Bolthole Index

Lee County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Lee County, Texas

57Index Score / 100
#105 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Lee County, Texas requires a development permit for every individual structure larger than 100 square feet1. The county has no zoning ordinance, but subdivision, septic, floodplain and county-road driveway rules still apply2,3,4,5,6. A new residence or business needs a 9-1-1 address before permit applications1.

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

Unincorporated Lee County, Texas requires a development permit for an individual residential or commercial structure larger than 100 square feet.

Unincorporated Lee County, Texas requires a development permit for an individual residential or commercial structure larger than 100 square feet1. A permanent or skid-mounted building of 100 square feet or less is exempt, as are roofing, painting, general repair, livestock pens, fences and remodels that do not change square footage1. Listed application fees are $50 for a residential home, $25 for a residential accessory structure, $10 for a residential addition and $100 for commercial work1. The county also lists a $20 agriculture application requiring an AG Exemption, but that is not a blanket exemption from the development-permit process8. A separate agricultural exemption from subdivision platting is conditional on continued qualifying land use and the way the tract is divided4.

Who is the Lee County building department, and how do you reach them?

Lee County Development Services, also called the Code Enforcement office, receives development-permit packets for unincorporated property.

Lee County Development Services, also called the Code Enforcement office, receives development-permit packets for unincorporated property1. Reach the office at 979-212-8070 or permitting@co.lee.tx.us1. The office is at the Lee County Annex behind the Tax Office, 898 East Richmond, Ste 203, Giddings, TX 789421. A new residence or business needs a 9-1-1 address before the permit application is filed, and the county can withhold other county permits from applicants who are not complying with its development-application rules1. Inside Giddings, the city has adopted building codes; that city adoption does not establish a code for unincorporated Lee County9.

Does Lee County have zoning?

Unincorporated Lee County has no county zoning ordinance, so county zoning does not set minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or RV, tiny-home and manufactured-home occupancy.

Unincorporated Lee County has no county zoning ordinance, so county zoning does not set minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or RV, tiny-home and manufactured-home occupancy2. That answer is limited to county zoning: deed restrictions and subdivision, development, septic and floodplain rules can still control a project1,4,5. Municipal rules are different. Lexington has local zoning, including a zoning map and use chart, while Giddings has adopted city building codes9,10. Land in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction may also be subject to municipal subdivision rules4.

How do septic permits work in Lee County?

Lee County is the authorized agent for on-site sewage facilities, and all septic systems require a county permit.

Lee County is the authorized agent for on-site sewage facilities, and all septic systems require a county permit1,4. The listed septic permit fees are $425 residential and $500 commercial1. Subdivision lots must comply with county OSSF rules, including a one-acre minimum lot size3. A homeowner may install a system serving the owner's single-family dwelling only if county requirements are met; the property cannot be developed for sale or lease, and most helpers must be licensed7. Systems using secondary treatment or drip irrigation need inspection by a valid maintenance company every four months unless homeowner maintenance is allowed, and Lee County may impose stricter requirements11. Only about 19% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so budget for a site evaluation12.

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

Unincorporated Lee County's lack of a county zoning ordinance means county zoning does not prohibit RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home or temporary-camping occupancy.

Unincorporated Lee County's lack of a county zoning ordinance means county zoning does not prohibit RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home or temporary-camping occupancy2. A tiny-home structure larger than 100 square feet still requires a development permit, and a new residence needs a 9-1-1 address before permit applications1. Septic systems still require county permits1. In a regulated subdivision, a structure cannot be occupied until it has an individual or approved community water supply and either public sewer service or a Lee County-approved on-site wastewater system4. Deed restrictions can impose private limits, and Lexington's city zoning applies inside Lexington rather than the unincorporated county5,10. Multi-site RV or manufactured-home developments should go directly to Development Services because the county publishes separate materials for those projects1.

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

Obtain a 9-1-1 address for a new residence before filing permit applications.

  1. Obtain a 9-1-1 address for a new residence before filing permit applications1.
  2. Submit the development-permit packet to Lee County Development Services; the residential-home application fee is $501.
  3. Secure access approval. A noncommercial county-road driveway permit is $25 plus applicable culvert costs, while state-road access requires TxDOT approval4,6.
  4. Apply to Lee County for the septic permit and site evaluation; the residential septic permit fee is $4251.
  5. Complete floodplain review before work begins. Floodplain development cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued, and a required elevation certificate is due within 10 business days after foundation completion5.

What to check before you buy land in Lee County

About 100% of Lee County land has a slope of 15% or less, but buyers should still inspect drainage and the specific building pad.

About 100% of Lee County land has a slope of 15% or less, but buyers should still inspect drainage and the specific building pad12. Only around 19% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field12. Confirm floodplain status because work in a special flood hazard area needs a permit before it starts and cannot be occupied before a Certificate of Compliance5. Verify legal access as well: a county-road entrance requires county approval, while a state-road entrance requires TxDOT approval4. For subdivision property, confirm plat compliance, the one-acre OSSF lot minimum, and an approved water and wastewater route before closing3,4. Ask Development Services about water-well permitting because we could not confirm the general requirement.

Watch-outs

  • A homeowner-installed septic system is conditional, not a blanket owner-builder exemption; Lee County can impose local requirements and some systems require a factory representative7.
  • A county-road driveway must be within 25 feet of its designated 9-1-1 address, and commercial driveways require at least 150 feet of spacing6.
  • Lee County's materials do not identify a general building code or ordinary certificate-of-occupancy rule; ask Development Services what inspections and closeout documents apply outside the documented floodplain process5.

Sources

12 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

  1. Lee County Development Services Permitting Department
  2. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  3. Lee County Subdivision and Development Regulations
  4. Lee County Subdivision and Development Regulations
  5. Lee County Floodplain Development Provisions
  6. Lee County Requirements for Permits to Construct Access Driveways on County Right of Way
  7. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System
  8. Instructions for Application for Proposed Development
  9. Code Compliance – City of Giddings
  10. Zoning – City of Lexington Texas
  11. Advice for an Owner of an On-Site Sewage Facility
  12. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Lee County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleLee CountyBurleson CountyBastrop CountyWashington CountyFayette CountyMilam CountyBrazos County
Building permitRequiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Development ServicesCounty Env. OfficeCounty Development ServicesCounty Env. HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Health Dept.

County locator

Lee County in Texas

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

How Lee County scores

57 / 100 · #105 of 254 in Texas · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion45100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency39100% ev.
Admin Boringness5990% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$362kTypical home
1%Property tax
$5,061Land / acre
39.9"Annual rain
20.4% of yrsSevere drought
38.5 / yr (+29.5)Mid-century 100°F days
23.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.33" (+5.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.43×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,040Home insurance / yr
1.3% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,886People within 30 min
8,198,203People within 2 hr
16,167Radius comparison (15 mi)
29People / sq mi
1.1%Federal land
99.7%Land at 15% slope or less
18.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
73,117 acWorkable land screen
20%Wooded land
10.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
68.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Lee County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Lee County

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

Lee County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Individual residential and commercial structures exceeding 100 square feet in unincorporated Lee County.

    • A permit is required for any individual structure more than 100 square feet.
    • The county permitting page also states that development applications apply to residential, commercial, oil/gas pipeline, and water development in unincorporated areas.
    • Residential home application fee is $50; residential accessory structure application fee is $25; residential add-on application fee is $10; commercial application fee is $100.
    • Penalty for not securing the application is $250; penalty within a floodplain is $1,000.

    structure area threshold: > 100 sq. ft. · residential home application fee: 50 USD · residential accessory structure application fee: 25 USD · residential add-on application fee: 10 USD · commercial application fee: 100 USD

    “A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURE MORE THAN 100 SQ. FT.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Individual residential and commercial structures over 100 square feet in unincorporated Lee County.
      “A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURE MORE THAN 100 SQ. FT.”
    • Limited — Individual residential and commercial structures and other development in unincorporated Lee County.
      “A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURE MORE THAN 100 SQ. FT.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Development in Lee County floodplain areas subject to the county floodplain provisions

    • The applicant consents to reasonable inspections required to verify compliance.
    • An elevation certificate must be furnished if required, within 10 business days after foundation completion.

    elevation certificate submission deadline: 10 business days after foundation completion (only if required)

    “Applicant hereby gives consent to the local Floodplain Administrator or his/her representative to make reasonable inspections required to verify compliance.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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 Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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 Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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 Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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 RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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 Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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 homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.lee.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.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage facilities in Lee County.

    • The Commissioners Court is designated by TCEQ as the authorized agent for licensing and regulating on-site sewerage facilities within Lee County.
    “The Commissioners Court of Lee County has been designated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as the authorized agent for the licensing and regulation of on-site sewerage facilities within Lee County and these Regulations are a necessary component of such regulation;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage facilities in Lee County.
      “The Commissioners Court of Lee County has been designated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as the authorized agent for the licensing and regulation of on-site sewerage facilities within Lee County and these Regulations are a necessary component of such regulation;”
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage facilities in Lee County.
      “The Commissioners Court of Lee County has been designated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as the authorized agent for the licensing and regulation of on-site sewerage facilities within Lee County and these Regulations are a necessary component of such regulation;”
  • Septic permitRequired

    All septic systems in Lee County.

    • The county permitting page states that any and all septic systems must be permitted.
    • Residential septic permit fee is $425; commercial septic permit fee is $500.
    • The subdivision regulations state that no on-site sewage facility permit or development permit will issue for a parcel unless it complies with the county subdivision regulations and Lee County Rules for On-Site Sewerage, subject to stated grandfathering exceptions.

    residential septic permit fee: 425 USD · commercial septic permit fee: 500 USD

    “Any and all septic systems must be permitted.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — All septic systems in Lee County.
      “Any and all septic systems must be permitted. Residential $425 Commercial $500”
    • Required — All septic systems in Lee County.
      “Any and all septic systems must be permitted. Residential $425 Commercial $500”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Structures in subdivisions governed by Lee County subdivision regulations.

    • No structure in a subdivision may be occupied until connected to an individual water supply or state-approved community water system.
    • No structure in a subdivision may be occupied until connected to a public sewer system or an on-site wastewater system approved and permitted by Lee County.
    “No structure in this subdivision shall be occupied”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Subdivision platting requirements for land used primarily for agriculture, farming, ranching, wildlife management, or timber production.

    • The exemption applies only when the owner does not lay out a part of the tract as described by Texas Local Government Code section 232.001(a)(3).
    • If the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use, platting requirements apply.
    “shall not be required to obtain plat approval”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and plat approval in unincorporated Lee County

    • All lots must comply with Lee County OSSF rules.
    • Lee County has a minimum one-acre lot size for OSSF.
    • Driveway access to public roads requires TXDOT or county commissioner approval as applicable.

    minimum lot size for OSSF: >= 1 acre

    “No Subdivision shall be permitted until the Owner has satisfied each of the following steps in the order indicated: a) Approval of Preliminary Plat by the Commissioners Court. b) Approval of Final Plat by the Commissioners Court. c) Filing of Record Plat with the County Clerk, to be recorded in the Plat Records of the County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land outside municipal corporate limits in Lee County.
      “General Requirements. Any Owner who subdivides a tract of land shall: a) Comply in all respects with these regulations; and b) Prepare and submit to the Commissioners Court an application for approval or registration of the proposed Subdivision in accordance with the terms and procedures set forth in these regulations.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways connecting to county roads in unincorporated Lee County.

    • A 9-1-1 address is required before a driveway permit is issued.
    • Noncommercial permits cost $25, noncommercial joint-access permits cost $50, and commercial permits cost $150, plus applicable culvert or other structure fees.
    • Driveways must be within 25 feet of the designated 9-1-1 address.
    • Joint driveways may serve no more than two properties.
    • Noncommercial driveways must be at least 25 feet from another driveway; commercial developments require 150-foot spacing.
    • Culverts are generally 24 to 40 feet; lengths over 40 feet require written commissioner approval.
    • Failure to obtain a permit before installation incurs penalties of $100 noncommercial and $500 commercial.

    noncommercial driveway permit: 25 USD (plus applicable culvert or other structure fees) · commercial driveway permit: 150 USD (plus applicable culvert or other structure fees) · culvert installation: per 15 USD per foot · 911-address proximity: <= 25 feet · commercial driveway spacing: >= 150 feet

    “A permit from the Lee County permitting office will be required for any driveway connecting to a county road.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Driveways connecting to a Lee County road right-of-way.
      “A permit from the Lee County permitting office will be required for any driveway connecting to a county road.”
    • Required — Driveway access onto publicly dedicated roadways in subdivisions in unincorporated Lee County.
      “no driveway constructed on any lot within this subdivision shall be permitted access onto a publicly dedicated roadway unless (a) Approved by TXDOT on State roads or the Commissioner in whose precinct the proposed subdivision is located of Lee County. (b) the driveway satisfies the minimum spacing requirement for driveways set forth in Sections 7.4 and 7.5 of the Lee County Subdivision Regulations.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Residential, commercial, and oil-and-gas development in designated floodplain areas, and development applications for non-floodplain property over 100 square feet, in unincorporated Lee County.

    • Development in the FEMA-designated 1% Chance Flood (100-year Floodplain) must be properly permitted or exempted by a Floodplain Exemption Certificate.
    • Residential lowest floors, including basements, must be elevated to or above Base Flood Elevation.
    • Non-residential structures must be elevated to or above Base Flood Elevation or flood-proofed against specified flood forces.
    • All structures must use foundations and materials capable of withstanding specified flood forces.
    • Utility supply lines, outlets, switches, and equipment must be elevated to minimize flood damage; water and sewer connections must have automatic back-flow devices.
    • Certification from a licensed engineer or land surveyor is required.

    floodplain threshold: 1% Chance Flood FEMA-designated 100-year Floodplain · floodplain penalty: 1000 USD

    “all future residential, commercial and oil and gas development located within unincorporated areas of Lee County must be: (a) exempted from Floodplain Permitting by the issuance of a Floodplain Exemption Certificate or (b) the proper permitting of development within the FEMA-designated 1% Chance of Flood (100-year Floodplain.)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Development in or outside FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain areas in Lee County.
      “No work may start until a Development Permit is issued. Development shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.”
    • Required — Development located within a special flood hazard area in Lee County.
      “No work may start until a Development Permit is issued.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Fees listed by Lee County Development Services.

    • The page lists fees and penalties for specified applications; it does not establish that these are all county development fees.

    residential home application: 50 USD · residential accessory structure application: 25 USD · residential add-on application: 10 USD · commercial application: 100 USD · residential driveway permit: 25 USD (plus culvert or other structure fees) · commercial driveway permit: 150 USD (plus culvert or other structure fees) · culvert installation: per 15 USD per foot · residential septic permit: 425 USD · commercial septic permit: 500 USD

    “Residential Home Applications - $50 Residential Accessory Structure Applications - $25 Residential Add-On Applications - $10 Commercial Applications - $100”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Lee County development-permit application process for unincorporated property.

    • New residences or businesses, modifications changing square footage, pipelines, and oil-and-gas development are listed as requiring development applications.
    • Roofing, painting, general repair, livestock pens, fences, and remodels that do not change square footage are listed as not requiring an application.
    • A 9-1-1 address must be obtained for any new residence or business before applying for permits.
    • Applications in floodplain areas require floodplain review and may require supporting elevation or flood-proofing certification.
    “If you plan to construct a new home, modify an existing home, construct a new business, modify an existing business, move a home to a property or any other development you will need to complete a Development Permit Application. Submit the completed packet to the Code Enforcement Office.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Development-permit process for development in unincorporated Lee County.
      “If you plan to construct a new home, modify an existing home, construct a new business, modify an existing business, move a home to a property or any other development you will need to complete a Development Permit Application. Submit the completed packet to the Code Enforcement Office.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties lack general zoning authority; Lee County regulates via subdivision/development regulations rather than zoning districts.

    Lee County Subdivision and Development Regulations ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowner installation of an OSSF serving the owner's single-family dwelling, subject to local permitting-authority rules.

    • The permitting authority may impose different local requirements.
    • The homeowner must own the single-family dwelling and the property.
    • No part of the property may be developed for sale or lease.
    • All permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority must be met.
    • Some systems may require installation by a factory representative.
    • Anyone else assisting with installation must generally be a licensed installer, except a licensed electrician installing electrical components or a person delivering and setting treatment or pump tanks.
    “This depends on whether the permitting authority allows this in their local requirements. Otherwise yes, provided you have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to do so AND:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • 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:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Industrialized housing and buildings subject to the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings rules, where a local building official administers certificate-of-occupancy rules.

    • The certificate of occupancy is issued by the local building official in accordance with locally adopted rules and regulations.
    • A building or structure may not be used or occupied, and its occupancy classification may not be changed, until the local building official issues a certificate of occupancy under those locally adopted rules.
    • The state rule provision does not itself create a uniform certificate-of-occupancy process for all Texas construction; local adoption and administration control for this industrialized-housing/buildings provision.
    “The local building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the locally adopted rules and regulations.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation, including systems in Lee County subject to local requirements.
      “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.”
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

    • An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
    • A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    • Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the 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
    • Limited — Off-grid or on-site sewage sanitation systems in Texas, including Lee County.
      “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”:”
    • Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
      “Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.

    • A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
    • A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
    • Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
    • Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Texas professional-engineering licensing for a garage or other structure pertinent to a qualifying private dwelling or limited-size apartment building.

    • The person or entity must not make or imply a representation that engineering services have been or will be offered to the public.
    • The accessory structure must be a garage or other structure pertinent to a private dwelling, a one-story apartment building with no more than eight units, or an apartment building no more than two stories high with no more than four units.
    • This is an exemption from Chapter 1001 engineering-licensing requirements, not an affirmative exemption from locally administered building permits, zoning, septic, floodplain, well, or other requirements.
    • The Section 1001.056 exemption does not apply to engineering design or inspection necessary for residential-dwelling windstorm certification under Insurance Code Chapter 2210, Subchapter F.
    • The Section 1001.056 exemption does not apply to engineering design for a residential-dwelling slab on qualifying expansive soil unless the work meets IRC requirements as applied in the jurisdiction where the dwelling is located.
    “exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter [...] (D) a garage or other structure pertinent to a building described by Paragraph (A), (B), or (C);”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
      “As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
      “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code.”

Inside cities and towns in Lee County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement within the incorporated City of Giddings, Lee County, Texas.

    • The City of Giddings page identifies the listed codes as adopted by the city; applicability to unincorporated Lee County is not established by this source.

    international code body edition: 2018 · national electric code edition: 2017 · NFPA life safety code edition: 2018

    “Codes Adopted: 2018 International Code Body 2017 National Electric Code 2018 NFPA Life Safety Code”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the City of Lexington, Lee County, Texas.

    • The City of Lexington adopted zoning regulations and an official zoning map on November 13, 2023.
    • The city page states that zoning regulations determine the size, type, and form of development permitted within the City of Lexington.
    • Requests to change the zoning ordinance must be submitted in writing and go before City Council for approval; meetings are held the second Monday of each month unless posted otherwise.
    “On November 13, 2023, the City of Lexington adopted zoning regulations and the official zoning map.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the incorporated City of Lexington, Lee County, Texas.
      “On November 13, 2023, the City of Lexington adopted zoning regulations and the official zoning map. The purpose was to ensure zoning designations to align with the City's 2017-2027 Comprehensive Plan.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property within the City of Giddings, Lee County, Texas.
      “Board of Adjustment – Five members hear variances to the city’s zoning ordinances and appeals of administrative decisions, and interpret and enforce the zoning ordinance. Meets as needed by requests for rulings.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental operations in Lee 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 Lee County, Texas

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

Lee County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (39.9″/yr rainfall).

How much does land cost in Lee County, Texas?

Land in Lee County runs about $5,061 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lee County?

Lee County gets about 39.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.4% of years.

How remote is Lee County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,886 people within a 30-minute drive and 8,198,203 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.

How Lee compares in Texas

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