Building permits, zoning and land rules in Kimble County, Texas
60Index Score / 100 #93 of 254 in Texas
Unincorporated Kimble County, Texas has no general building-permit requirement and no zoning ordinance, because Texas gives counties that power only in narrow, specific situations that don't reach a small rural county like Kimble123. Septic is the exception: TCEQ's own authorized-agent lookup lists Kimble County itself as the local agent for OSSF permits countywide (except the Town of Segovia), and the county's own contact page lists a septic permits and inspections line45. Just 4.2% of Kimble County's soils are free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so most buyers should plan on an engineered system6.
At a glance
Building permit
Not required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Kimble County1
Zoning
None countywide; unincorporated Kimble County has no zoning ordinance23
Septic permit
Required countywide (except the Town of Segovia); Kimble County itself is TCEQ's listed local agent, with a septic permits and inspections contact45
RV / tiny home living
Unrestricted on your own tract; a 2024 county ordinance only reaches manufactured-home rental communities37
Owner-builder exemption
Available for industrialized/modular housing you install yourself, under a $75 state installation permit89
Subdivision plat applications and road signs for unincorporated Kimble County. The county lists no separate building or zoning department, so the County Judge's office is the closest thing Kimble County has to a land-use permitting authority.
Kimble County Courthouse, 501 Main St, Junction, TX 76849
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Kimble County, Texas?
No. Unincorporated Kimble County lists no building or permitting department, and Texas counties in general have no statutory authority to require a residential building permit outside a municipality1. Texas law lets a handful of large counties adopt a fire code or residential building standards, but only counties over 250,000 people or adjacent to one, and Kimble County's population of about 4,442 is nowhere close1112. Kimble County's 2024 subdivision regulations do require plan approval and possible inspection before construction, but only for the infrastructure of a manufactured-home rental community, not an ordinary single-family home13. If you're installing industrialized or modular housing rather than building stick-frame, you still need a $75 state installation permit for each building, since that program runs through the state, not the county98. Building inside the City of Junction is different: Junction has its own Chapter 3 building regulations that apply only within city limits, not on unincorporated county land14.
Who handles building and land questions in Kimble County?
There is no dedicated building or planning department in Kimble County. The closest thing is the County Judge's office at the Kimble County Courthouse, which takes subdivision plat applications and handles road-sign requests for unincorporated Kimble County15. Deeds, plats and other property records are recorded through the County Clerk's office, also at the courthouse16. For septic permits and inspections, Kimble County's own contact page lists a separate septic line rather than routing that work through the courthouse5.
Does Kimble County have zoning?
Unincorporated Kimble County has no zoning ordinance2. Because Texas grants counties zoning power only for a handful of narrow, specifically defined situations that don't include Kimble County, the county sets no minimum lot size, no minimum dwelling size, no building-height limit and no zoning districts on unincorporated land3. That means accessory dwellings and tiny homes are unrestricted by county zoning on your own tract3. This is about unincorporated land only: the City of Junction is a separate municipality with its own building regulations, so land inside Junction's limits is not covered by this "no zoning" answer14. If your tract sits inside a platted subdivision, the plat itself still has to show a 20-foot building and setback line on the front, sides and rear of every lot under the county's subdivision rules17.
How do septic permits work in Kimble County?
An OSSF (septic) permit is required statewide in Texas, and TCEQ's own authorized-agent lookup lists Kimble County itself as the local agent for the entire county except the Town of Segovia, with a septic permits and inspections line separate from the courthouse's main offices45. A large tract can skip the permit only under a strict 10-acre exemption: a licensed site evaluator or engineer must evaluate the site, the dwelling must be the only one on the tract, every part of the system must sit at least 100 feet from the property line, and the system can't pollute groundwater or cause a nuisance18. Soils matter here: only 4.2% of Kimble County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so plan and budget for an engineered or alternative system on most parcels rather than assuming a standard drain field will work6. If your system uses secondary treatment or drip irrigation, it needs inspection by a licensed maintenance company every four months unless you qualify to maintain it yourself19.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kimble County?
On your own private tract, yes: because Kimble County has no zoning ordinance, tiny-home and temporary-camping use is unrestricted by county rule3. That changes if you turn the land into a manufactured-home rental community, which Texas and Kimble County define as two or more lots rented or leased for trailers, campers, RVs or manufactured homes used as residences. A 2024 county ordinance requires county approval of the infrastructure plan before construction, and the community may not be occupied by tenants until the county inspects the infrastructure and issues a Certificate of Compliance720. A single owner living in an RV or tiny home on their own land, not renting out separate lots, falls outside that ordinance.
Building a home in Kimble County: the steps, in order
Confirm your tract is outside the City of Junction's limits; land inside Junction is governed by the city's own building regulations, not the unincorporated-county rules in this guide14.
If your land is part of a platted subdivision, check the plat for the required 20-foot building and setback line before you site a structure17.
Line up your septic early: get a site evaluation from a TCEQ-licensed evaluator or engineer, and check whether your tract qualifies for the 10-acre exemption before assuming you need a full OSSF permit184.
Register any new water well with the Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District, which covers about 97% of the county10.
If you're installing industrialized or modular housing, budget the $75 state installation permit per building9.
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, apply to TxDOT for a driveway permit (Form 1058) before any construction on the right of way21.
No county building permit or inspection applies to an ordinary single-family home outside a manufactured-home rental community113.
What to check before you buy land in Kimble County
Water: most of the county falls under the Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District, which requires new wells to be registered under its current rules, but the northeastern corner instead falls under Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 110. Septic: with only 4.2% of Kimble County's soils free of severe drain-field limitations, get a site evaluation before you close, not after6. Access: a driveway onto a state highway needs a TxDOT permit, not just a county sign-off22. Taxes: the effective property tax rate runs about 1.3%, with a median bill around $2,173 a year2324. Climate: Kimble County averages 24.9 inches of rain a year and sits in severe drought about 32.1% of years, with an average annual temperature of 65.3°F252627. Land runs roughly $2,623 an acre for farmland, and a typical home is valued around $371,642, with a typical insurance premium near $2,080 a year282930.
Watch-outs
Kimble County's official site does not list a floodplain administrator; ask the County Judge's office who currently handles floodplain questions before you build near the Llano or South Llano River15.
The northeastern corner of Kimble County falls under Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 rather than the Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District, and this guide could not confirm that district's own well-permit rules; check which district covers your specific parcel10.
Kimble County's official materials mention a Certificate of Compliance for manufactured-home rental community infrastructure, but this guide could not confirm whether the county issues any certificate of occupancy for an ordinary single-family home13.
Written September 24, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Kimble County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score
How Kimble County scores
Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency3996% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability26100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% ev.
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Answers from the rulebook for Kimble County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Kimble County rules
InspectionsLimited
Infrastructure construction for a manufactured home rental community in the unincorporated area of Kimble County
The MHRC infrastructure development plan must be approved by the County before construction or tenant occupancy begins.
The County may require inspection of the infrastructure during or on completion of construction.
The inspection concerns compliance of the infrastructure with the approved plan, not a general inspection program for all residential construction.
The regulations are dated and effective August 27, 2024.
“Construction and Occupancy - Construction of the MHRC may not begin (and the MHRC may not be occupied by tenants or lessees) before the date the plan is-approved by the County. The County may require inspection of the infrastructure du.i;g or on completion of construction If the inspector determines that the inftastructure cimplies with the plan, the County shall issue the MHRC Certificate of Compliance in accordance with $ 232.007 of the Texas Local Government Code.”
Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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 Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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.”
SetbacksSpecified
Building and setback lines shown on plats for lots or divided parts in subdivisions in unincorporated Kimble County.
Applies to subdivisions governed by the county regulations.
The plat must describe the setback line on the front, sides, and rear of all lots or divided parts.
The regulations are effective August 27, 2024.
building and setback line: 20 feet
“Pursuant to Sections 232.104 and 233.032, Texas Local Government Code, regarding building and set-back lines, and for the promotion of the general welfare and safety of the public, the plat shall describe a 20-foot building and set-back line on the front, sides, and rear of all lots or divided parts in the subdivision.”
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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 Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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 RVLimited
RV, camper, trailer, or other recreational vehicle used as a dwelling or for overnight accommodation within a manufactured home rental community in unincorporated Kimble County.
The county regulations define manufactured home to include a trailer, vehicle, camper, or recreational vehicle designed for use as a dwelling or for overnight accommodation.
The use is addressed within a manufactured home rental community, defined as land divided into two or more rented or leased spaces or lots for manufactured homes used as residences.
Construction and occupancy of the manufactured home rental community require prior county approval of the infrastructure development plan.
The regulations are effective August 27, 2024.
“any triler, vehicle, camper, or recreational vehicle designed for use as a dwelling”
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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 Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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 homesLimited
Manufactured-home occupancy by tenants or lessees in a manufactured home rental community in unincorporated Kimble County.
The regulations apply to manufactured home rental communities in the unincorporated area of Kimble County.
A manufactured home rental community consists of land divided into two or more rented, leased, or offered-for-rent spaces or lots for installation of manufactured homes used and occupied as residences.
Construction and occupancy may not begin before county approval of the infrastructure development plan.
The county may require infrastructure inspection and issues a Certificate of Compliance if the infrastructure complies with the plan.
Utility services to the community or a manufactured home in it require a copy of the county-issued Certificate of Compliance.
The regulations are effective August 27, 2024.
“the MHRC may not be occupied by tenants or lessees”
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Kimble County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Kimble County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.kimble.tx.us.
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.”
Well permitLimited
Water wells in the Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District, which covers approximately 97.45% of Kimble County
The District's plan states that it regulates water-well drilling and production of permitted, non-exempt wells.
All new wells must be registered in accordance with the District's current Rules.
The District excludes the northeastern corner of Kimble County that lies within Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1.
“The District conducts administrative and technical activities and programs to achieve these purposes by collecting, archiving water well and aquifer data, regulating water well drilling and production of permitted, non-exempt wells [...] The District lies within the Edwards Plateau and consists of approximately 97.45% of the land in Kimble County, Texas, excluding the part of the northeastern corner of the County that is within the boundary of the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1. [...] The District will require that all new wells be registered in accordance with its current Rules.”
Building permitNot required
Texas counties have no general statutory authority to require residential building permits in unincorporated areas, and Kimble County lists no building/permitting department on its official site.
A person purchasing industrialized housing or a building for the person's own use and assuming responsibility for all or part of the construction relating to installation
The person must purchase the industrialized housing or building for the person's own use.
The person must assume responsibility for all or part of the construction relating to installation.
The pathway is a permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder; it is not a blanket exemption from all permits or inspections.
The installation permit fee is $75 for each building containing industrialized modules or modular components.
Residential installation permits are for housing constructed under the International Residential Code only.
installation permit fee: 75 USD per building (for each building containing industrialized modules or modular components)
“Rule 70.20(5) allows a person who purchases industrialized housing and buildings for his/her own use and who assumes responsibility for all or part of the construction relating to the installation of the industrialized house or building to file for a permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder. Requirements for installation permits are found in rule 70.25. [...] The installation permit fee is $75 for each building containing industrialized modules or modular components.”
Building code adoptedPartial
Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
The effective date is July 1, 2024.
The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.
effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)
“July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
Who permits septicMixed
On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
In most areas, local governments act as TCEQ-authorized agents and administer the OSSF program.
The TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.
Local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
“TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
A 10-acre exemption may apply only if all listed conditions are met: site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin.
Grandfathered systems may also be exempt if the stated conditions are met.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other TCEQ conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF distance from property line for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun; written report to permitting authority)
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of an OSSF in Kimble County under Texas minimum requirements
“A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an on-site sewage facility (OSSF), including septic systems, in Kimble County under Texas requirements.
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Kimble County
“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.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
An OSSF serving a single-family dwelling on a tract of land at least 10 acres in Kimble County
The system must comply with all other 30 TAC 285 planning, construction, and installation requirements.
A TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer must conduct a site evaluation.
The system must not cause a nuisance or pollute groundwater.
All parts of the OSSF must be at least 100 feet from the property line.
Effluent must be disposed of on the property.
The single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
The local permitting authority must not require a permit; local programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
“An OSSF is exempt from permitting if it:
* complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285,
* the property receives a site evaluation conducted by a TCEQ licensed Site Evaluator or a Professional Engineer (PE),
* serves a single family dwelling on a tract of land that is 10 acres or larger and is not required to have a permit from the local permitting authority,
* the OSSF is not causing a nuisance or polluting groundwater,
* all parts of the OSSF are at least 100 feet from the property line,
* the effluent is disposed of on the property, AND
* the single family dwelling is the only dwelling located on the tract of land.”
Driveway accessRequired
New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.
A local public agency may receive access driveway permitting authority for state highways, but TxDOT approval remains required for drainage impacts on the state highway system before local approval.
No access driveway is permitted within a flared or widened right-of-way section at an intersection of a state highway with another highway, road, or street.
All entrances and exits, including radii, must be confined within the permittee's property frontage.
One-way 45-to-90-degree driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane-divided highways; otherwise the driveway angle must be 75 to 90 degrees.
ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards apply.
private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · driveway-to-pavement radius: >= 15 feet
“A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
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”
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 Kimble 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 regulations within the City of Junction in Kimble County.
The source identifies Chapter 3, Building Regulations, in the city's existing Code of Ordinances but does not identify the edition or specific model building code incorporated.
“Existing Code of Ordinances Ch 1 General Provisions Ch 2 Animal Control Ch 3 Building Regulations”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for ordinary residential construction in Kimble County
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements for property in Kimble County
Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemption from Kimble County development, subdivision, setback, or related land-use requirements.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Kimble 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.
Living off-grid in Kimble County, Texas
Is Kimble County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Kimble County scores 60/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and sparse surroundings — about 3,240 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and thin water margin (24.9″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Kimble County, Texas?
Kimble County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kimble (TCEQ authorized agent for on-site sewage). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Kimble County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Kimble County is limited to specific cases: RV, camper, trailer, or other recreational vehicle used as a dwelling or for overnight accommodation within a manufactured home rental community in unincorporated Kimble County. The county regulations define manufactured home to include a trailer, vehicle, camper, or recreational vehicle designed for use as a dwelling or for overnight accommodation. The use is addressed within a manufactured home rental community, defined as land divided into two or more rented or leased spaces or lots for manufactured homes used as residences. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Kimble County, Texas?
Land in Kimble County runs about $2,623 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Kimble County?
Kimble County gets about 24.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 32.1% of years.
How remote is Kimble County?
A typical private-land location has about 3,240 people within 15 miles and 3,441,080 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Kimble County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
