Bolthole Index

Terry County, Texas

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

38Index Score / 100
#232 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Terry County, Texas does not generally require a residential building permit, and the county does not have general zoning12. Separate rules still apply to septic systems, floodplain development, subdivisions, manufactured housing and access to state highways34567.

At a glance

Building permit
No general residential building permit in unincorporated Terry County1
Zoning
No general county zoning; Brownfield has municipal zoning28
Septic permits
South Plains Public Health District authorization is required before construction unless a state exemption applies39
Owner-installed septic
Potentially allowed for an owner-occupied single-family home, subject to district requirements10
RV or tiny home
No county-specific occupancy rule was confirmed; ask the County Judge and septic district211
Manufactured homes
State standards apply; Terry County is in Wind Zone I6
Water wells
Non-exempt district wells require a drilling permit12
State-highway driveway
A new or modified access driveway requires TxDOT Form 10587

Who to call

Also useful

Terry County Judge's Office (Terry County Courthouse)

Starting point for county building, land-use, road-access and floodplain questions when no dedicated department is published

(806) 637-7230

500 W. Main Street Brownfield, TX 79316

Septic permits

South Plains Public Health District, Brownfield Clinic

Environmental health services and local OSSF inspection, complaint and enforcement work

806-637-2164

919 E. Main Street Brownfield, TX 79316

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 Terry County, Texas?

Unincorporated Terry County does not generally require a residential building permit1. That does not make every project permit-free. New residential construction covered by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F in an adopting county requires foundation, framing and mechanical, and final inspections; we could not confirm whether Terry County has adopted that program13. Industrialized housing, buildings, modules and modular components must meet the state's mandatory codes, including the 2021 International Building Code and International Residential Code for covered construction effective July 1, 202414. Manufactured homes remain subject to statewide installation and occupancy standards6. Before construction, ask the Terry County Judge's Office whether floodplain approval or a Chapter 233 inspection notice applies to the parcel15413.

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

Terry County does not publish a separate building or planning office, so begin with the Terry County Judge's Office at the courthouse on Main Street in Brownfield15. Ask whether the parcel is in a regulated floodplain, whether the county has adopted the residential inspection program in Chapter 233, and whether access from a county road needs approval413. We could not confirm the current floodplain administrator, local floodplain application, fees or county-road driveway process. Septic work goes to the South Plains Public Health District16. A driveway connecting to a state highway follows TxDOT's process: Form 1058 is required for a new driveway or modification, and right-of-way construction must wait for an executed permit and notice to TxDOT7.

Does Terry County have zoning?

Unincorporated Terry County does not have general county zoning2. The City of Brownfield is different: its zoning ordinance applies to land inside the city, so check the boundary before treating county rules as controlling8. The absence of general county zoning does not settle private deed restrictions, subdivision plats, floodplain controls, septic siting or statewide housing standards5496. If land outside a municipality is divided into lots, Texas law generally requires a plat unless an exception applies, and the commissioners court approves a required plat17. A qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production division can be exempt while that use continues and no public-use area is laid out18.

How do septic permits work in Terry County?

South Plains Public Health District handles Terry County septic authorization and inspection16. The district application requires a site and soil evaluation, must be returned to the district, and says not to begin construction until authorization arrives311. The completed system must be inspected before it is covered19. Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an on-site sewage facility9. A narrow exemption may apply to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres when a licensed evaluator or engineer evaluates the site, every system component stays at least 100 feet from the property line, effluent remains on the tract, and the other conditions are met9. About 87.5% of Terry County soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, but every homesite still needs its own evaluation20.

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

Terry County's lack of general county zoning does not by itself confirm that full-time RV living or every tiny-home setup is allowed2. We could not confirm a Terry County-specific RV occupancy, temporary-camping, minimum-home-size or utility-connection rule, so ask the County Judge's Office before buying land for that use15. Any occupied setup still needs lawful sanitation: South Plains Public Health District requires authorization before septic construction, and installation must follow the approved site materials and map11. A manufactured home is not treated as an unregulated tiny home; installed units must follow state standards, and an uninstalled manufactured home may be occupied only for viewing on a retailer's sales lot6. Terry County is in manufactured-housing Wind Zone I6.

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

  1. Ask the Terry County Judge's Office whether the parcel needs floodplain approval or falls under an adopted residential inspection program15413.
  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside Brownfield before relying on the county zoning answer8.
  1. Contact South Plains Public Health District for the site-and-soil evaluation and septic authorization before construction begins3.
  1. Contact the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District before drilling a non-exempt well; the district issues drilling permits and inspects completed sites12.
  1. Obtain a TxDOT permit before building or changing a driveway onto a state highway7.
  1. Apply the correct statewide standards to industrialized or manufactured housing146.

What should you check before buying land in Terry County?

Start with legal access, municipal boundaries, floodplain status, deed restrictions, and whether a proposed division needs a plat845. Water deserves early planning: non-exempt district wells need a drilling permit, while Terry County averages about 17.3 inches of precipitation and experiences severe drought in about 40.2% of years122122. The land is overwhelmingly gentle, with 99.9% at a slope of 15% or less, and only 0.1% is wooded2324. Conventional septic conditions are comparatively favorable across much of the county, but the district still requires parcel-level soil and site information203. The typical effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, with a median annual bill near $1,6452526.

Watch-outs

  • Terry County's current local floodplain application, administrator and fees could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge's Office before building near a mapped flood area415.
  • The absence of general county zoning does not override the City of Brownfield's zoning ordinance inside city limits28.
  • Do not cover a new septic installation before South Plains Public Health District completes the required inspection19.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 (County Regulation of Housing/Buildings) (2026 county census)
  2. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 (Municipal Zoning Authority) (2026 county census)
  3. On-Site Sewage Facility Application and Authorization to Construct, quoted and re-checked
  4. Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), quoted and re-checked
  5. Local Government Code Chapter 232 — County Regulation of Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  6. Occupations Code Chapter 1201, Manufactured Housing, quoted and re-checked
  7. General Access Driveway Policy, quoted and re-checked
  8. Brownfield Code of Ordinances - Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  10. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  11. On-Site Sewage Facility Application and Authorization to Construct, quoted and re-checked
  12. South Plains Underground Water Conservation District Management Plan 2024, quoted and re-checked
  13. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233, quoted and re-checked
  14. Industrialized Housing and Buildings Mandatory Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  15. Terry County Judge's Office (Terry County Courthouse) (co.terry.tx.us)
  16. OSSF New Permit Application and Installer List, quoted and re-checked
  17. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232: County Regulation of Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  18. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232: County Regulation of Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  19. OSSF New Permit Application and Installer List, quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

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County locator

Terry County in Texas

38
County map
Terry County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Terry County scores

Seclusion61100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability30100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% 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 →

$118kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$1,566Land / acre
17.3"Annual rain
40.2% of yrsSevere drought
33.4 / yr (+25.5)Mid-century 100°F days
33.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.58" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.23×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,420Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
11,945People within 30 min
820,374People within 2 hr
10,716Radius comparison (15 mi)
13People / sq mi
0%Federal land
99.9%Land at 15% slope or less
87.5%Septic soil without severe limits
496,544 acWorkable land screen
0.1%Wooded land
1.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
61.3°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Terry County

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

Terry County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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/septic permitting and inspection for Terry County, including the Terry/Dawson designated-representative area identified by the South Plains Public Health District.

    • The source identifies a licensed designated representative for Terry and Dawson.
    • The local program operates under Texas OSSF requirements and its designated representative handles the permit and inspection process.
    “County: Gaines□ Yoakum□ Terry□ Dawson□ Lynn□ [...] RETURN THIS APPLICATION TO THE SOUTH PLAINS PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic/OSSF construction in Terry County within the South Plains Public Health District service area.

    • South Plains Public Health District is a four-county health district consisting of Gaines, Yoakum, Terry, and Dawson Counties.
    • The district application identifies Terry County as a covered county and requires the application to be returned to the district.
    • The applicant receives a permit to begin construction only after the application steps are complete and must not begin construction before district authorization.
    • The state-level OSSF exemptions and requirements remain applicable.
    “AFTER STEPS 1 AND 2 ARE COMPLETE, YOU WILL THEN RECEIVE YOUR PERMIT TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION. DO NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM UNTIL YOU RECEIVE AUTHORIZATION FROM THE SOUTH PLAINS PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Drainfields and OSSF installations in the South Plains Public Health District area serving Terry County.

    • The installation must be correctly installed and inspected before it is covered.
    • The source also states that the designated representative contacts the office regarding the permit and inspection.
    “ALL MUST BE INSTALLED CORRECTLY AND INSPECTED BEFORE THEY ARE COVERED.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid septic sanitation systems in Terry County.

    • The South Plains Public Health District application process requires district authorization before septic construction.
    • The application must include site and soil evaluation information and the system must be constructed according to approved site materials and map.
    • The state OSSF permit exemptions and grandfathering conditions remain applicable.
    “THE SYSTEM MUST BE CONSTRUCTED ACCORDING TO THE APPROVED SITE MATERIALS AND MAP.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling and completion of non-exempt water wells within the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District, whose jurisdiction was originally the same as Terry County and which later annexed approximately 1,100 acres in Hockley County.

    • The district's stated drilling-permit objective applies to non-exempt water wells.
    • The district states that all well sites are inspected after completion to assure compliance with its completion and spacing standards.
    • The cited management plan does not enumerate the district's exemptions, permit process, fees, or current numeric spacing and production limits; those controls require the district rules.
    “Issue temporary water well drilling permits for [...] non-exempt water wells. Inspect all well sites [...]”
  • Building permitNot required

    Under Texas law counties have no general authority to require residential building permits in unincorporated areas; the OSSF (septic) permit is the principal state-mandated approval.

    Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 (County Regulation of Housing/Buildings) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas zoning authority is granted to municipalities; Texas counties generally have no zoning power over unincorporated land, so there is no county zoning in Terry County.

    Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 (Municipal Zoning Authority) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner installation of an on-site sewage facility serving a single-family dwelling in Terry County, including unincorporated areas, subject to the applicable local permitting authority's requirements.

    • The permitting authority must allow owner installation under its local requirements.
    • The owner must have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to perform the installation.
    • The OSSF must be for a single-family dwelling that the owner owns.
    • The owner must also own the property.
    • No part of the property may be developed for sale or lease.
    • All permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority must be met.
    • Some systems may not be available for homeowner purchase because they must be installed by a factory representative.
    • If anyone else assists during any phase of installation, that person must be a licensed installer of the correct level, except for a licensed electrician installing electrical components or a person delivering and setting a treatment or pump tank into an excavation.
    • A permit and approved plan are generally required to construct, alter, repair, extend, or operate an OSSF; local permitting programs can be more stringent than state minimums.
    “This depends on whether the permitting authority allows this in their local requirements. Otherwise yes, provided you have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to do so AND: the OSSF is for a single family dwelling that you own, you also own the property, no part of the property will be developed for sale or lease, all permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements of the permitting authority are met.”
  • 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:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components installed in Terry County and elsewhere in Texas.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes [...] International Building Code (IBC), 2021 Edition”
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components located in Texas, including Terry County.
      “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:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New residential construction covered by Chapter 233, Subchapter F in an adopting county.

    • For construction on a vacant lot, at least three inspections are required: foundation before concrete, framing and mechanical systems before drywall or other interior wall covering, and completion.
    • For a qualifying addition, inspections must be performed as necessary based on the project's scope.
    • The builder must contract with one of the listed qualified inspectors.
    • A county may require preconstruction and post-final-inspection notices.

    minimum inspections for vacant-lot construction: >= 3 inspections · post-final-inspection notice deadline: <= 10 days (Only if required by the county)

    “a minimum of three inspections must be performed”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Division of a tract outside municipal limits in Texas, including unincorporated Terry County, when the land remains primarily agricultural or is used for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production.

    • The owner must divide the tract into two or more parts outside municipal limits.
    • The owner must not lay out a street, alley, square, park, or other part intended for public use under Section 232.001(a)(3).
    • The land must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
    • If the tract ceases to be used primarily for the qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use, the Chapter 232 platting requirements apply.
    • Separate statutory exceptions also address transfers of four or fewer parts to relatives within the third degree, subdivisions where all lots are more than 10 acres and no public-use part is laid out, and sales to veterans through the Veterans' Land Board program.

    minimum number of divided parts: >= 2 parts (The agricultural exception applies to a division into two or more parts if the other conditions are met.) · related-party transfer limit: <= 4 parts (Separate family-transfer exception; every transferee must be related within the third degree by consanguinity or affinity.) · large-lot exception threshold: > 10 acres (Separate exception applies when all lots are more than 10 acres and no public-use part is laid out.)

    “A county may not require the owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality who divides the tract into two or more parts to have a plat of the subdivision prepared if: (1) the owner does not lay out a part of the tract described by Section 232.001(a)(3); and (2) the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use, as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A tract outside municipal limits in Terry County divided into two or more parts without laying out a street, alley, square, park, or other part intended for public use, when the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use or for farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use.
      “A county may not require [...] if: [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land into two or more parts outside municipal limits in Terry County, including the laying out of a subdivision, lots, or public-use streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract.

    • A plat is required unless a statutory exception applies.
    • The rule applies to land outside municipal limits; municipal and extraterritorial-jurisdiction arrangements may affect which governmental entity regulates plats.
    • The commissioners court must approve a plat by an order entered in the court minutes.
    • The county may impose an application fee covering review and inspection costs, with the fee potentially varying by proposed lots, acreage, street and drainage improvements, or other reasonable criteria.
    • The statutory chapter includes exceptions for primarily agricultural or farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use; certain transfers to relatives within the third degree; subdivisions with all lots over 10 acres; and lots sold to veterans through the Veterans' Land Board program.

    minimum division threshold: >= 2 parts (Subject to statutory exceptions.)

    “must have a plat of the subdivision prepared”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and platting of land outside municipal limits, including unincorporated Terry County, under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232.
      “The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out: (1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition; (2) lots; or (3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicated to public use”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.

    • A local public agency may receive access driveway permitting authority for state highways, but TxDOT approval remains required for drainage impacts on the state highway system before local approval.
    • No access driveway is permitted within a flared or widened right-of-way section at an intersection of a state highway with another highway, road, or street.
    • All entrances and exits, including radii, must be confined within the permittee's property frontage.
    • One-way 45-to-90-degree driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane-divided highways; otherwise the driveway angle must be 75 to 90 degrees.
    • ADAAG and Texas Accessibility Standards apply.

    private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · driveway-to-pavement radius: >= 15 feet

    “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — New or modified access driveways for property abutting a state highway in Terry County, including state-highway right-of-way access.
      “A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary whenever new access driveways are constructed or existing access driveways are modified.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    County floodplain-management authority and NFIP eligibility, including Terry County.

    • The requirement is to adopt ordinances or orders necessary for NFIP eligibility; the source does not identify Terry County's adopted ordinance, local permitting procedures, or site-specific development limits.
    • The source states the adoption deadline was January 1, 2001.
    • A community's applicable regulation level and enforcement capabilities must be determined locally.
    • The state page identifies model ordinances and permitting resources, but does not establish which model Terry County adopted.

    NFIP ordinance or order adoption deadline: 2001-01-01

    “The governing body of each city and county shall adopt ordinances or orders, as appropriate, necessary for the city or county to be eligible to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, not later than January 1, 2001"”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems and holding tanks, located in Terry County, subject to the applicable local permitting authority.

    • A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
    • A permit is generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF; local permitting programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285, a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer, a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line, on-site effluent disposal, and no other dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority; TCEQ is the permitting authority where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt and provide a written explanation for a denial.
    • Owner installation depends on local requirements; otherwise the owner must own both the single-family dwelling and property, no part of the property may be developed for sale or lease, and all permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements must be met. Assistance by others generally requires the assisting person to be a properly licensed installer, subject to the stated electrician and tank-delivery exceptions.

    permit review deadline: 30 days (The period runs from receipt of the planning materials and permit application.) · emergency-repair reporting deadline: 72 hours (Applies after emergency repairs have begun.) · 10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (All other listed conditions must also be met.) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (All parts of the OSSF must meet the setback.)

    “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.
      “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Terry County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Use and development of land within the City of Brownfield, Terry County, Texas.

    • This claim is limited to the incorporated City of Brownfield and does not establish countywide zoning or zoning in other Terry County municipalities or unincorporated areas.
    • The ordinance provides for zoning districts and related development controls; applicable use permissions and approvals depend on the district and ordinance provisions.
    • The ordinance text states that Ordinance 1858 was adopted on 8/16/01 and Ordinance 1869 was adopted on 4/4/02.
    “The provisions of this Zoning Ordinance shall apply to the use and development of all land within the City of Brownfield, unless specifically provided otherwise in this Zoning Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Use and development of land within the incorporated City of Brownfield, Terry County, Texas.
      “The provisions of this Zoning Ordinance shall apply to the use and development of all land within the City of Brownfield”

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 certificates of compliance for buildings in unincorporated Terry County, Texas.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer for property in unincorporated Terry County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental operation in Terry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Permit fees — Land-use, construction, driveway, floodplain, and related permit fees administered for Terry County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Terry County, Texas

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

Terry County scores 38/100 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 (17.3″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Terry 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 South Plains Public Health District (TCEQ authorized agent). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Terry County is allowed: Unincorporated Terry County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Terry 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 Terry County, Texas?

Land in Terry County runs about $1,566 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Terry County?

Terry County gets about 17.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 40.2% of years.

How remote is Terry County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,945 people within a 30-minute drive and 820,374 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 Terry County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Terry compares in Texas

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