Bolthole Index

Potter County, Texas

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

36Index Score / 100
#240 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Potter County, Texas has no building department and does not require a general building permit, because Texas counties lack general authority to require one outside a handful of narrow exceptions12. Zoning works the same way: the county itself has no zoning ordinance, and zoning applies only inside the City of Amarillo, whose limits and one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction sit inside Potter County34. Septic is different — every on-site sewage facility in the county needs a permit from the Amarillo Area Public Health District's Environmental Health Department, acting as TCEQ's designated permitting authority for Potter County5.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Potter County; required inside Amarillo city limits and its one-mile ETJ16
Zoning
None in unincorporated Potter County; only the City of Amarillo has zoning34
Septic permits
Amarillo Area Public Health District (AAPHD) Environmental Health Department, TCEQ's designated authority for Potter County; $800 residential / $900 commercial57
RV / tiny home / manufactured home living
Unrestricted under county rules outside Amarillo, since the county has no zoning authority to regulate it8
Minimum home size / lot coverage / height
None set by the county outside Amarillo8
Septic minimum lot size
1 acre with a private well, or 1/2 acre with public water supply (exceptions may apply to lots platted before 1988)9
Subdivision plat
Required before conveying subdivided land outside city limits, approved by the Potter County Commissioners Court10
Septic soil difficulty
43.7% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field11

Who to call

Septic permits

Amarillo Area Public Health District (AAPHD), Environmental Health Department

OSSF (septic) permit applications, fees, inspections, and 9-1-1 address requests tied to septic permits for Potter County

806-378-9472

808 S Buchanan St, Suite 275, Amarillo, TX 79101

Building permits

City of Amarillo Building Safety Department

Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits and inspections inside the City of Amarillo, including the Amarillo portion of Potter County; has no authority over unincorporated land outside city limits and the one-mile ETJ

806-378-3041

808 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101

Planning & zoning

Potter County Commissioners Court (County Judge's Office)

Approves subdivision plats for land divided outside incorporated city limits, sets the county's subdivision regulations, and administers county government generally; Potter County has no separate zoning or building department

(806) 379-2246

Potter County Courthouse, 500 S. Fillmore, Amarillo, TX 79101

Roads & driveways

Potter County Road & Bridge

County road maintenance and construction-related questions for driveways and culverts touching county roads

(806) 383-2273

2419 Willow Creek, Amarillo, TX 79107

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

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

No. Unincorporated Potter County has no building department, and Texas law does not give counties general authority to require residential building permits1. State law grants that power only in narrow situations, such as fire-code permits for counties over 250,000 people or adjacent to one, covering commercial buildings, public buildings, and multifamily housing of four or more units, and separate residential standards a county can adopt by resolution near an international border or above a small population floor2. Potter County's population is about 114,647, well under the 250,000-person threshold for the fire-code option, and no source reviewed here shows the county has adopted either provision122. Cross into the City of Amarillo, though, and the rule flips: most construction there requires a permit under the city's adoption of the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments613. Amarillo's limits and its one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction both sit inside Potter County, so always confirm whether a parcel is inside that boundary before assuming the county's no-permit rule applies14.

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

There is no county building official to call for land outside Amarillo, because Potter County runs no building-permit or zoning program13. Inside Amarillo city limits or its one-mile ETJ, the City of Amarillo Building Safety Department issues permits and runs inspections, at 808 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101, phone 806-378-304114. Septic is handled separately from either government: the Amarillo Area Public Health District's Environmental Health Department, at 808 S Buchanan St, Suite 275, Amarillo, TX 79101, phone 806-378-9472, is the TCEQ-designated permitting authority for OSSFs across all of Potter County, inside or outside city limits15. For subdivision plats outside the city, the office to know is the Commissioners Court at the Potter County Courthouse in downtown Amarillo, phone (806) 379-224616. For county road matters, contact Road & Bridge at 2419 Willow Creek, Amarillo, TX 79107, phone (806) 383-227317.

Does Potter County have zoning?

No, not outside the City of Amarillo. Texas gives counties zoning power only for a short list of specific places — Padre Island beaches in Cameron or Willacy County, the Amistad Recreation Area, certain military zones, a handful of named lakes — and Potter County isn't on that list, so unincorporated Potter County has no zoning ordinance of its own318. Inside Amarillo, it's the opposite: the city's Planning Department administers zoning districts, land-use categories, building setbacks, and parking requirements under its own ordinances4. Because Potter County has no zoning authority outside Amarillo, there's no county rule setting minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, lot coverage, building height, or zoning districts — and that same lack of authority means RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, and temporary camping are all unrestricted under county rules on unincorporated land8. That doesn't mean unincorporated land is rule-free, though: Potter County's Subdivision Regulations still apply to any tract divided outside city limits, requiring Commissioners Court approval of the plat, a 30-foot structure setback on lots bordered by intersecting roads, and a drainage plan that identifies 100-year floodplain areas before the subdivision can be recorded101920.

How do septic permits work in Potter County?

Every OSSF (on-site sewage facility) installation, repair, replacement, or alteration in Potter County needs a permit from the Amarillo Area Public Health District's Environmental Health Department, which holds that authority for the county by county order as a TCEQ designated representative219. Lot size matters for eligibility: AAPHD requires a minimum 1-acre lot for a system on a property with a private water well, or 1/2 acre if the property is on a public water supply, with exceptions possible for lots platted before 19889. Homeowners can install or repair the OSSF serving their own single-family home themselves, submitting the application and required documents to AAPHD, but rental, leased, or commercial properties must use a licensed installer9. Fees run $800 for a residential system and $900 for commercial, effective September 1, 2025, plus a half-price fee to inspect an existing system7. Soils here are more forgiving than in much of Texas: 43.7% of Potter County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, though that still leaves a majority of the county needing a closer look before design11. Texas's separate statewide 10-acre exemption can remove the permit requirement entirely, but only if a licensed site evaluator signs off, the dwelling is the only one on the tract, every part of the system stays at least 100 feet from the property line, and effluent stays on the property22.

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

Unincorporated Potter County has no zoning ordinance restricting how you occupy your own land, so RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, and accessory dwellings are all unrestricted under county rules, and there's no county-set minimum home size or minimum lot size to meet8. That's a real advantage over Amarillo itself, where the city's zoning and permit rules apply to any structure, occupied or not4. If your land sits inside Amarillo's city limits or its one-mile ETJ instead, none of this county-level freedom applies, and you'd need to work through the city's own zoning and building rules14. Wherever the parcel sits, keep in mind that any septic system serving the RV, tiny home, or manufactured home still needs its own OSSF permit from AAPHD before it can be used9.

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

First, confirm whether your parcel is inside Amarillo's city limits or one-mile ETJ, since that determines whether any building permit or zoning rule applies at all144. Second, if the land is outside the city and was recently divided from a larger tract, confirm the division went through Potter County's subdivision-plat process with Commissioners Court approval before you buy, since unrecorded, unapproved subdivided land can't be legally conveyed1610. Third, order a septic site evaluation early; even with 43.7% of the county's soils rated free of severe limitations, the design still has to be approved before AAPHD will issue a permit11. Fourth, apply for your OSSF permit through AAPHD before installing the system, paying $800 for a residential system unless your tract qualifies for the state's 10-acre exemption15722. Fifth, if your parcel is on a lot bordered by intersecting roads within a platted subdivision, keep any structure at least 30 feet back from the road-line convergence19. Sixth, if your driveway will connect to a state highway rather than a county road, apply to the TxDOT district office using Form 1058 and give TxDOT 24-hour notice before construction begins23. Finally, outside Amarillo, there's no county building-permit review or inspection to schedule for an ordinary single-family home1.

What to check before you buy land in Potter County

Water is the headline risk here: severe drought hit roughly 40.2% of years, and annual precipitation runs only about 18.7 inches, so a reliable well or water-supply plan deserves real budget before you commit2425. Septic soils are workable in less than half the county — 43.7% is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field — so get a site evaluation before you count on a standard system11. The land itself is mostly gentle and open: 92.5% sits at 15% slope or less, with only 2.5% forested, so grading is rarely the obstacle2627. Confirm whether the tract sits inside Amarillo's city limits or one-mile ETJ, since that single fact determines whether any building permit or zoning rule applies to it at all4. If the land was recently split off a larger parcel outside the city, confirm the split went through Potter County's subdivision-plat process, which also requires a drainage study identifying 100-year floodplain areas before recording1020. Typical property tax runs about 1.5% effectively, with a median bill near $2,028 a year against a typical home value around $153,014282930.

Watch-outs

  • Whether a parcel sits inside the City of Amarillo's limits or its one-mile ETJ changes every answer on this page — building permits, zoning, setbacks — so confirm that boundary before relying on the unincorporated-county rules described here4.
  • No official source confirms whether Potter County requires a certificate of occupancy, building inspection, or owner-builder exemption for unincorporated land, since the county runs no building-permit program to attach those rules to; treat these as open questions, not confirmed absences1.
  • Potter County's subdivision regulations still apply to unincorporated land even though the county has no zoning — a 30-foot road-intersection setback and a required drainage/floodplain study for any new subdivision plat are real county rules, not zoning1920.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232 - County Regulation of Subdivisions (2026 county census)
  2. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  3. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232 - County Regulation of Subdivisions (2026 county census)
  4. Codes & Ordinances - City of Amarillo, quoted and re-checked
  5. Amarillo Area Public Health District - On-Site Sewage Facility (2026 county census)
  6. Work Exempt – From Permit, quoted and re-checked
  7. Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  8. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  9. On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  10. Potter County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  12. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  13. Residential Code Information, quoted and re-checked
  14. City of Amarillo Building Safety Department (amarillo.gov)
  15. Amarillo Area Public Health District (AAPHD), Environmental Health Department (amarillo.gov)
  16. Potter County Commissioners Court (County Judge's Office) (co.potter.tx.us)
  17. Potter County Road & Bridge (co.potter.tx.us)
  18. Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Potter County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Potter County Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. On-Site Sewage Facility, quoted and re-checked
  22. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Potter County in Texas

36
County map
Potter County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Potter County scores

Seclusion38100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.

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

$153kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$1,217Land / acre
18.7"Annual rain
40.2% of yrsSevere drought
25.9 / yr (+21.2)Mid-century 100°F days
30.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.33" (+0.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.26×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,383Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
225,964People within 30 min
723,043People within 2 hr
28,240Radius comparison (15 mi)
126.2People / sq mi
5.8%Federal land
92.5%Land at 15% slope or less
43.7%Septic soil without severe limits
242,285 acWorkable land screen
2.5%Wooded land
1.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Potter County

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

Potter County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures on lots in Potter County subdivisions bordered by intersecting roads, outside incorporated city limits.

    • The rule applies to lots bordered by intersecting roads.
    • Obstructions to prescribed lines of sight may be ordered removed after 30 days written notice.
    • An owner may request a hearing before the Potter County Commissioners Court within the 30-day notice period.

    minimum setback from convergence of curb lines or road edges: >= 30 feet (Applies to all portions of structures situated on lots bordered by intersecting roads.)

    “All portions of structures situated on lots bordered by intersecting roads shall be set back at least 30 feet”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    OSSF and septic-system permitting and inspection in Potter County, including the county area administered under the Amarillo Area Public Health District.

    • The authority is granted by County Order in Potter and Randall Counties.
    • OSSF standards are governed by Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 285.
    • The Environmental Health Department uses licensed TCEQ Designated Representatives.
    “The Amarillo Area Public Health District is responsible for permitting and inspecting septic systems in Potter and Randall Counties.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing, repairing, replacing, or altering an OSSF in Potter County.

    • A permit is required for installation, repair, replacement, or alteration.
    • For properties with a private water well, the minimum lot size is 1 acre.
    • For properties with a public water supply, the minimum lot size is 1/2 acre.
    • Exceptions may apply to properties platted before 1988.
    • Homeowners may install or repair an OSSF serving their single-family residence, but must submit the permit application and required documents.
    • A licensed installer is required for rental properties, leased dwellings, or commercial operations.
    • Permit fees must be paid when the application is submitted.
    • The ATC is valid for one calendar year; if it expires without inspection, a new permit must be applied for.

    minimum lot size with private water well: 1 acre (Exceptions may apply for properties platted before 1988.) · minimum lot size with public water supply: 0.5 acre (Exceptions may apply for properties platted before 1988.) · residential OSSF permit fee: 800 USD (Fee schedule effective September 1, 2025.) · commercial OSSF permit fee: 900 USD (Fee schedule effective September 1, 2025.)

    “Yes, a permit is required when installing, repairing, replacing, or altering an OSSF in Potter or Randall counties.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Homes and other buildings outside municipal city limits in Potter County using on-site septic sanitation.

    • Owners may arrange installation of their own septic systems through certified installers licensed by TCEQ.
    • All installations must comply with Title 30, Chapter 285, Texas Administrative Code.
    • All installations must be approved by the Amarillo Bi-City-County Health District.
    • The county regulation concerns OSSF/septic systems and does not establish authorization for every possible off-grid sanitation technology.
    “Owners of homes and other buildings outside the city limits may arrange for installation of their own septic systems by certified installers licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Potter County outside the city limits of incorporated cities in Potter County.

    • A plat must comply with the Potter County Subdivision Regulations.
    • The plat must be submitted for approval by the Potter County Commissioners Court.
    • No portion of subdivided land may be conveyed until the plat has been approved and recorded.
    • The regulations are subject to the exceptions in Texas Local Government Code section 232.0015.
    • If the subdivision is within a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, the nearest incorporated city's approval is required before final county approval.
    “No portion of subdivided land may be conveyed until a plat of same has been approved by the Potter County Commissioners Court”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Subdivision development outside the city limits of incorporated cities in Potter County.

    • A subdivision plat is required for an owner outside city limits who proposes to divide one tract into two or more parts, subject to statutory exceptions.
    • The plat must illustrate ingress and egress points for vehicle traffic entering and leaving the proposed subdivision and designate building setback lines for lots.
    • Dead-end roads must terminate in a cul-de-sac with a minimum 50-foot radius of right-of-way that allows driveway access off the cul-de-sac onto adjoining lots.
    • Culvert sizes for each lot must be submitted on the original plat and predetermined by the drainage study.
    • Culvert installations are the subdivision owner/developer's responsibility; county installation, if any, is billed at material cost plus reasonable labor charges.

    cul-de-sac minimum radius: >= 50 feet of right-of-way (Dead-end roads covered by the subdivision regulations) · maximum single culvert length: <= 32 feet · minimum culvert cover: >= 6 inches

    “A plat must also illustrate ingress and egress points for vehicle traffic flowing into and out of the proposed subdivision”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Proposed subdivision development outside incorporated city limits in Potter County.

    • A comprehensive water drainage plan prepared by a qualified expert must accompany a proposed subdivision plat.
    • The plan must address drainage during and after reasonably foreseeable precipitation events, analyze impacts on property outside the subdivision, identify areas within a 100-year flood plain, identify other elevated flood-risk areas, and provide mitigation recommendations including possible minimum foundation elevations.
    • The county subdivision regulations are revised 12-2023 and were adopted by Commissioners Court on December 11, 2023; the regulations also state an effective date of April 25, 1994, provided required notice is published.

    floodplain recurrence interval identified: 100 years

    “A comprehensive water drainage plan, prepared by a qualified expert, must accompany a plat for a proposed subdivision.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    On-site sewage facility permits and inspections in Potter County administered by the Amarillo Area Public Health District Environmental Health Department.

    • The fee schedule is effective September 1, 2025.
    • Residential OSSF fee is $800 and commercial OSSF fee is $900.
    • Existing OSSF inspection fee is one-half of the permit cost.
    • Work without authorization to construct is subject to an additional $350 plus permit fee for a first offense or $700 plus permit fee for a second offense.
    • A convenience fee of 2.65% in person and 3.49% online applies to credit/debit card transactions.

    residential OSSF permit fee: 800 USD · commercial OSSF permit fee: 900 USD · existing OSSF inspection fee: ½ permit cost · fee schedule effective date: 2025-09-01

    “On-site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Residential | $800 On-site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Commercial | $900 Existing OSSF Inspection | ½ permit cost”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    On-site sewage facility permitting, authorization, inspection, and approval in Potter County.

    • The Amarillo Area Public Health District Environmental Health Department is the permitting authority for Potter County under County Order.
    • OSSF standards are governed by Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 285.
    • An Approved Authorization to Construct is required before scheduling an inspection.
    • An existing permitted OSSF inspection request requires a completed application and payment; requests without both are canceled.
    • Outside-city-limit owners may arrange installation by certified TCEQ-licensed installers under Environmental Health Department supervision, subject to approval by the Amarillo Bi-City-County Health District.
    “The Amarillo Area Public Health District is responsible for permitting and inspecting septic systems in Potter and Randall Counties.”
  • Building permitNot required

    Texas counties have no general authority to require building permits or adopt building codes in unincorporated areas; county regulation is limited to subdivisions, floodplain, and health/safety (Local Government Code Ch. 232). Building permits apply only within the City of Amarillo.

    Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232 - County Regulation of Subdivisions ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas does not grant zoning authority to counties; unincorporated Potter County is not zoned (zoning exists only within the City of Amarillo). The county regulates subdivision platting, not land-use zoning.

    Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232 - County Regulation of Subdivisions ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.

    • The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
    • The effective date is July 1, 2024.
    • The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
    • Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
    • Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
    • Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.

    effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • 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.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.

    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    • Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
    • The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.

    Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)

    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.

    • Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
    • Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
    • The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
    • A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
    • The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
    • Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
    • Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
    • A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
    • Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.

    county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)

    “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”

Inside cities and towns in Potter County

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Most construction projects and regulated building, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work within the City of Amarillo, including the Amarillo portion of Potter County.

    • The City page lists permit-exempt work, including one-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet.
    • Exemptions do not authorize work violating the building code or other laws or ordinances.
    • Emergency equipment replacements and repairs may be performed before the permit application, but the application must be submitted within the next business day.
    • Ordinary repairs are exempt only subject to the page's stated limitations; work affecting structural supports, egress, public health, or general safety is excluded.
    • Violations are subject to a late fee of $250 plus permit fee for a first occurrence and $500 plus three times the permit fee for a second or subsequent occurrence.

    accessory structure floor area exemption: <= 200 square feet (one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses)

    “Most construction projects require a permit from the city as described in the International Residential Code Sec. 105.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Residential building-code adoption and enforcement within the City of Amarillo portion of Potter County.

    • The City of Amarillo page describes the 2021 International Residential Code with City amendments.
    • Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work must comply with the Amarillo City Code.
    • The page directs users to Ordinance 7101 for amendments.
    • The cited page is municipal and does not establish building-code adoption for unincorporated Potter County.

    residential code edition: 2021 International Residential Code with City amendments

    “The following represents frequently asked questions and/or violations of the 2021 International Residential Code with City amendments.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Development projects within the City of Amarillo, including the Amarillo portion of Potter County.

    • Permitting and inspections are handled by both Building Safety and the Fire Marshal.
    • All final inspections, including fire-system inspection, must be completed to confirm compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
    • Additional inspections may apply to specific uses, such as Environmental Health inspection for food or drink services.
    “Ensure all final inspections, including the fire system inspection, are completed to confirm that the development meets all applicable codes and regulations.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use of land and buildings within the City of Amarillo, including the Amarillo portion of Potter County.

    • A certificate is automatically issued for every new commercial and residential building when the permit is completed.
    • A new certificate may be required for a change in use, square footage, or floor plan.
    • A certificate-only permit applies when no alterations or additions are proposed and no certificate was previously issued or there is a change of use.
    • If alterations or additions are proposed, a remodel or repair permit with a registered contractor is required and the certificate is issued at completion.
    • Kitchen or bar areas require a grease-trap calculation with engineer stamp; final Building Safety and Fire Marshal inspections are required, plus Environmental Health inspection when food or drink services or sales occur.
    “No land shall hereafter be used unless a Certificate of Occupancy and Compliance shall have been issued by the Building Official of the City,”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the City of Amarillo portion of Potter County.

    • The City of Amarillo official page identifies zoning ordinances addressing zoning districts, land-use categories, building setbacks, parking requirements, and related regulations.
    “The Planning Department ensures orderly growth and development in Amarillo by implementing key ordinances related to zoning, subdivisions, historic preservation, landscaping, and more.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Whether an owner-builder may receive an exemption from City of Amarillo building-permit or inspection requirements.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Potter County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.

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 Potter County, Texas

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

Potter County scores 36/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.7″/yr rainfall) and about 225,964 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Potter 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 Amarillo Area Public Health District, Environmental Health Department (TCEQ authorized agent for Potter County). 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 Potter County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Potter County is allowed: Unincorporated Potter County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Potter County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Potter County, Texas?

Land in Potter County runs about $1,217 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Potter County?

Potter County gets about 18.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 40.2% of years.

How remote is Potter County?

A representative private-land location has about 225,964 people within a 30-minute drive and 723,043 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Potter compares in Texas

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