Bolthole Index

Kerr County, Texas

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

67Index Score / 100
#58 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Kerr County, Texas does not require a building permit or a certificate of occupancy, and its Subdivision Rules and Regulations impose no zoning restrictions12. The county does regulate specific activities: floodplain development, driveways onto county-maintained roads, public-utility work in county rights-of-way, and subdivision construction3. Septic systems are separate again, permitted through the Kerr County Environmental Health Department, and as of August 7, 2026 every new septic system needs a county permit regardless of tract size45.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required countywide, including for a certificate of occupancy; the county only permits floodplain development, driveways, utility right-of-way work, and subdivisions12
Zoning
None imposed by the county's Subdivision Rules and Regulations; the incorporated City of Kerrville has its own zoning code627
Septic permits
Kerr County Environmental Health Department (TCEQ authorized agent); every new OSSF needs a permit as of Aug. 7, 2026, regardless of tract size485
Floodplain permit
Required for any structure where any portion touches FEMA Zone A, Zone AE, or Floodway, even for repairs or demolition9
Driveway permit
Required for a new or modified driveway on a Kerr County-maintained road; the county's own pages disagree on the fee ($25 on one page, none on another)1011
RV / tiny home / manufactured home
Unrestricted by county zoning, since there is none, though setback, plat, and deed restrictions can still apply122
Well permit
Governed by the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District; exempt household wells still need registration at least 10 days before drilling13
Septic soil difficulty
Only 0.2% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field14

Who to call

Roads & driveways

Kerr County Engineer's Office

Floodplain development permits, driveway permits onto county-maintained roads, utility right-of-way permits, and subdivision construction review

830-896-9046

[email protected]

3766 TX27, Kerrville, TX 78028

Septic permits

Kerr County Environmental Health Department

OSSF (septic) permits and water-well-permit assistance for Kerr County, as the TCEQ-authorized local agent

830-896-9020

[email protected]

550 Earl Garrett Street, Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028

Roads & driveways

Kerr County Road & Bridge Department

Road maintenance and the county's own plain-language FAQ on building permits, zoning, driveways, septic, and where to find plats and deed records

830-257-2993

[email protected]

3766 TX-27, Kerrville, TX 78028

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 23, 2026.

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

No. Kerr County's own Road & Bridge Department states plainly that the county does not require building permits or certificates of occupancy, and that its Subdivision Rules and Regulations impose no zoning restrictions1215. That doesn't mean anything goes: the county still regulates specific activities through the County Engineer's office, including floodplain development, driveways onto county-maintained roads, public-utility installation in county rights-of-way, and subdivision construction3. Set-back restrictions, plat restrictions, and deed restrictions can still limit what you build, and other agencies — including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for septic — may require their own permits15. Inside the incorporated City of Kerrville, the picture is different: Kerrville has adopted its own zoning code and the 2018 International Residential and Building Codes, so a lot inside city limits follows municipal rules, not the county's716.

Who handles permits in Kerr County, and how do you reach them?

For floodplain development, driveway, and utility right-of-way permits, contact the Kerr County Engineer's Office at 3766 TX-27, Kerrville, TX 78028, 830-896-9046; floodplain permit applications go to [email protected]17. The county advises calling ahead for an appointment, since staff are often in the field18. For septic and water-well permitting, contact the Kerr County Environmental Health Department at 550 Earl Garrett Street, Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028, 830-896-9020, [email protected]19. For general road questions and the county's own plain-language FAQ on permits and zoning, the Road & Bridge Department is at the same 3766 TX-27 address, 830-257-2993, [email protected]15. If your driveway connects to a state highway instead of a county road, that goes through the Kerrville Area TxDOT office using Form 105820.

Does Kerr County have zoning?

No. Kerr County's own materials state there are no zoning restrictions imposed by its Subdivision Rules and Regulations, and Texas law gives counties zoning power only in a handful of specially defined areas that don't include Kerr County6221. What the county does regulate outside Kerrville and Ingram is subdivision and manufactured-home-rental-community development: rules the Commissioners' Court adopted on November 28, 2022, effective January 1, 2023, administered by the County Engineer and applying to every subdivision and manufactured-home rental community outside those two cities unless the Commissioners' Court expressly waives platting authority22. Because there's no zoning ordinance, Kerr County sets no minimum home size, no minimum lot size, no building-height limit, and no restriction on RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, or accessory dwellings outside a subdivision's own platted conditions12. Set-back restrictions, plat restrictions, and deed restrictions can still apply to a specific lot, so check those documents directly2.

How do septic and well permits work in Kerr County?

Septic systems in Kerr County are permitted through the Environmental Health Department, the local TCEQ-authorized agent for OSSF permitting and enforcement48. As of August 7, 2026, the county requires a permit for every new septic system regardless of tract size; the change is not retroactive, and existing systems installed before the county's 1989 rules, or that still meet the original state 10-acre exception, can be grandfathered5. Statewide, that 10-acre exemption only ever applied where a licensed site evaluator signed off, a single-family home was the only dwelling on the tract, every part of the system stayed at least 100 feet from the property line, and effluent stayed on the property23. Soils here make a conventional system hard regardless: only 0.2% of Kerr County's land is free of severe limitations for a drain field, among the lowest shares in the state, so budget for an engineered or alternative system from the start14. New water wells fall under the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District: even an exempt household or livestock well needs a signed registration submitted at least 10 days before drilling, and a well used for other purposes or exceeding 25,000 gallons a day becomes non-exempt and needs a full operating permit13.

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

Outside the regulated floodplain, Kerr County has no zoning ordinance restricting RV, tiny-home, or manufactured-home occupancy, so there's no countywide permit or minimum-size rule standing in your way12. A specific subdivision's plat restrictions or deed restrictions can still limit this on your particular lot, so check those before you buy2. If your parcel touches the mapped floodplain, remember the county's floodplain development permit reaches any structure there, including a placed RV or tiny home, and applies even to repairs or demolition9. Given how much of Kerr County sits near the Guadalupe River and its tributaries, checking your specific parcel against FEMA flood maps before assuming unrestricted RV or tiny-home living is worth the extra step24.

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

First, check FEMA flood maps for your parcel; if any portion touches Zone A, AE, or Floodway, apply for a floodplain development permit through the County Engineer's Office before any construction, repair, or demolition179. Second, order a septic site evaluation early, since only 0.2% of the county's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field14. Third, apply for your OSSF permit through the Environmental Health Department; as of August 7, 2026 this applies to every new system regardless of tract size195. Fourth, if you need a new well, register it with the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District at least 10 days before drilling13. Fifth, if your land is part of a subdivision or manufactured-home rental community outside Kerrville or Ingram, confirm it complies with the county's 2023 subdivision regulations22. Sixth, if your driveway connects to a county-maintained road, get a driveway permit from the County Engineer before work begins; if it connects to a state highway instead, apply to TxDOT using Form 10581720. Finally, build: Kerr County has no general building-permit review or certificate-of-occupancy requirement to schedule outside these specific permits1.

What to check before you buy land in Kerr County

Water and drought are real factors here: annual precipitation runs about 28.9 inches, but 49.1% of years bring severe drought, nearly half — and with only 0.2% of soils free of septic limitations, both a reliable well and a well-designed septic system deserve serious budget252414. The land is more varied than flat Gulf Coast counties: 79.1% sits at 15% slope or less and 41.3% is wooded, so grading and clearing costs can matter more than in flatter counties2627. Check FEMA flood maps before you buy, since floodplain status drives the county's clearest permit requirement and shapes RV, tiny-home, and manufactured-home rules on that specific parcel9. If the tract is part of a subdivision, confirm it complies with the county's 2023 subdivision and manufactured-home-rental-community regulations, and read the plat and any deed restrictions directly, since the county has no zoning to fall back on222. Typical property tax runs about 1.1% effectively, with a median bill near $3,115 a year, against a typical home value around $375,304282930.

Watch-outs

  • Kerr County's own pages disagree on the driveway-permit fee: a blog post cites a $25 fee, while the Road & Bridge FAQ says driveway permits require no fee; confirm the current amount with the County Engineer before applying11.
  • No official Kerr County source found for this guide states an owner-builder exemption, a certificate-of-occupancy requirement, or a countywide agricultural exemption from subdivision or development rules; confirm directly with the County Engineer or Environmental Health Department31.
  • Kerr County includes land along the Guadalupe River with significant flash-flood risk; verify FEMA flood-zone status for any specific parcel before assuming the floodplain permit doesn't apply9.

Sources

  1. Kerr County Engineer (2026 county census)
  2. Kerr County Road & Bridge, quoted and re-checked
  3. Kerr County Engineer, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health Department On-Site Sewage Facility (2026 county census)
  5. Environmental Health Department On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  6. Kerr County Engineer (2026 county census)
  7. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Environmental Health Department On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  9. Flood Damage Permitting Guide, quoted and re-checked
  10. Reminder: Work on driveways (new or existing) requires permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Reminder: Work on driveways (new or existing) requires permit, quoted and re-checked
  12. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  13. Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District, quoted and re-checked
  14. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  15. Kerr County Road & Bridge Department (kerrcountytx.gov)
  16. Code Information, quoted and re-checked
  17. Kerr County Engineer's Office (kerrcountytx.gov)
  18. Kerr County Engineer, quoted and re-checked
  19. Kerr County Environmental Health Department (kerrcountytx.gov)
  20. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Kerr County Engineer, quoted and re-checked
  23. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  31. (2026 county census)

Written September 23, 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

Kerr County in Texas

67
County map
Kerr County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Kerr County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4496% ev.
Admin Boringness7290% ev.
Durability39100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost72100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$375kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$3,597Land / acre
28.9"Annual rain
49.1% of yrsSevere drought
18.4 / yr (+15.5)Mid-century 100°F days
28 daysMid-century dry spell
2.29" (+10.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.39×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,261Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,545People within 30 min
2,925,370People within 2 hr
25,266Radius comparison (15 mi)
48.9People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
79.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0.2%Septic soil without severe limits
1,630 acWorkable land screen
41.3%Wooded land
12.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
65.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Kerr County

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

Kerr County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Permitting administered by Kerr County for floodplain development, public utilities in Kerr County rights of way, driveways abutting county-maintained roads, and subdivision construction.

    • The county source identifies these specific permit categories; it does not establish a general residential building-permit requirement.
    • A driveway permit applies when placing a new driveway or modifying an existing driveway on a Kerr County-maintained road.
    • A floodplain determination or permit is required for any work in the floodplain.
    • A fee applies to obtaining a floodplain determination or permit.
    • Subdivisions and manufactured home rental communities outside the city limits of Kerrville or Ingram are subject to Kerr County regulations unless the Commissioners' Court expressly waives platting authority.

    floodplain determination or permit fee: fee applies

    “Permitting is regulated through this department for floodplain development, installation of public utilities in Kerr County rights of way, installation or modification of driveways abutting county-maintained roads, and subdivision construction.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published (with conditions)

    Zoning districts or zoning restrictions imposed by Kerr County's Subdivision Rules and Regulations in unincorporated Kerr County.

    • The county statement is limited to zoning restrictions imposed by its Subdivision Rules and Regulations.
    • Subdivision regulations apply outside the city limits of Kerrville and Ingram unless the Commissioners' Court expressly waives platting authority.
    • Other factors identified by the county include setback restrictions, plat restrictions, deed restrictions, and permits from other agencies.
    “There are no zoning restrictions imposed by the Kerr County Subdivision Rules and Regulations.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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 Kerr County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kerr County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing kerrcountytx.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.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    OSSF/septic permitting and enforcement in Kerr County, including county-administered areas.

    • The county program operates under TCEQ rules and the county's approved OSSF order.
    • Incorporated municipalities or other jurisdictions may have separate permitting authority.
    “The KCEHD is the local authorized agent for OSSF permitting and enforcement.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New septic systems and new construction or upgrades of existing OSSFs in Kerr County.

    • Effective August 7, 2026, all new septic systems require a permit regardless of tract size.
    • The change is not retroactive.
    • Existing systems may be grandfathered if installed before the rules adopted September 1, 1989, or if they continue to meet the original state exception requirements.
    • The stated exception requirements include one single-family dwelling on a 10-acre-or-larger tract, all sewage disposed entirely on that property, and no public-health nuisance or local-groundwater pollution.
    • Permitting fees apply only to OSSFs being altered, repaired, upgraded, or newly installed.

    effective date: 2026-08-07

    “Effective Aug. 7, 2026, the county now requires a permit for ALL new septic systems, regardless of tract size.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OSSFs issued an authorization to construct in Kerr County and inspections connected to the county OSSF program.

    • Inspections are performed under the authorized-agent program and must ensure compliance with TCEQ rules or the approved local order, whichever is more stringent.
    • The cited material does not establish a universal inspection schedule for every existing septic system.
    “They perform site evaluations (when it is part of their job duties), complaint investigations, system evaluations, and inspections of OSSFs that have been issued an authorization to construct to ensure the installation of the OSSF meets the criteria established by the TCEQ, or by the Authorized Agent Order approved by the TCEQ, whichever is more stringent.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    On-site septic sanitation used instead of connection to a public wastewater system in Kerr County.

    • New septic systems require a county permit regardless of tract size effective August 7, 2026.
    • Existing systems are not retroactively affected and may be grandfathered under the stated September 1, 1989 and 10-acre/state-exception conditions.
    • The source does not establish that every alternative sanitation technology is allowed.

    effective date: 2026-08-07

    “This update ensures that new construction and/or an upgrade of an existing OSSF will require a permit regardless of tract size.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater wells in Kerr County within the Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District.

    • Exempt wells require a signed registration form submitted at least 10 days before drilling, including a fee, survey, and proof of ownership.
    • The district determines whether a proposed well qualifies for an exemption or requires a permit.
    • Exempt household/domestic/livestock wells remain subject to district registration and construction rules.
    • A well used for non-domestic/livestock purposes or exceeding 25,000 gallons per day or 17.36 gallons per minute open discharge becomes non-exempt and requires an operating permit.
    • Additional tract-size, public-water-system-area, spacing, and OSSF setback rules apply.

    exempt-well registration lead time: >= 10 days · exempt-well production threshold: > 25000 gallons per day (Exceeding this threshold changes the well to non-exempt/permitted status) · exempt-well open-discharge threshold: > 17.36 gallons per minute (Exceeding this threshold changes the well to non-exempt/permitted status)

    “The District staff will determine if it meets the exemptions or requires a permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Installation of public utilities in Kerr County rights-of-way; this claim does not establish a general requirement that every private parcel connect to public water or sewer.

    • A utility installation permit is required when a public utility installs a new utility or performs maintenance on an existing utility in a Kerr County right-of-way.
    • The cited page does not establish a universal residential water or sewer connection mandate.
    “If you are a public utility, and you wish to install a new utility or perform maintenance on an existing utility, you will need a utility installation permit (the application can be downloaded below).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions and manufactured home rental communities in Kerr County outside the city limits of Kerrville and Ingram.

    • The regulations were adopted by the Kerr County Commissioners' Court on November 28, 2022.
    • The regulations went into effect January 1, 2023.
    • The rules are administered by the county engineer.
    • All subdivisions outside the city limits of Kerrville or Ingram are subject to the rules unless the Commissioners' Court expressly waives platting authority.
    • All manufactured home rental communities outside the city limits of Kerrville or Ingram are subject to the rules.

    approval date: 2022-11-28 · effective date: 2023-01-01

    “Kerr County Subdivision and Manufactured Home Rental Community Regulations were adopted by the Kerr County Commissioners' Court on Nov. 28, 2022, and went into effect Jan. 1, 2023. They are administered by the county engineer. All subdivisions situated in the County and outside of the city limits of the City of Kerrville or Ingram are subject to these rules, unless the Kerr County Commissioners' Court expressly waives platting authority. All manufactured home rental communities situated in the county and outside the city limits of the City of Kerrville or Ingram are subject to these rules.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Installation of a new driveway or modification of an existing driveway along a Kerr County-maintained road within the right-of-way.

    • Applies only to driveways along roads maintained by Kerr County under Court Order No. 36683.
    • For privately maintained roads, the county directs residents and builders to the relevant homeowners' association.
    • For state-highway frontage, the county directs applicants to the Kerrville Area TxDOT office.
    “Kerr County, Texas, requires permits for those looking to install a new driveway or modify an existing one situated along a county-maintained road within the right-of-way, said Kerr County Engineer Charlie Hastings, P.E., C.F.M.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Structures in unincorporated Kerr County outside Ingram and Kerrville when any portion touches FEMA Zone A, Zone AE, or Floodway.

    • The permit is required even for repairs or demolition when any portion of the structure touches Zone A, AE, or Floodway.
    • Applicants must obtain a completed FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152 (2023 edition) Elevation Certificate from a licensed professional surveyor and submit it with the Floodplain Development Permit Application to [email protected].
    • If no portion touches Zone A, AE, or Floodway, the county guide states that a permit is not required.
    • The guide states there is no cost for disaster-related floodplain permit applications because of Commissioners' Court relief.
    • Property owners in Ingram or Kerrville must contact their respective municipal floodplain administrator.
    “If ANY portion of structure touches Zone A, AE, or Floodway then a PERMIT is required (even for repairs or demolition.) GO TO STEP 2.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    New or modified driveways situated along Kerr County-maintained roads within the right-of-way.

    • The cited county news item says the permits apply only to driveways along county-maintained roads.
    • The county Road & Bridge FAQ separately states that driveway permits have no fee; the official sources conflict, so the current payable amount should be confirmed with the County Engineer.
    • For driveways along privately maintained roads, the county directs residents and builders to their homeowners' association; for state-highway driveways, it directs them to the Kerrville Area TxDOT office.

    driveway permit fee: 25 USD (The county's Road & Bridge FAQ separately states '(No fee required).')

    “The permit fee is nominal at $25 and can be downloaded by clicking HERE.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County-administered floodplain development, utility right-of-way, driveway, and subdivision-construction permits outside incorporated municipal administration.

    • The county advises making an appointment with the County Engineer before visiting because staff may be in the field.
    • For floodplain determinations or permits, the county directs applicants to make an appointment and complete the linked floodplain permit application before arrival.
    • Incorporated Ingram and Kerrville administer their own floodplain matters.
    “Permitting is regulated through this department for floodplain development, installation of public utilities in Kerr County rights of way, installation or modification of driveways abutting county-maintained roads, and subdivision construction.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas; Kerr County's development regulation is limited to subdivision, floodplain, and access rules with no zoning districts.

    Kerr County Engineer ↗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:”
  • 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 Kerr 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 construction within the City of Kerrville.

    • The official City of Kerrville page lists adoption of the 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Building Code, 2018 IEBC, 2017 NEC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IFGC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IECC, 2018 ISPSC, and 2018 International Fire Code.
    • This municipal adoption does not establish a countywide Kerr County building-code adoption or applicability in unincorporated areas.

    International Residential Code edition: 2018 · International Building Code edition: 2018 · National Electrical Code edition: 2017

    “Adoption: 2018 International Residential Code”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Property within the City of Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas.

    • The City of Kerrville's zoning code regulates land uses and development within the city; this claim does not establish zoning for unincorporated Kerr County or other municipalities.
    “The City developed the regulations set forth in this Chapter in a comprehensive manner in order to guide the planning and growth of the City of Kerrville, Texas”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from Kerr County residential building-permit or inspection requirements in unincorporated Kerr County.
  • Inspections — Building inspections for residential construction in unincorporated Kerr County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for residential buildings in unincorporated Kerr County.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from subdivision, development, construction, or related county requirements in unincorporated Kerr County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Kerr 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 Kerr 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 ↗
  • Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Areapartial of county

    TCEQ PGMA identifying existing or anticipated critical groundwater problems; drives GCD coverage and heightened management. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt from GCD permits 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 Kerr County, Texas

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

Kerr County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 1,545 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Kerr County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kerr County Environmental Health Department (TCEQ Authorized Agent). 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 Kerr County?

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

Land in Kerr County runs about $3,597 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kerr County?

Kerr County gets about 28.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 49.1% of years. On water rights, Kerr County lies in the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area — TCEQ PGMA identifying existing or anticipated critical groundwater problems; drives GCD coverage and heightened management. Domestic/livestock wells remain exempt from GCD permits but spacing/registration may apply..

How remote is Kerr County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,545 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,925,370 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 Kerr County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Kerr compares in Texas

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