Presidio County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Presidio County, Texas does not require a building permit for a single-family home¹. Presidio County has no zoning ordinance, so no county rule sets minimum lot size, setbacks or building use on unincorporated land². Septic systems require approval through the county's on-site sewage facility program³. Floodplain development, nonexempt water wells and driveways onto state highways have separate permits⁴⁵⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required for a single-family home in unincorporated Presidio County¹
Zoning: None — Presidio County has no zoning authority under Texas law²
Septic (OSSF) permit: Required through the county's OSSF program; $250.00 for a single-family system, $450.00 for any other system³
RV, tiny home, manufactured home: Unrestricted by county rule on unincorporated land, since there is no zoning to regulate them²
Owner-builder exemption: Applies if a state inspection program is ever adopted locally; a building permit isn't required regardless⁷
Water well: Every well must be registered, and a nonexempt new or reworked well needs a $100.00 district drilling permit⁵
Driveway onto a state highway: Requires a TxDOT permit (Form 1058) before construction⁶

Who to call

Also useful

Presidio County Judge's Office

The county's central contact for permitting matters, since Presidio County has no separate building or zoning department; OSSF and floodplain permit applications are mailed to this office

(432) 729-4452

[email protected]

300 N. Highland Avenue, Presidio County Courthouse, 1st Floor, Marfa, TX 79843

Septic permits

Presidio County OSSF Program (County Judge's Office)

On-site sewage facility (OSSF/septic) permit applications, review and inspection for Presidio County

(432) 729-4452

300 N. Highland, P.O. Box 606, Marfa, TX 79843

Well permits

Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District

Registration of all wells and drilling permits for nonexempt wells within the district

432-295-2568

[email protected]

300 N. Highland Street, Presidio County Courthouse, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 606, Marfa, TX 79843

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Presidio County does not require a building permit for a single-family home in unincorporated areas¹. Texas law generally withholds building-permit and inspection authority from counties for residential construction outside cities, and Presidio County lists no building-inspection department¹. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F allows qualifying counties to require inspections of new residential construction only after the commissioners court adopts a resolution or order; ask the Presidio County Judge's Office whether such an order affects your project⁸⁹. Where Subchapter F applies, an owner who builds a primary residence or acts as the owner's contractor is exempt from the penalty for missing an inspection notice, not from the inspection requirement or other approvals¹⁰. Statewide, industrialized housing, modules and modular components must meet mandatory codes effective July 2024, while non-exempt electrical work is subject to the statewide electrical code¹¹.

Who issues permits in Presidio County, Texas, and how do you reach them?

Presidio County has no building or zoning department, so there is no building-permit office to contact¹. The Presidio County Judge's Office is the county's central permitting contact, including for on-site sewage facility (OSSF) applications and floodplain development permits⁹. OSSF (septic) applications go to the county's OSSF program: a single-family system permit costs $250.00, and any other system, including commercial or multifamily, costs $450.00³. A floodplain development permit application costs $50.00 and is reviewed against flood hazard maps before the county issues, denies, or requires a variance⁴. Water wells go through a separate special district, the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District, not the county government¹². A driveway connecting to a state highway needs a TxDOT permit instead of a county permit⁶.

Does Presidio County have zoning?

Presidio County has no zoning authority under Texas law and no zoning ordinance². Texas grants county zoning power only in narrow, specifically defined areas, and unincorporated Presidio County is outside those grants¹³. No Presidio County rule therefore sets a minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit for unincorporated land². An accessory dwelling unit, manufactured home, RV, tiny home or temporary campsite on your own unincorporated land is likewise unrestricted by county zoning². City rules are different: before buying inside Marfa or Presidio, ask the relevant city planning office about its zoning, setbacks and occupancy requirements. The county answer applies only outside incorporated city limits¹⁴.

How do septic and water-well permits work in Presidio County, Texas?

Texas requires a permit to construct, install, alter, extend or repair an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) anywhere in the state¹⁵. In Presidio County, that permit is issued by the county through its own OSSF program rather than by mail to a distant state office³. A single-family system permit costs $250.00; any other system, including commercial or multifamily, costs $450.00³. Before the system is covered, an inspection is required, and you must contact the county's office at least 7 working days in advance to schedule it; a re-inspection costs half the original permit fee¹⁶. A property on at least 10 acres may qualify for Texas's '10-acre rule' exemption from OSSF permitting if a licensed site evaluator confirms the system will sit at least 100 feet from every property line, serves a single dwelling that is the only one on the tract, and creates no nuisance or groundwater pollution¹⁵. Water wells are regulated separately: every well in the county must be registered with the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District, and drilling, reworking or re-equipping a nonexempt well needs a $100.00 district drilling permit that expires after 120 calendar days unless extended¹⁷⁵.

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

Presidio County has no zoning ordinance, so RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and manufactured-home occupancy on your own unincorporated land are unrestricted by county zoning². Temporary camping on your own unincorporated property is unrestricted by county zoning for the same reason². Texas grants county zoning authority only in limited, specifically defined areas, and unincorporated Presidio County is outside those grants¹³. Inside Marfa or Presidio city limits, ask the relevant city planning office about municipal zoning and occupancy rules before moving an RV or tiny home onto a parcel¹⁴. County zoning freedom does not waive other approvals: a residential setup still needs a lawful sewage solution, and construction, alteration or repair of an OSSF generally requires a permit¹⁵.

Building on land in Presidio County: the steps, in order

Confirm your parcel is in unincorporated Presidio County; the county has no zoning or building-permit requirement there¹.
Apply for an OSSF (septic) permit through the county's OSSF program before you build; a single-family system costs $250.00³.
If your land is on at least 10 acres and meets Texas's other conditions, ask whether the 10-acre OSSF exemption applies instead¹⁵.
Register any well with the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District, and get a $100.00 drilling permit first if the well is not exempt⁵.
If any part of the site is in a flood hazard area, get a Presidio County floodplain development permit ($50.00) before construction⁴.
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and wait for a fully executed permit before any work begins on the right-of-way⁶.
For anything not covered above — septic inspection scheduling, floodplain questions, general permitting — contact the Presidio County Judge's Office⁹.

What to check before you buy land in Presidio County, Texas

The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 174 miles from Presidio County's center, and population density is around 1.5 people per square mile¹⁸¹⁹. Annual precipitation averages 12.9 inches, and severe drought has occurred in roughly 32.8% of recent years, so investigate water supply and well yield before buying²⁰²¹. Only 3.1% of the county is wooded, while about 64% of the land has a slope of 15% or less²²²³. Just 17.2% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and possibly an alternative system²⁴. Farmland value is about $1,070 an acre, while the typical home value is about $236,634²⁵²⁶. Typical home insurance is about $1,704 a year; the effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, and the median annual bill is about $1,949²⁷²⁸²⁹. Before closing, verify well records with the water district and floodplain status with the County Judge's Office¹²⁹.

Watch-outs

Presidio County administers OSSF permits through its own program at the County Judge's Office³.
For land inside Marfa or Presidio, ask the relevant city planning office about municipal zoning before buying; the county zoning answer applies only to unincorporated land¹⁴.
We could not confirm countywide rules for certificates of occupancy, short-term rentals or off-grid sanitation methods such as composting toilets; ask the County Judge's Office before relying on one⁹.
Texas law lets a qualifying county adopt residential inspection requirements, so ask the County Judge's Office whether a commissioners court order applies to your project⁸⁹.

Sources

Written September 28, 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 Presidio County scores

Seclusion90100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency1196% ev.

Admin Boringness87100% ev.

Durability47100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$237kTypical home

1.6%Property tax

$1,070Land / acre

12.9"Annual rain

32.8% of yrsSevere drought

42.6 / yr (+26.7)Mid-century 100°F days

47.7 daysMid-century dry spell

1.09" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.19×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,704Home insurance / yr

1.2% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

100Radius comparison (15 mi)

1.5People / sq mi

0%Federal land

64%Land at 15% slope or less

17.2%Septic soil without severe limits

377,586 acWorkable land screen

3.1%Wooded land

1.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac

65.3°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Presidio County

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

Presidio County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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 Presidio County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Presidio County has no zoning ordinance. The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing bexar.org.
- 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
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of an OSSF in Presidio County before the system is covered and approved for operation.
- Inspection is required before covering the system.
- The county office must be contacted at least 7 working days in advance.
- A re-inspection fee equal to one-half of the permit amount applies each time the system must be re-inspected.
- All fees must be paid before a Notice of Approval is issued.
inspection notice lead time: >= 7 working days (Contact the county office in advance to arrange inspection.) · re-inspection fee: 1/2 of permit amount USD (For each required re-inspection.)
“An inspection of the installation is required before covering of the system. Contact our office at least 7 working days in advance to arrange for inspection.”
County of Presidio, Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) County Order ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Well permitLimited
Drilling, re-working, re-drilling, or re-equipping a nonexempt groundwater well within the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District.
- A separate application is required for each well.
- The application fee is $100.00.
- The drilling permit expires after 120 calendar days unless extended by the General Manager for good cause.
- Immediately upon completion of a new well, or reworking or re-equipping an existing well, a completed Operating Permit Application must be filed.
- Groundwater may not be produced without a valid Operating Permit.
drilling permit application fee: 100 USD · drilling permit term: 120 calendar days (General Manager may extend the term for good cause.)
“The District's rules require a Drilling Permit for drilling, re-working, re-drilling, or re-equipping any nonexempt well.”
Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District Water Well Drilling Permit Application ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Registration of all wells within the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District.
  “The District’s rules require the registration of ALL wells within the District.”
  Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District Water Well Registration Form ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Presidio County floodplain development permit applications.
- The published fee is tied to the county floodplain development permit application.
- Additional federal, state or local permits may be required.
permit fee: 50 USD
“DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION $50.00 PERMIT FEE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF PRESIDIO”
Presidio County Development Permit Application ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building permitNot required
Texas counties cannot require permits or inspections for single-family residential construction in unincorporated areas, and Presidio County lists no building-inspection department.
Bexar County TX - County Building Permit Authority (Texas law) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
Texas counties have no general zoning authority in unincorporated areas, and Presidio County maintains no planning/zoning office.
Bexar County TX - County Zoning Authority (Texas law) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
The statutory penalty for failure to submit required inspection notice under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, not a general exemption from building permits or inspections.
- The individual must build the new residential construction or act as the individual's own contractor.
- The individual must intend to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.
- The exemption applies to the penalty under Section 233.157(c), not expressly to the underlying inspection requirement or any separate permit, floodplain, septic, municipal, or other approval.
- The cited statute does not establish that Presidio County has adopted the required Chapter 233, Subchapter F resolution or order.
“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.”
Texas 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, modular components, and non-exempt electrical work in Presidio County under statewide Texas requirements.
  “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in 70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  Industrialized Housing and Buildings Mandatory Building Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Covered new residential construction under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F in an unincorporated area of a Texas county to which that subchapter applies.
- The county must have adopted a resolution or order requiring application of Subchapter F and satisfy the statutory border-distance or population condition.
- For construction on a vacant lot, at least three inspections are required: foundation before concrete placement, framing and mechanical systems before drywall or other interior wall covering, and completion.
- For an addition to an existing residence, inspections are required as necessary based on the project scope.
- The builder must contract with a licensed engineer, registered architect, TREC-licensed professional inspector, qualifying municipal plumbing inspector, political-subdivision building inspector, or ICC-certified residential combination inspector.
- The builder may use the same inspector for all inspections or different inspectors.
- The cited statute does not establish that Presidio County has adopted the required resolution or order.
minimum inspections for vacant-lot construction: >= 3 inspections (Additions require inspections as necessary based on project scope)
“A person who builds new residential construction described by Section 233.153 shall have the construction inspected to ensure building code compliance in accordance with this section as follows:”
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233: County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 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
Driveway accessLimited
New or modified access driveways for property abutting state highways in Presidio County, where the driveway uses state highway right-of-way.
- A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary for new or modified access driveways.
- The applicant must receive a fully executed driveway permit before construction on the right-of-way and give TxDOT 24-hour notification.
- The application must be for securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights-of-way.
- Driveways must comply with applicable design, drainage, environmental, accessibility, and other state and federal requirements.
- A local agency may receive transferred permitting authority only with TxDOT approval; drainage impacts must still be coordinated with and approved by TxDOT before local approval.
private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii) · minimum radius connecting driveway to highway pavement: >= 15 feet · driveway construction notification: 24 hours before construction
“No construction work on the driveway shall be undertaken on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit has been received by the applicant and the applicant has given 24-hour notification to TxDOT.”
Section 6: Access Driveways ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.
  “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.

Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy or equivalent occupancy approvals for buildings in Presidio County.
Local zoning — Local zoning within Presidio County, including the incorporated cities of Marfa and Presidio and unincorporated areas.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation methods other than the regulated septic/sewer alternatives in Presidio County.
Agricultural exemption — Agricultural exemptions from the requested county subdivision or development controls in unincorporated Presidio County.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Presidio County, Texas.

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 Presidio County, Texas

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

Presidio County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 100 people within 15 miles and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 12.9″ of rain a year, in severe drought 32.8% of years.

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

Presidio 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 Presidio County (TCEQ authorized agent for on-site sewage). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

Land in Presidio County runs about $1,070 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Presidio County?

Presidio County gets about 12.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 32.8% of years.

How remote is Presidio County?

A typical private-land location has about 100 people within 15 miles and 62,339 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who issues permits in Presidio County, Texas, and how do you reach them?

Does Presidio County have zoning?

How do septic and water-well permits work in Presidio County, Texas?

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

Building on land in Presidio County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Presidio County, Texas

Watch-outs

Sources

Presidio County in Texas

How Presidio County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Presidio County

Presidio County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Presidio County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Presidio County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Presidio County?

How remote is Presidio County?

How Presidio compares in Texas