variance request is $75; and fees must be paid before review as specified.
effective date: December 11, 2023 · short-form maximum lots: <= 4 lots (All lots must front an existing public street; no new street or alley or extension of public facilities.) · final plat base fee, 1-10 lots: 500 USD (Plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part and required filing/recording fees.) · final plat base fee, 11-50 lots: 1000 USD (Plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part and required filing/recording fees.) · final plat base fee, more than 50 lots: 1500 USD (Plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part and required filing/recording fees.) · short-form or voluntary preliminary plat review fee: 350 USD (Regardless of the number of proposed lots.) · variance request/application fee: 75 USD (Must be timely paid in full with the applicable plat or MHRC application; otherwise the variance request is denied.)
“In accordance with these regulations, the owner of a tract of land in Howard County, Texas located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared, and thereafter approved by the Commissioners Court, if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: 1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition; 2) lots; or 3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicated to public use.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Division of land into two or more parts in unincorporated Howard County, Texas.
  “must have a plat of the subdivision prepared, and thereafter approved by the Commissioners Court”
  Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- Limited — Specified divisions of land outside municipal limits that satisfy an Exhibit F exception to Howard County's plat requirements.
  “Pursuant to Section 232.0015 of the Texas Local Government Code and the active subdivision regulations of Howard County, Texas (County), the following exceptions to plat requirements are adopted regarding subdivisions located in the unincorporated areas of said county:”
  Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Subdivision road and driveway access in unincorporated Howard County.
- Permanent drainage structures must be installed at crossings of drainage courses, including drainage ditches intersecting with driveways, roads, and streets.
- The Commissioners Court determines the exact dimension and type of each permanent drainage structure during plat review.
- Subdivisions containing more than 10 lots must have two points of access to a county or public road.
subdivision lots requiring two access points: > 10 lots (Two points of access to a county or public road are required)
“Permanent drainage structures, including but not limited to culverts. pipes, drainage boxes. and bridges shall be installed at all crossings of drainage courses, including drainage ditches intersecting with driveways, roads, and streets. The final exact dimension and type of said permanent drainage structures shall be determined and established for each subdivision by the Commissioners Court upon its review of the plat.”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Residential subdivision plat approval and residential housing development in floodplain areas of unincorporated Howard County, Texas.
- The rule applies when any part of land intended for residential housing lies in a floodplain.
- The Commissioners Court shall not approve the plat unless the subdivision complies with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and Howard County's active Flood Damage Prevention Order, ordinance, or other floodplain-management regulations.
- The plat must contain a restrictive covenant prohibiting residential housing in any subdivision area in a floodplain unless the housing complies with the NFIP minimum requirements and the County's active floodplain regulations.
- Floodplain is defined in the regulations as the FEMA-identified 100-year floodplain or area of special flood hazard, or, if FEMA has not identified it, an area with a 1 percent or greater annual chance of flooding.
- The regulations have an effective date of December 11, 2023.
annual chance of flooding when FEMA has not identified the floodplain: >= 1 percent or greater (in any given year)
“the Commissioners Court shall not approve that plat unless:”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Subdivision plats and manufactured home rental community infrastructure development plans in unincorporated Howard County.
- Fees must be paid before County review.
- Required filing and recording fees, if any, are paid to the County Clerk upon filing or recording.
- Payment must be by cashier's check or money order payable to Howard County, Texas; no partial fee payments are accepted.
- For final plats or MHRC plans with 1-10 lots/spaces/divided parts, the fee is $500 plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part, plus filing and recording fees.
- For 11-50 lots/spaces/divided parts, the fee is $1,000 plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part, plus filing and recording fees.
- For more than 50 lots/spaces/divided parts, the fee is $1,500 plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part, plus filing and recording fees.
- Short-form or voluntary preliminary plat review and comment costs $350 regardless of the number of proposed lots.
- A variance request/application fee is $75.
final plat base fee, 1-10 lots/spaces/divided parts: 500 USD (plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part and filing/recording fees) · final plat base fee, 11-50 lots/spaces/divided parts: 1000 USD (plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part and filing/recording fees) · final plat base fee, more than 50 lots/spaces/divided parts: 1500 USD (plus $100 per lot, space, or divided part and filing/recording fees) · short-form or voluntary preliminary plat review: 350 USD (regardless of number of proposed lots) · variance request/application fee: 75 USD (must be paid when the variance application is filed)
“The following fee schedule is adopted regarding subdivisions and manufactured home rental communities (MHRCC) located in the unincorporated areas of Howard County, Texas:”
Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations for Howard County, Texas ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas; Howard County does not administer zoning.
Texas Real Estate Research Center (Texas A&M) - Land-Use Restrictions in Texas ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Texas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Industrialized residential housing installed in Howard County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
- The rule applies to a homeowner purchasing an industrialized house or residential modular component for the homeowner's own use and completing installation-related construction under a Texas residential installation permit.
- Local permits are still required if the installation is within a city or municipality.
- This claim does not establish the general building-permit requirement for ordinary site-built construction.
residential installation permit fee: 75 USD (Registration fee is non-refundable.)
“Local permits are still required to be obtained”
IHB – Residential Installation Permit Application Instructions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.
  “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  tdlr.texas.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A homeowner installing an industrialized house or residential modular component in Howard County for the homeowner's own use.
- The homeowner must purchase the industrialized house or residential modular component for the homeowner's own use.
- The homeowner must assume responsibility for some or all construction related to installation.
- The homeowner must submit the residential installation permit application and notarized certification.
- Construction must comply with mandatory building codes, engineered foundation drawings, engineered unique on-site construction details, and manufacturer-approved on-site construction details.
- All required inspections must be completed.
- Local permits remain required within a city or municipality.
residential installation permit fee: 75 USD (Registration fee is non-refundable.)
“without registering as an industrialized builder.”
IHB – Residential Installation Permit Application Instructions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
  “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
  Exemptions to Electrician Licensing ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
  “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  Exemptions to Electrician Licensing ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
- The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
- The effective date is July 1, 2024.
- The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
- Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
- Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
- Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.
effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)
“July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
  “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Construction and first installation of industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings in Texas; on-site inspections outside a municipality or in a jurisdiction without a building-inspection department are addressed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
- Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1202 requires the department to inspect industrialized housing and buildings for compliance with mandatory building codes or approved designs, plans, and specifications; approved third-party inspectors may be designated under commission rules.
- For first installation, site inspections are required for all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings, except unoccupied industrialized buildings not open to the public, such as communication-equipment shelters, when they are not also classified as a hazardous occupancy by the mandatory building code.
- For industrialized construction located in a municipality, the statute assigns on-site inspection to the municipal building official; outside a municipality, an approved third-party inspector performs on-site inspections of industrialized housing.
“Site inspections are required for the first installation of all industrialized housing and permanent industrialized buildings.”
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1202: Industrialized Housing and Buildings ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Industrialized housing and buildings subject to the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings rules, where a local building official administers certificate-of-occupancy rules.
- The certificate of occupancy is issued by the local building official in accordance with locally adopted rules and regulations.
- A building or structure may not be used or occupied, and its occupancy classification may not be changed, until the local building official issues a certificate of occupancy under those locally adopted rules.
- The state rule provision does not itself create a uniform certificate-of-occupancy process for all Texas construction; local adoption and administration control for this industrialized-housing/buildings provision.
“The local building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the locally adopted rules and regulations.”
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation: Industrialized Housing and Buildings Justification for Administrative Rule Adoption ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Installation inspections for OSSFs in Texas, including Howard County when performed through an authorized agent or designated representative.
  “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.”
  Basics for Septic Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
  “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  Advice for an Owner of an On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Well permitLimited
Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.
- A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
- A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
- Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
- Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.
permit application form: in writing and sworn
“Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
Water Code Chapter 36 — Groundwater Conservation Districts ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Texas professional-engineering licensing for a garage or other structure pertinent to a qualifying private dwelling or limited-size apartment building.
- The person or entity must not make or imply a representation that engineering services have been or will be offered to the public.
- The accessory structure must be a garage or other structure pertinent to a private dwelling, a one-story apartment building with no more than eight units, or an apartment building no more than two stories high with no more than four units.
- This is an exemption from Chapter 1001 engineering-licensing requirements, not an affirmative exemption from locally administered building permits, zoning, septic, floodplain, well, or other requirements.
- The Section 1001.056 exemption does not apply to engineering design or inspection necessary for residential-dwelling windstorm certification under Insurance Code Chapter 2210, Subchapter F.
- The Section 1001.056 exemption does not apply to engineering design for a residential-dwelling slab on qualifying expansive soil unless the work meets IRC requirements as applied in the jurisdiction where the dwelling is located.
“exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter [...] (D) a garage or other structure pertinent to a building described by Paragraph (A), (B), or (C);”
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1001, Section 1001.056 ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.
- The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
- The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
- The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
- No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
- The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
- Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
- Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.
required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet
“The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
- Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
- The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.
Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
  “As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
  Morales Letter Opinion No. 97-085 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
  “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.”
  Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 233 ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Howard County

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

Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building-code standards administered by the City of Big Spring within its municipal jurisdiction in Howard County, Texas.
- The City of Big Spring states that construction, alteration, repair, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work require application to the Building Official and the required permit.
- Minor repairs may be made with Building Official approval without a permit if they do not violate technical codes.
- The listed code editions are the editions stated on the city's official FAQ page retrieved on 2026-09-11.
International Building Code: 2012 · International Existing Building Code: 2012 · International Fire Code: 2021 · International Gas Code: 2012 · International Mechanical Code: 2012 · International Property Maintenance Code: 2021 · International Plumbing Code: 2012 · International Residential Code: 2012 · National Electrical Code: 2023
“What Technical Codes are currently used by the City of Big Spring? 2012 International Building Code 2012 International Existing Building Code 2021 International Fire Code 2012 International Gas Code 2012 International Mechanical Code 2021 International Property Maintenance Code 2012 International Plumbing Code 2012 International Residential Code 2023 National Electrical Code”
Frequently Asked Questions - Permits / Inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land-use and development proposals within the City of Big Spring, Howard County, Texas.
- The City Planning Department states that the City's Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and associated maps are followed.
- The City's Planning Department identifies residential and commercial zoning districts and directs users to the complete Zoning Ordinance for definitive information.
“We also ensure that the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and associated maps are updated as mandated by State and local laws and that they are followed, accordingly.”
Planning Department | Big Spring, TX ↗Re-checked Nov 13, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Land use and development within the City of Big Spring in Howard County, Texas.
  “We also ensure that the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and associated maps are updated as mandated by State and local laws and that they are followed, accordingly. [...] These handouts provide a summary of allowed uses in each zoning district and are only meant to be used as a guide. Definitive information should be obtained from the complete Zoning Ordinance.”
  Planning Department | Big Spring, TX ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
- Present (with conditions) — Land-use development governed by the City of Big Spring zoning ordinance in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas.
  “These handouts provide a summary of allowed uses in each zoning district and are only meant to be used as a guide. Definitive information should be obtained from the complete Zoning Ordinance.”
  Planning Department ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Present (with conditions) — Land-use and development within the City of Big Spring, Howard County, Texas.
  “We also ensure that the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and associated maps are updated as mandated by State and local laws and that they are followed, accordingly.”
  Planning Department | Big Spring, TX ↗Re-checked Oct 10, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Howard County, including unincorporated areas.

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 Howard County, Texas

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

Howard County scores 46/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.5″/yr rainfall).

How much does land cost in Howard County, Texas?

Land in Howard County runs about $1,426 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Howard County?

Howard County gets about 18.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 32.1% of years.

How remote is Howard County?

A typical private-land location has about 24,513 people within 15 miles and 924,590 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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