Bolthole Index

Wise County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Rhome, Texas

Rhome, Texas, in Wise County, requires city building permits for building or remodeling and administers its own zoning.12 The city issues the building permits and uses a third-party inspector.3 The authority for septic permits inside Rhome city limits could not be confirmed, so ask Rhome Permitting and Wise County Environmental Services before planning an onsite system.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required for building or remodeling inside Rhome1
Zoning
Rhome zoning controls land and building uses inside city limits2
Septic
Authority inside city limits is unconfirmed; ask the city and Wise County Environmental Services45
RV living
No city occupancy rule confirmed; ask Rhome Permitting about the parcel and proposed use24
Tiny home
No separate city rule confirmed; zoning and building review still apply21
Owner-builder
License and bond exemption available for personal work, but the customary job permit remains required6

Who to call

Building permits

City of Rhome Building Inspections & Permitting

Rhome building permits and coordination of third-party building, electrical and plumbing inspections

817-636-2462

261 School Road, Rhome, TX 76078

Online permits →

Septic permits

Wise County Environmental Services

Wise County contact for septic inspection information; confirm whether the office has jurisdiction at the Rhome address

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 Rhome means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Rhome, Texas?

Yes. Rhome directs anyone building or remodeling inside city limits to begin with its Permitting Department, and the city issues the building permit.1 Rhome also lists adopted building, energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing and residential codes from 2021, along with the 2020 electrical code.7

Accessory buildings have a more specific published rule: every residential accessory building requires a permit and plan review, with the permit fee due when the application is submitted.8 The city uses a third-party inspector for building, electrical and plumbing inspection services, but permit authority remains with Rhome.3 Ask Permitting to classify the exact project before starting work, particularly if the project is not ordinary new construction or remodeling.4

Who issues building permits in Rhome, and how do you reach the office?

City of Rhome Building Inspections & Permitting issues building permits and coordinates the city's third-party inspections.4 Call 817-636-2462 or visit 261 School Road in Rhome.4 When work is ready for inspection, the city directs applicants to email [email protected] or use the Ross DFW scheduling page.4

For a building or remodeling project, the city's published process starts at Permitting.9 Development submissions follow a separate path: preliminary plats, final plats and Development Review Committee requests go to [email protected], and a plat application is not complete until the corresponding fee is paid.10 Rhome says its development and building-related fee schedule is in Chapter 15 of the city code, so confirm the current amount with the city before filing.11

Does Rhome have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and tiny homes?

Rhome has municipal zoning inside city limits, and its Planning and Zoning work regulates land use, building use and the location of residential and commercial development.2 The city publishes a zoning code and an official zoning map, but the online code warns that the official hard copy governs if the two differ.12

We could not confirm a current city rule that specifically answers residential RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or accessory dwelling units. Ask Rhome Permitting to identify the parcel's zoning district and classify the proposed structure and use before buying or placing a unit.4 We also could not confirm citywide minimum dwelling size, primary-house setbacks, lot coverage or building height; those questions require the applicable district text rather than a general rule. Rhome zoning and building-permit review still apply to a proposed tiny home used as a residence.21

How do septic permits work inside Rhome?

The responsible authority for an onsite sewage facility inside incorporated Rhome could not be confirmed from the available official material. Wise County says septic permits are required and directs applicants to Public Works, but the city-limit applicability of that statement is not explicit.13 Contact Rhome Permitting and Wise County Environmental Services before ordering a septic design or relying on an existing system.45

Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an onsite sewage facility, subject to stated exemptions and any stricter local program.14 Do not assume the state 10-acre exemption settles a Rhome project: it applies only when every state condition is satisfied, including a qualifying single-family tract, site evaluation and a 100-foot property-line setback for every part of the system.14 Wise County soil data indicate that 24% of mapped soils avoid a severe limitation rating for a conventional drain field, so parcel-level evaluation belongs early in due diligence.15

Can an owner-builder construct a home in Rhome?

Rhome provides a limited owner-builder exemption for a person who personally erects, constructs or repairs a structure that person owns. The exemption removes the contractor license and bond requirement, but the owner must still obtain the customary permit for the particular job.6 It is not a blanket waiver of the city's building, zoning or inspection process.13

Texas also provides conditional state licensing exemptions for an owner doing electrical, plumbing or air-conditioning work on the owner's own qualifying residence or homestead, but those exemptions do not cover every trade and do not erase local permits or inspections.16 Before choosing subcontractors or self-performing work, describe the scope to Rhome Permitting and ask which contractor registrations, trade permits, plan documents and inspections apply.4

Building a home in Rhome: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Rhome Permitting to confirm that the parcel is inside city limits, identify its zoning district and verify the proposed residential use and site dimensions.24
  2. Confirm water and sewer availability with the city; new connections incur both tap and impact fees, and the utility rules distinguish ordinary taps from extension projects.17
  3. If an onsite sewage facility is proposed, confirm jurisdiction and the required design, permit and inspection sequence with Rhome and Wise County Environmental Services.45
  4. Submit the building-permit application and required plans through the city's Permitting Department.9
  5. Pay the applicable city fee and do not treat an owner-builder exemption as a permit exemption.116
  6. Schedule building, electrical and plumbing inspections through the city's third-party inspection service.34

What should you check before buying land in Rhome?

Start with the official zoning map and have Rhome identify the district, allowed use and dimensional standards for the exact parcel.12 If land will be divided, involve Community Development early because Rhome regulates preliminary plats, final plats and site-plan review, and applications are not complete until the corresponding fee is paid.1810

Confirm water and sewer service before assuming an off-grid plan will work. Rhome's published utility rules say new connections carry tap and impact fees, while longer connections may become private extension projects.17 For a driveway connecting to a Texas state highway, TxDOT requires its access-driveway application and a fully executed permit before right-of-way construction begins.19 Finally, investigate drainage, flood hazards and septic feasibility for the parcel; the city-specific floodplain process and the septic authority inside Rhome could not be confirmed, so ask Rhome Permitting and Wise County Environmental Services before fixing the building site.45

Watch-outs

  • Do not apply Wise County's no-general-building-permit rule to a parcel inside Rhome; the city issues building permits and directs building or remodeling applicants to Permitting.1
  • An owner-builder in Rhome may be exempt from the contractor license and bond, but not from the customary permit for the job.6
  • Residential RV use, tiny-home occupancy, primary-house dimensions, private-well rules and the city-specific floodplain process could not be confirmed; ask Rhome Permitting before committing to a site plan.4
  • The septic authority inside incorporated Rhome could not be confirmed; contact Rhome Permitting and Wise County Environmental Services before relying on county or state procedures.45

Sources

  1. Building Requirements (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  2. Community Development (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Requirements (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  4. City of Rhome Building Inspections & Permitting (cityofrhome.com)
  5. Wise County Environmental Services (co.wise.tx.us)
  6. Registration | City of Rhome, TX (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Requirements | City of Rhome (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  8. Residential Accessory Building | City of Rhome (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Requirements (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Requirements (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  11. Community Development (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Rhome Municipal Code (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  13. Frequently Asked Questions - Who issues Building Permits in Wise County?, quoted and re-checked
  14. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. 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
  16. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Utility Billing (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  18. Community Development (Rhome), quoted and re-checked
  19. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), 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 Rhome

Rhome’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building or remodeling inside Rhome city limits.

    • Applicants should begin with the City's Permitting Department.
    • Permit issuance is subject to applicable City codes and review.
    “We are here to help with all building and permitting needs. While we use a third-party inspector, the City of Rhome issues permits. If you are building or remodeling, your first stop is our Permitting Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — All residential accessory buildings in single-family or multifamily districts inside Rhome city limits.
      “How do I apply for a permit? Fill out a residential accessory permit application. A permit and plan review are required for all Accessory Buildings. A permit fee is due at submission of application.”
    • Required — Accessory buildings inside Rhome city limits.
      “A permit and plan review are required for all Accessory Buildings.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    An owner personally erecting, constructing, or repairing a structure inside Rhome city limits.

    • The owner must personally perform the work.
    • The customary permit for the particular job is still required.
    “Individuals doing own work. Any person desiring to erect, construct, or repair a structure owned by that person [...] shall not be required to obtain the required license or post the required bond”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person who personally erects, constructs, or repairs a structure that person owns inside Rhome city limits.
      “shall not be required to obtain the required license or post the required bond”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Current building, electrical, energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing, and residential codes administered by the City of Rhome inside Rhome city limits.

    • The City page identifies the listed editions as the City of Rhome Current Codes.
    • The page states that the City of Rhome issues permits while using a third-party inspector.

    building code edition: 2021 · electrical code edition: 2020 · energy code edition: 2021 · fire code edition: 2021 · mechanical code edition: 2021 · plumbing code edition: 2021 · residential code edition: 2021

    “City of Rhome Current Codes Building Code - 2021 Electrical Code - 2020 Energy Code - 2021 Fire Code - 2021 Mechanical Code - 2021 Plumbing Code - 2021 Residential - 2021”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Building construction inside Rhome city limits.
      “Building Code - 2021 Electrical Code - 2020 Energy Code - 2021 Fire Code - 2021 Mechanical Code - 2021 Plumbing Code - 2021 Residential - 2021”
    • Adopted — Building, electrical, energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing, and residential construction inside Rhome city limits.
      “Building Code - 2021 Electrical Code - 2020 Energy Code - 2021 Fire Code - 2021 Mechanical Code - 2021 Plumbing Code - 2021 Residential - 2021”
    • Adopted — Building, electrical, energy, fire, mechanical, plumbing, and residential construction inside Rhome city limits.
      “Building Code - 2021 [...] Residential - 2021”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Building, electrical, and plumbing inspection services inside Rhome city limits.

    • Rhome uses a third-party inspector.
    • Inspection requests are directed to Ross DFW by email or its scheduling webpage.
    “While we use a third-party inspector, the City of Rhome issues permits.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Rhome city limits; Rhome maintains a municipal zoning code administered through its zoning process.

    • Specific district standards and permitted uses must be verified from the adopted zoning-code text and zoning map.
    “Zoning Code Outlines permitted uses of land, and of the buildings thereon.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Rhome city limits.
      “Planning and Zoning is an integral part of Community Development. The goal of Planning & Zoning activities is to help in the regulation and control of design, quality of materials, land use, building use and location of residential and commercial development within the City. Another goal is to safeguard property and the public welfare through the City's Zoning Ordinances.”
    • Present — Land inside Rhome city limits.
      “Another goal is to safeguard property and the public welfare through the City's Zoning Ordinances.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and permitted land uses inside Rhome city limits.

    • The online code is informational and the official hard copy governs if there is a discrepancy.
    • The City also publishes an official zoning map.
    “Available Books Please Note: These books are supplemented from time-to-time with amendments and additions made by City of Rhome. The specific legal sources that comprise each book have been adapted during the codification process from the original formatting of the official hard copy. In the event of any discrepancies between the online content and the official hard copy, the official hard copy governs. The online codes are for informational and convenience purposes only. Municipal Code The most recent set of codified ordinances that govern the Municipality. Zoning Code Outlines permitted uses of land, and of the buildings thereon.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Zoning districts inside Rhome city limits.
      “permitting said uses within the “C” Commercial Zoning District”
    • Published — Zoning districts and zoning-map information inside Rhome city limits.
      “Official Zoning Map City of Rhome Planning & Zoning Commission regular meetings are held at the Rhome Community Center, 261 School Road, Rhome, Texas”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New residential water and sewer connections inside Rhome city limits.

    • Tap fees apply to connections to existing public water or sewer lines not exceeding 54 feet from the property line.
    • Connections exceeding 54 feet are extension projects and must be installed by a qualified licensed and bonded private contractor.
    • All new connections incur both a tap fee and an impact fee.
    • A licensed plumber must connect the tap at the property line to private service lines.
    • All fees must be paid before service activation.
    • Taps are at the discretion of Rhome Water Utilities.

    connection distance threshold: <= 54 feet (Connections exceeding 54 feet are extension projects.) · water tap administrative fee inside city limits: cost +15% (Residential water taps up to 1 inch.) · sewer tap administrative fee inside city limits: cost +15% (Residential sewer taps up to 4 inches.) · water impact fee: 3163.95 USD (Applies to new development within city limits and the City's ETJ; assessment is based on service units.) · sewer impact fee: 9049.14 USD (Applies to new development within city limits and the City's ETJ; assessment is based on service units.)

    “Tap fees are associated with connections to existing public water or sewer lines that do not exceed 54 feet from the property line. All new connections incur both a tap and impact fee. Water taps also require a meter fee and deposit for billing purposes. A licensed plumber must connect the tap at the property line to the homeowner’s or business’s private service lines. Any connection in excess of 54’ is considered an extension project.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting inside Rhome city limits.

    • Preliminary and final plat applications are submitted to the Development Department.
    • The application is not complete until the corresponding fee is paid.
    “The purpose of the preliminary plat process is to legally define the subdivision of any land”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision and replat activity inside Rhome city limits.
      “Mayor Pro-Tem McCabe made a motion to approve the replat, Council Member Tye seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development inside Rhome city limits.
      “Preliminary plat - land must be legally defined. The purpose of the preliminary plat process is to legally define the subdivision of any land, whether it is a one-acre tract being divided into two or a 100-acre tract being divided into several hundred individual lots. Final Plat - the details of the plat including but not limited to; drainage information, culverts, roads, right-of-ways, streets, easements, location, contextual location of surrounding and abutting land.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Electrical permits for work inside Rhome city limits, according to the City's electrical permit application and fee schedule.

    • The form states it was revised 06/23/2020; this revision stamp is not treated as an effective date.
    • The application states that issuing the permit does not supersede or negate applicable deed restrictions.
    • Commercial projects may incur a plan-review fee equal to 25% of the total permit cost.
    • Unit fees vary by work type, quantity, equipment rating, and service amperage.

    permit issuance fee: 110 USD · new single-family residential fee: per 0.056 USD per square foot · multifamily fee: per 0.05 USD per square foot (Apartments and condominiums.) · private pool fee: 49.5 USD (Spas use unit fees.) · temporary pole fee: 23.5 USD · commercial plan-review fee: 25 percent of total permit cost (Commercial only.) · power apparatus fee: 4.75-74.50 USD (Based on equipment rating: up to 1 is $4.75; over 1 and not over 10 is $12.30; over 10 and not over 50 is $24.60; over 50 and not over 100 is $49.50; over 100 is $74.50.)

    “PERMIT ISSUANCE FEE: $110.00 NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SQ. FT. X .056 $ MULTI-FAMILY (APARTMENTS & CONDOS) SQ. FT. X .050 $ PRIVATE POOLS (SPAS USE UNIT FEES) $49.50 TEMPORARY POLE $23.50”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — City development and building-related fees inside Rhome city limits.
      “Schedule of Fees - can be found in Chapter 15 of the City's Code of Ordinances”
    • Published — City development and permit fees inside Rhome city limits.
      “A permit fee is due at submission of application.”
  • Permit processPublished

    Building permits, inspections, and development-review submissions inside Rhome city limits.

    • For building or remodeling, the first stop is the City's Permitting Department.
    • Inspection requests are submitted by email to [email protected] or through the inspection-scheduling page.
    • Preliminary plats, final plats, and Development Review Committee requests are submitted to [email protected].
    • A plat application is not complete until the corresponding fee is paid.
    “Preliminary Plats and Final Plats or requests for a Development Review Committee Meeting should be submitted to [email protected] Applications for Preliminary Plats and final Plats should be submitted to our Development Department ([email protected])Application is not completed until the corresponding fee is paid.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building and remodeling permit process inside Rhome city limits.
      “If you are building or remodeling, your first stop is our Permitting Department. We are happy to guide you through the process.”
    • Partial — Building and development permitting inside Rhome city limits.
      “your first stop is our Permitting Department.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy inside Rhome city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Rhome residential and agricultural districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Rhome residential and agricultural districts.
  • Setbacks — Setbacks in Rhome residential and agricultural districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Rhome residential and agricultural districts.
15 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • 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 Rhome publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Wise County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Wise County: county rules, score and offices