Nolan County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Nolan County, Texas does not require or issue building permits: the county's official site lists no building department, and Texas gives counties broad residential-permit authority mainly once they pass 250,000 people, far more than Nolan County's roughly 14,306 residents¹²³. There's no county zoning either, so the county itself does not restrict RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or accessory dwellings outside the City of Sweetwater⁴⁵. Septic systems still need a TCEQ-governed permit, though Nolan County's own site names no local septic office, so confirm the permitting authority directly with TCEQ before you build⁶⁷.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated Nolan County¹
Zoning: None; the county does not restrict RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or setbacks⁴⁵
Septic permit: Permit and construction inspection required unless an exception applies; the local agent is unconfirmed⁶⁸⁹
Septic soils: About 11% of the county's soils have no severe limits for a conventional drain field¹⁰
Water wells: Non-exempt wells need a district permit; exempt wells generally still must be registered¹¹¹²
Subdividing land: Plats need Commissioners Court approval before recording; a $70 fee applies¹³
Driveway onto a state highway: Needs a TxDOT Form 1058 access driveway permit¹⁴

Who to call

Also useful

Nolan County Judge / Commissioners Court

General county contact, Commissioners Court and the first call for anything not assigned to a specific county office, including road, subdivision-plat and floodplain questions

(325) 235-2263

100 East 3rd Street, Sweetwater, Texas 79556

Well permits

Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District (Nolan County)

Groundwater well registration and permits for non-exempt wells anywhere in Nolan County

325-236-6033

[email protected]

100 East Third Street, Suite 305B, Sweetwater, Texas 79556

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

No. Nolan County's official site lists no building department for unincorporated areas¹. Texas law reserves broad fire-code and residential-code authority mainly for counties over 250,000 people, or those adjacent to one; Nolan County's population is about 14,306, well under that threshold, consistent with having no building-permit program of its own²³. Texas does give owner-builders a narrow legal defense against penalties for missing certain inspection notices, but that defense only matters where the underlying notice subchapter has been triggered by a county resolution, which is not confirmed for Nolan County, so treat it as background rather than an active local rule¹⁵. This applies to unincorporated land only; the City of Sweetwater administers its own building permits and inspections inside city limits.

Who do you contact about county permits and land questions in Nolan County?

Nolan County has no building or zoning department, so the County Judge's office and Commissioners Court are the practical first call for anything not covered below¹⁶. Reach them at (325) 235-2263, Nolan County Courthouse, 100 East 3rd Street, Sweetwater, Texas 79556¹⁶. Water-well permits go through the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District instead, at 325-236-6033 or [email protected], 100 East Third Street, Suite 305B, Sweetwater, Texas 79556¹⁷. Nolan County's site names no local septic office, so call TCEQ directly to confirm your septic permitting authority before you build⁶.

Does Nolan County have zoning?

No. Nolan County's website lists no planning or zoning office, and Texas law grants general zoning power only to specific counties and areas, which does not include Nolan County⁴⁵. Because the county has no zoning ordinance, it sets no county rule on minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, and it does not restrict accessory dwellings, RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes or temporary camping on unincorporated land⁵. The City of Sweetwater is different and can set its own zoning inside its limits, separate from this unincorporated-county answer.

How do septic permits work in Nolan County?

Texas law requires a permit and approved plan before you construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an onsite sewage facility (OSSF) unless an exception applies⁸. Nolan County's local authorized agent could not be confirmed; where no local jurisdiction is authorized, the TCEQ regional office is the permitting authority, so ask TCEQ who handles your parcel before work begins⁶⁷. For a permitted system, the installer must give the permitting authority at least 5 working days' notice before the system is ready, and the authority must conduct a construction inspection; a failed system cannot be used until it passes⁹. Authorization to construct expires after 1 calendar year if no inspection is requested⁹. A narrow exception can apply to a single-family home on at least 10 acres when all conditions are met, including a licensed site evaluation and at least 100 feet between every system part and the property line; qualifying excepted systems do not require that inspection⁸⁹. Only about 11.3% of Nolan County's soils have no severe limits for a conventional drain field, so plan for site evaluation costs and the possibility of an engineered system¹⁰.

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

Yes. Nolan County has no zoning ordinance, and Texas law gives general zoning power only to specific counties that does not include Nolan County, so the county itself does not restrict RV, tiny-home, manufactured-home or accessory-dwelling occupancy on unincorporated land⁵. This is a county-level answer only; if your land is inside Sweetwater's city limits, check the city's own rules instead. If you'll rely on a private well for water, register it and confirm whether it's exempt with the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District before you count on it¹⁷.

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

Confirm the parcel is unincorporated, outside Sweetwater's city limits, where county rules in this guide don't apply.
Call TCEQ to confirm the septic permitting authority for your parcel, since Nolan County names no local septic office; ask about the 10-acre exception if your tract qualifies⁶⁸.
Arrange the required septic construction inspection with the permitting authority; the installer must give at least 5 working days' notice before the system is ready⁹.
If you need a well, register it with the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District and confirm whether a permit is required; non-exempt wells carry a $200 validation fee, while exempt wells generally still require registration¹¹¹².
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 before construction¹⁴.
If you're subdividing the land, get the plat approved by the Commissioners Court before recording; budget the $70 recording fee¹³.
Because Nolan County has no building-permit, inspection or zoning process for the home itself, keep your septic and well paperwork in case a lender or insurer asks¹⁴.
Call the County Judge's office if you have questions about anything not covered here¹⁶.

What to check before you buy land in Nolan County

Soils and septic: with only about 11.3% of Nolan County's soils free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, and no confirmed local septic office, call TCEQ before you buy to find out who reviews plans and inspections for your parcel¹⁰⁶⁹. Water: non-exempt wells need a Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District permit with a $200 validation fee; exempt wells generally still must be registered, and a well used later for a non-exempt purpose loses that status¹¹¹². Taxes: the effective property tax rate runs about 1.5%, with a median annual bill near $1,485, and land in agricultural use for five of the last seven years may qualify for a lower agricultural appraisal¹⁸¹⁹²⁰. Land and homes: farmland averages about $1,581 an acre and a typical home is valued around $122,833²¹²². Community and distance: the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 40 miles from the county's center, while Nolan County has roughly 15.7 people per square mile and about 14,306 residents countywide²³²⁴³. Climate: the county averages about 23.1 inches of rain a year, has been in severe drought in roughly 28% of years, and is projected to see about 35.2 days a year at or above 100°F by midcentury, worth weighing for a well and cooling costs²⁵²⁶²⁷.

Watch-outs

Nolan County's own site lists no building or zoning department, but that's an absence in the county's directory, not a confirmed search of every county order; call the County Judge's office to double-check before you build¹¹⁶.
No local septic office is named on Nolan County's website; call TCEQ directly to confirm who permits your OSSF before you buy or build, rather than assuming the county handles it⁶.
No county rule on floodplain development, county-road driveway permits or short-term rentals was confirmed for Nolan County; ask the County Judge's office directly if any of those apply to your parcel¹⁶.

Sources

Written September 29, 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.

How Nolan County scores

Seclusion72100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency2696% ev.

Admin Boringness87100% ev.

Durability44100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost81100% ev.

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

$123kTypical home

1.5%Property tax

$1,581Land / acre

23.1"Annual rain

28% of yrsSevere drought

35.2 / yr (+25)Mid-century 100°F days

29.7 daysMid-century dry spell

1.59" (+5.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.32×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,388Home insurance / yr

-2% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

3,614People within 30 min

580,188People within 2 hr

9,125Radius comparison (15 mi)

15.7People / sq mi

0%Federal land

96.8%Land at 15% slope or less

11.3%Septic soil without severe limits

65,960 acWorkable land screen

15.1%Wooded land

4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

64.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Nolan County

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

Nolan County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Well permitLimited
Water wells within the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District, whose official materials state that the district consists entirely of Nolan County
- All wells in the district, whether exempt or non-exempt from permitting, generally must be registered, except leachate, extraction, injection, and dewatering wells.
- A district permit is required before drilling, equipping, completing, substantially altering, operating, or producing groundwater from a non-exempt well.
- The district rules exempt leachate, extraction, injection, dewatering, and monitoring wells producing less than 5,000 gallons per year from the district permit requirement.
- The district rules also exempt certain wells used solely for oil or gas drilling or exploration operations, and certain Railroad Commission-authorized mining wells, subject to the stated conditions; those wells must still be registered and may lose exempt status if used for a non-exempt purpose.
- The district's non-exempt application form states a $200.00 non-refundable validation fee and requires an in-person appointment before drilling.
- The district's rules were revised and adopted August 27, 2019; the cited rules state they are otherwise effective August 31, 2004.
non-exempt well validation fee: 200 USD (Up-front and non-refundable, according to the district's application form.) · monitoring-well production exemption threshold: < 5000 gallons per year (Monitoring wells producing less than this amount do not require a district permit.)
“Except as otherwise stated in Subsection (c) of this section, a permit from the District is required prior to drilling, equipping, completing, or substantially altering, any well within the District that is not exempt under §3.5 of these rules.”
Rules of the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Specified exempt wells within the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District in Nolan County.
  “A well exempt under Subsection (a) will lose its exempt status and must be permitted”
  Rules of the Wes-Tex Groundwater Conservation District ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats presented for recording in Nolan County, including plats requiring County Commissioner's Court approval outside a municipality.
- All plats must be approved by a municipal planning/development department or the County Commissioner's Court before recording.
- Two plat maps are needed at filing: one Mylar and one regular copy.
- One letter/legal-size map is needed for the Commissioner's Court and tax certificate.
- An original tax certificate is required for each tract or parcel included in the subdivision plat, showing that taxes are currently in good standing.
- The fee schedule states it is effective 01/01/2024.
plat/map recording fee: 70 USD (Includes $50 recording fee, $10 records management fee, and $10 records archive fee.)
“All plats must have been approved by a municipal planning/development department or the County Commissioner's Court prior to recording.”
Recording and Filing Fees - Vital Record Fees ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building permitNot required
Nolan County's official site lists no building department or building permit (only burn permits); Texas counties lack general authority to require residential building-code permits in unincorporated areas.
Nolan County, Texas - Official Site ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
No county zoning ordinance or zoning department was found; Texas counties generally have no zoning authority over unincorporated land.
Nolan County, Texas - Official Site ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionConditional
Failure to provide specified inspection notices under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, for qualifying new residential construction in an applicable county.
- The underlying Chapter 233, Subchapter F requirements apply only to a county that has adopted a resolution or order requiring their application and that is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population of more than 100.
- The exemption is limited to a penalty for failure to provide proper notice under Sections 233.154(b) and (c).
- The new residential construction must be built by the individual or the individual must act as the individual's own contractor.
- The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
“An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection if: (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
- The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
- The effective date is July 1, 2024.
- The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
- Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
- Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
- Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.
effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)
“July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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”:”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of an onsite sewage facility, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Texas, including Nolan County
  “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
  Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Construction inspections for onsite sewage facilities in Texas, including Nolan County
- The permitting authority must conduct a construction inspection after the installer gives at least five working days' notice that the OSSF will be ready for inspection.
- If the OSSF fails inspection, it cannot be used until it passes inspection; the permitting authority must provide deficiency information and may assess a reinspection fee payable before reinspection.
- No inspection is required for an OSSF covered by the grandfathering or 10-acre exceptions in 30 TAC §285.3(f), including the single-family dwelling, 10-acre tract, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, 100-foot property-line separation, on-property effluent disposal, and only-dwelling conditions.
- An authorization to construct expires after one calendar year if the installer does not request a construction inspection within that year.
inspection notice: >= 5 working days (The installer must notify the permitting authority before the OSSF will be ready for inspection.) · authorization-to-construct validity: 1 calendar year (Expires if no construction inspection is requested within one year; a new application and fee are then required before installation.)
“The installer shall notify the permitting authority at least five working days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) before the date the OSSF will be ready for inspection. (3) The permitting authority shall conduct a construction inspection.”
On-Site Sewage Facility Rules Compilation ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
  “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
  Basics for Septic Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Special agricultural appraisal of qualifying agricultural land in Nolan County, Texas.
- The land must be currently devoted principally to agricultural use.
- Agricultural use includes cultivating soil, producing crops, raising or keeping livestock, poultry, fish, or planting cover crops; certain other listed uses may also qualify.
- Agricultural land must be devoted principally to agricultural use to the degree of intensity generally accepted in the area.
- The land must have been devoted to agricultural or timber production for at least five of the past seven years.
- Land within an incorporated city or town has additional criteria concerning comparable general services, five continuous years of agricultural use, or qualifying wildlife-management use.
- The special appraisal is a property-tax appraisal benefit and is not stated to exempt land from subdivision, building, setback, or other development regulation.
- A change to non-agricultural use may trigger rollback tax for each of the previous three years in which the land received the lower appraisal; qualifying exceptions may apply.
“Property owners may qualify for agricultural appraisal if land meets the following criteria: The land must be currently devoted principally to agricultural use.”
Agricultural, Timberland and Wildlife Management Use Special Appraisal ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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”
Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.
- The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
- The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
- The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
- No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
- The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
- Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
- Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.
required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet
“The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
- Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
- The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.
Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.
- Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
- Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
- The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
- A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
- The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
- Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
- Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
- A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
- Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.
county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)
“The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Inspections — Building inspections in Nolan County, including unincorporated areas.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or equivalent certificates of compliance in Nolan County.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems, including non-public-sewer sanitation, in Nolan County
Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer utilities for property in Nolan County
Building in a floodplain — Floodplain development in Nolan County, including unincorporated areas.

2 more unanswered

Short-term rentals
Permit fees

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 Nolan County, Texas

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

Nolan County scores 59/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (23.1″/yr rainfall).

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

Nolan 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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) OSSF program / local authorized agent. 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 Nolan County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Nolan County is allowed: Unincorporated Nolan County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Nolan County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing co.nolan.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. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Nolan County, Texas?

Land in Nolan County runs about $1,581 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Nolan County?

Nolan County gets about 23.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 28% of years.

How remote is Nolan County?

A representative private-land location has about 3,614 people within a 30-minute drive and 580,188 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who do you contact about county permits and land questions in Nolan County?

Does Nolan County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Nolan County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Nolan County

Watch-outs

Sources

Nolan County in Texas

How Nolan County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Nolan County

Nolan County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Nolan County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Nolan County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Nolan County?

How remote is Nolan County?

How Nolan compares in Texas