Bolthole Index

Wise County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Newark, Texas

Newark, Texas requires a city building permit before a permanent structure is built or placed inside city limits, followed by inspections and a certificate of occupancy.123 Newark also applies municipal zoning; septic jurisdiction inside the city should be confirmed with City Hall and Wise County Environmental Services before work begins.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required before a permanent structure is built or placed inside Newark1
Zoning
City zoning applies; the mapped district controls use and lot standards67
Building inspections
Foundation, plumbing, electrical and framing inspections precede occupancy2
Septic
Required where applicable; confirm city-address jurisdiction with City Hall and Wise County Environmental Services5
RV placement
Not allowed in a residential district except in an approved licensed park or approved subdivision8
Private well
A city permit is required before drilling9
City sewer
Connection is mandatory when the property meets the city sewer-distance condition10

Who to call

Building permits

City of Newark Building Inspection Department

Building permits, inspections, zoning questions and current application instructions inside Newark

8174892201

209 Hudson St., City of Newark, TX 76071

Online permits →

Septic permits

Wise County Environmental Services (Public Works)

Wise County OSSF contact; confirm whether the proposed Newark address is within the county program's approved jurisdiction

940-627-9332

[email protected]

2901 S FM 51 Building 100 Decatur, TX 76234

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Newark, Texas?

Yes. Newark requires a building permit before any permanent structure is constructed or placed inside city limits.1 A complete application must include enough foundation and structural detail to determine compliance with the building code.11 Newark has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code for residential construction and the 2021 International Building Code for covered commercial and other structures, with incorporated local amendments.1213

After permit issuance, the Building Inspector conducts foundation, plumbing, electrical and framing inspections before the certificate of occupancy.2 A permanent structure cannot be occupied until that certificate is issued.3 Newark's published fees list $820 for new construction or improvement of a one- or two-family dwelling up to 1,500 square feet, with larger projects using the published formula.14

Who issues building permits in Newark, and how do you apply?

The City of Newark Building Inspection Department is the first stop for building-permit, inspection and zoning questions at 209 Hudson St., Newark, TX 76071, or 8174892201.15 The city's permit page states that building permits are required for building, remodeling or enlarging a building.15

First confirm that the tract is part of a plat approved by the City Council and recorded in the appropriate county records, because Newark will not issue a construction or placement permit otherwise.16 Then submit complete foundation and structural details to the Building Inspector.17 Arrange the required inspections after permit issuance and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in.1819 Wise County's no-general-building-permit rule applies outside incorporated cities and does not replace Newark's city process.20

Does Newark have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and lot size?

Newark has its own zoning ordinance and zoning district map, so the parcel's district controls allowed uses and applicable site standards.67 In the Agricultural District, a single-family dwelling requires at least 2 acres and adequate city utilities or a septic tank on the building lot.21 The stated minimum building sites are 35,000 square feet in SF-E, 7,500 square feet in SF-1 and 6,000 square feet in SF-2.222324

Newark does not allow placement of a recreational vehicle in a residential district except in an approved licensed mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park or an approved mobile-home subdivision.8 Placement in a commercial or industrial district may occur only when authorized by the zoning board of adjustment under city policy.8 We could not confirm a Newark rule specifically addressing tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings, minimum dwelling floor area, or temporary camping, so ask the Building Inspection Department how the proposed unit and use are classified.15

How do septic and sewer rules work inside Newark?

Newark requires a human-occupancy structure to connect to city sewer where a sanitary sewer exists or later exists and the property line is within 100 feet of a city sewer line.25 In Newark's Agricultural District, a single-family home may be served by a septic tank on its building lot when the site is adequately served.26

The reviewed Newark material does not identify the office that administers OSSF permits for addresses inside city limits. Wise County identifies Public Works as its contact for required septic permits, but confirm with Newark City Hall and Wise County Environmental Services that the county program serves the specific address before ordering a design or beginning excavation.51527 Only 24% of mapped Wise County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make a site evaluation part of the purchase decision.28

Can you use a private well or off-grid sanitation in Newark?

A property owner must obtain a Newark permit before drilling a well inside city limits.9 The applicant must show compliance with TCEQ requirements and applicable Wise or Tarrant County health-department rules, and separate plumbing or electrical permits may also be required.9

Off-grid wastewater is not an across-the-board option in Newark because the city sewer connection rule applies when the property line falls within 100 feet of an existing or future city sewer line.29 Outside that condition, the reviewed material does not resolve every sanitation method or identify the operative OSSF office for every city address. Ask both City Hall and Wise County Environmental Services to confirm sewer availability, septic jurisdiction, site-evaluation requirements and the well review path for the parcel.1527

Building a home in Newark: what are the steps in order?

  1. Ask the Building Inspection Department to confirm city-limit status, the mapped zoning district, allowed dwelling type and applicable site standards.615
  2. Confirm that the tract is part of a properly approved and recorded plat.30
  3. Resolve water and wastewater service before fixing the house location; obtain a well permit if drilling a well, and confirm OSSF jurisdiction if city sewer will not serve the site.93127
  4. Submit complete foundation and structural details and obtain the building permit before construction or placement.32
  5. Schedule foundation, plumbing, electrical and framing inspections after permit issuance.18
  6. Obtain the certificate of occupancy before occupying the permanent structure.19

What should you check before buying land in Newark and Wise County?

Verify the city-limit line first, because Newark requires city building permits and zoning compliance while unincorporated Wise County does not require general building permits.133 Ask Newark to confirm the mapped district, recorded-plat status, allowed dwelling type, lot size and any floodplain review before making an offer.71634

Resolve sewer, septic and water early. The city's sewer-distance rule can require connection, a private well needs a Newark permit, and conventional septic drain fields face severe soil limitations across much of Wise County.10928 We could not confirm Newark's current residential setbacks, building-height limits, lot-coverage limits, owner-builder exception, or private-lot temporary-camping rule; obtain parcel-specific answers from the Building Inspection Department before closing.15

Watch-outs

  • Do not apply Wise County's no-general-building-permit answer inside Newark; permanent structures within the city require a Newark building permit.201
  • An RV cannot be placed in a Newark residential district except in an approved licensed park or approved mobile-home subdivision.35
  • A tract must be part of a properly approved and recorded plat before Newark will issue a construction or building-placement permit.16
  • The responsible OSSF office for a Newark address is not identified in the reviewed city material; confirm jurisdiction with City Hall and Wise County Environmental Services before commissioning septic work.1527

Sources

  1. ecode360.com (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  2. § 35 Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  3. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  4. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  5. Frequently Asked Questions - Who issues Building Permits in Wise County?, quoted and re-checked
  6. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  7. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  8. Division 2: Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Parks - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  9. ecode360.com (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  10. Article 13.03: Water and Sewer Service - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  11. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance, Section 35 (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  12. Division 4: Residential Code - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  13. Division 3 Building Code - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  14. Article A3.000 Building Related Fees - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  15. City of Newark Building Inspection Department (newarktexas.gov)
  16. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  17. § 35 Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  18. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance, § 35 - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  19. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance, § 35 - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  20. FAQs - Who issues Building Permits in Wise County?, quoted and re-checked
  21. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  22. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  23. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  24. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  25. Article 13.03 Water and Sewer Service - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  26. Article 13.03 Water and Sewer Service (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  27. Wise County Environmental Services (Public Works) (co.wise.tx.us)
  28. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Article 13.03: Water and Sewer Service - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  30. Exhibit 10A Subdivision Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  31. Article 13.03 Water and Sewer Service - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  32. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance, § 35 - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  33. Frequently Asked Questions — Who issues Building Permits in Wise County?, quoted and re-checked
  34. Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance - City of Newark, TX (Newark), quoted and re-checked
  35. Division 2 Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Parks (Newark), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Newark

Newark’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or placement of any permanent structure within Newark city limits.

    • A Building Permit must be issued before construction or placement.
    • A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupancy.
    • The cited provision concerns permanent structures.
    “No permanent structure may be constructed or otherwise located within the city limits prior to issuance of a Building Permit by the Building Inspector.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Commercial and other structures subject to Newark's building regulations.

    • Newark adopted the 2021 International Building Code by Ordinance A-546 adopted August 17, 2023.
    • Local amendments recommended by NCTCOG are incorporated by reference and maintained in the city secretary's office.

    building code edition: 2021 International Building Code

    “The city hereby adopts the 2021 edition of the International Building Code as the official building code of the city.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Residential construction inside Newark city's limits.
      “The city hereby adopts the 2021 edition of the International Residential Code as the official residential code of the city.”
    • Adopted — Building construction inside Newark city limits.
      “The city hereby adopts the 2021 edition of the International Building Code as the official building code of the city.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permanent residential construction inside Newark city limits before certificate of occupancy.

    • The Building Inspector conducts foundation, plumbing, electrical and framing inspections after permit issuance and before certificate of occupancy.
    • The certificate issues only if the plans and inspection results comply with applicable ordinances and regulations.
    “After issuance of a Building Permit and prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the Building Inspector shall conduct a foundation, plumbing, electrical and framing inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permanent structures inside Newark city limits before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
      “After issuance of a Building Permit and prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the Building Inspector shall conduct a foundation, plumbing, electrical and framing inspection.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Permanent structures and changes of use inside Newark city limits.

    • The Building Inspector issues the certificate after required inspections and compliance with applicable ordinances and regulations.
    • For vacant land or a change in use, a conforming certificate is to be issued within ten days after application.

    issuance period for conforming vacant-land or change-of-use application: 10 days

    “No permanent structure constructed or otherwise located within the city limits may be occupied prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Inspector.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Mobile-home and recreational-vehicle parks inside Newark city.
      “The city shall not issue a license unless the applicant is a valid holder of a certificate of occupancy.”
    • Required — New construction, changes of use, and covered occupancy inside Newark city limits.
      “No permanent structure constructed or otherwise located within the city limits may be occupied prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Inspector.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Newark city limits.

    • The ordinance establishes and administers Newark zoning districts and a zoning district map.
    “The City of Newark, Texas, is hereby divided into zoning districts as listed in the [this] section.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Newark city limits.
      “The City of Newark, Texas, is hereby divided into zoning districts as listed in the [this] section.”
    • Present — Land inside Newark city limits, Texas; Newark adopts and administers its own zoning ordinance.
      “This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as “The City of Newark Zoning Ordinance.””
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Newark city zoning districts identified in the adopted zoning ordinance and administered using the official zoning district map.

    • The ordinance states that district boundaries are delineated on the City of Newark zoning district map, which is adopted as part of the ordinance.
    • The excerpt lists Agricultural, SF-E, SF-1, SF-2, TF, MH-1, MH-2, MF, C-1, C-2, M-1, PD, and FP districts.
    “The City of Newark, Texas, is hereby divided into zoning districts as listed in the [this] section.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in Newark's A Agricultural District.

    • The dwelling lot must be two acres or more.
    • The dwelling must be in an area adequately served by city utilities or have septic tanks located on the building lot.

    minimum building lot area: >= 2 acres

    “Single-family dwellings on building lots of two (2) acres or more in areas where said dwellings can be adequately served by city utilities or septic tanks located on the building lot.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family residential development in Newark's SF-E Single-Family Residential Estate District.
      “The SF-E district provides for residential development on large lots with a minimum building site of 35,000 square feet. Density in this district will be no greater than one (1) unit per gross acre.”
    • Specified — Single-family residential development in Newark's SF-1 Single-Family Residential District 1.
      “The SF-1 district provides for a minimum residential building site of 7,500 square feet. Density in this district will be no greater than four (4) units per gross acre.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Placement or residential use of recreational vehicles inside Newark city.

    • RV placement is not permitted in any residential district except in an approved licensed mobile-home/RV park or approved mobile-home subdivision.
    • Placement may be permitted in commercial or industrial districts only when authorized by the zoning board of adjustment.
    • The source addresses placement, not every form of temporary stay.
    “The placement of a mobile home and/or recreational vehicle shall not be permitted in any residential district except in an approved licensed mobile home and/or recreational vehicle park or approved mobile home subdivision, and placement may be permitted in commercial or industrial districts (as designated by the zoning map) only when authorized in accordance with city policy by the zoning board of adjustment.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy and RV parks inside Newark city limits.
      “The placement of a mobile home and/or recreational vehicle shall not be permitted in any residential district except in an approved licensed mobile home and/or recreational vehicle park or approved mobile home subdivision”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy inside Newark city limits.

    • Manufactured homes are addressed through MH-1 manufactured-home and MH-2 manufactured-home-park districts and the city's mobile-home/manufactured-home regulations.
    • MH-2 parks must be between one-half and ten acres according to the zoning ordinance.

    manufactured-home park area: 0.5-10 acres

    “The MH-1 district provides an area for the placement of manufactured home and modular home units in subdivisions in which most lots and housing units are owner-occupied.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation for human-occupancy structures inside Newark city.

    • Off-grid sanitation is limited where a sanitary sewer exists or may hereafter exist and the property line is within 100 feet of a city sewer line, because connection is required there.
    • The reviewed source does not establish the rule outside that sewer-service-distance condition.

    maximum distance to city sewer line for mandatory connection: <= 100 feet

    “where the property line of the land upon which any such building, home, or structure is situated extends to within 100 feet of any city sewer line that presently or may hereafter exist, shall be and are hereby required to construct or cause to be constructed a sanitary water closet or closets within each such structure and to connect or cause to be connected such sanitary water closet or closets with the city sewer system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid sanitation inside Newark city limits.
      “Single-family dwellings on building lots of two (2) acres or more in areas where said dwellings can be adequately served by city utilities or septic tanks located on the building lot.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water wells drilled inside Newark city limits.

    • Applicant must show compliance with TCEQ and applicable Wise or Tarrant County health-department rules.
    • A well may not be drilled in a city easement or right-of-way.
    • Separate plumbing or electrical permits may be required.
    “Before drilling a well within the city, the property owner must obtain a permit from the city showing compliance with the terms of this section.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Human-occupancy structures inside Newark city limits where a city sanitary sewer exists or later exists and the property line is within 100 feet of the sewer line.

    • The rule applies to residential, commercial, and industrial structures designed for human occupancy.
    • The required connection is to the city sewer system.
    • The ordinance states a penalty of up to $200 per offense, with each continuing day a separate offense.

    maximum distance from city sewer line: <= 100 feet (property line extends to within 100 feet) · maximum penalty: 200 USD per offense (each continuing day is a separate offense)

    “The owners of all buildings, homes or other structures designed for human occupancy for residential, commercial or industrial purposes within the city, which structures are situated in any part of the city where a sanitary sewer presently exists or may hereafter exist, and where the property line of the land upon which any such building, home, or structure is situated extends to within 100 feet of any city sewer line that presently or may hereafter exist, shall be and are hereby required to construct or cause to be constructed a sanitary water closet or closets within each such structure and to connect or cause to be connected such sanitary water closet or closets with the city sewer system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Human-occupancy buildings inside Newark city where a sanitary sewer exists and the property line is within 100 feet of a city sewer line.
      “where the property line of the land upon which any such building, home, or structure is situated extends to within 100 feet of any city sewer line that presently or may hereafter exist, shall be and are hereby required to construct or cause to be constructed a sanitary water closet or closets within each such structure and to connect or cause to be connected such sanitary water closet or closets with the city sewer system.”
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Buildings, homes, and other human-occupancy structures inside Newark city limits.
      “where the property line [...] extends to within 100 feet of any city sewer line [...] to connect [...] with the city sewer system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Construction or placement of buildings on tracts inside Newark city limits.

    • A permit may not issue unless the tract is part of a properly approved and recorded plat.
    • The cited requirement is in the Newark zoning ordinance.
    “No permit for the construction of [or] placement of a building or buildings upon any tract or plot shall be issued unless the plot or tract is part of a plat of record, properly approved by the City Council and filed in the Plat Records of county or counties in which the plot or tract is located.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plats and subdivisions of land within Newark city limits.
      “The City of Newark Subdivision Ordinance #A-280, is hereby amended [...] so that the Ordinance reads in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit “A””
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Newark areas classified FP Flood Plain District or otherwise subject to the city's floodplain zoning provisions.

    • FP areas may be used only for uses listed in the ordinance until approved by the City Council.
    • Approval requires engineering studies determining suitability, no drainage obstruction or hazard to life or property, and consistency with the public interest.
    “Approval shall only be given after engineering studies determine that the area, or any portion thereof, is suitable for uses in the district, and building construction or development would not create an obstruction to drainage nor a hazard to life or property, and that such construction is not contrary to the public interest.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development in Newark’s FP - Flood Plain District.
      “Approval shall only be given after engineering studies determine that the area, or any portion thereof, is suitable for uses in the district”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Newark building permits and certificates of occupancy.

    • Unauthorized work results in double the normal permit fee plus an administrative fee.
    • For one- and two-family residential new construction or improvement, the listed fee is $820 for 0-1,500 square feet; larger homes use the published tiered formula.
    • The fee page states Ordinance A-555 was adopted April 18, 2024.

    residential permit fee for 0-1,500 square feet: 820 USD (one- and two-family residential new construction or improvement) · certificate of occupancy fee: 100 USD (business type may vary and reinspection fees apply)

    “1 and 2 residential dwellings - new construction or improvement.* Square Footage Fee 0–1,500 S.F. $820.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — City building, trade, manufactured-home, contractor-registration, and related permit fees in Newark.
      “Building permit fees. 1 and 2 residential dwellings - new construction or improvement.* Square Footage Fee 0–1,500 S.F. $820.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    Applications for permanent-structure building permits inside Newark city limits.

    • Plans must be approved by the Building Inspector.
    • A complete application must include sufficient foundation and structural details to determine compliance with applicable Building Code provisions.
    • Foundation, plumbing, electrical, and framing inspections occur after permit issuance and before Certificate of Occupancy issuance.
    • A plat of record approved by City Council is required before a construction or placement permit is issued.
    “A complete application for a Building Permit shall contain details of foundation and structure sufficient to determine compliance with applicable provisions of the Building Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Ordinary permanent residential construction inside Newark city limits.
      “A complete application for a Building Permit shall contain details of foundation and structure sufficient to determine compliance with applicable provisions of the Building Code. Upon submission of a complete application, the Building Inspector shall issue a Building Permit.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Applications for permanent structures and certificates of occupancy inside Newark city limits.
      “A complete application for a Building Permit shall contain details of foundation and structure sufficient to determine compliance with applicable provisions of the Building Code. Upon submission of a complete application, the Building Inspector shall issue a Building Permit.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Newark or Wise County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing inside Newark city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Newark city limits, including agricultural and single-family districts.
  • Setbacks — Required residential setbacks inside Newark city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Newark city limits.
  • Building height — Building height inside Newark city limits, including agricultural and single-family districts.
8 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Newark publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Wise County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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