Wood County, TX Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Wood County, Texas does not require a county building permit for an ordinary home and has no countywide zoning¹²³. Septic systems generally go through Wood County's TCEQ-authorized OSSF agent, while the Sabine River Authority regulates systems within its Lake Fork jurisdiction⁴⁵. Subdivision review is separate from a building permit and applies when qualifying land divisions are proposed outside a municipality⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Wood County; no county residential building-permit program was identified¹
Zoning: No countywide zoning applies in unincorporated Wood County²³
Septic (OSSF): A permit and approved plan are generally required; contact the county agent or the Sabine River Authority where its Lake Fork jurisdiction applies⁷⁵
RV and tiny-home living: Unrestricted at the county zoning level on unincorporated land, but septic, subdivision and private restrictions can still matter³⁷
Minimum home and lot size: No county zoning minimum for an individual unincorporated parcel³
Owner-builder exemption: We could not confirm a county owner-builder rule; ask the County Judge's Office about a specific project⁸⁹
Property tax: Effective rate around 0.9%; median annual bill about $1,818¹⁰¹¹

Who to call

Also useful

Wood County Judge's Office

General county-government questions, including unusual unincorporated building projects

903-763-2716

PO Box 938, Quitman, TX 75783

Planning & zoning

Wood County Subdivision Information

Subdivision regulations, applications and infrastructure-development materials for manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities

(903) 763-1236

100 S. Main Street, Quitman, Texas 75783

Septic permits

Wood County OSSF Authorized Agent

OSSF permit administration for unincorporated Wood County outside another authorized agent's jurisdiction

(903) 763-5308

[email protected]

213 W BERMUDA ST, QUITMAN, TX, 75783

Floodplain permits

Wood County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management

Floodplain administration and floodplain permits in Wood County

903-763-2356

P O Box 938, Quitman, TX 7578

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 Wood County, Texas?

An ordinary home in unincorporated Wood County does not require a county building permit; no residential building-permit program was identified, and Texas counties have only limited statutory building authority¹¹². That answer does not cover construction inside a city or every specialized approval. Wood County separately reviews qualifying subdivisions outside municipal limits⁶. Final-plat application fees are $400 for 1 to 10 lots, $800 for 11 to 20 lots, and $1,200 for 21 or more lots; cancellation or revision costs $550¹³. A conditional platting exception can apply when qualifying land outside a municipality is divided into two or more parts and remains primarily in agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management or timber-production use¹⁴. We could not confirm a Wood County owner-builder exemption, so ask the County Judge's Office if a project involves more than an ordinary single-family build⁸⁹.

Who handles building and land permits in Wood County?

Wood County has no identified county office issuing permits for an ordinary home on unincorporated land¹. For a general county-government question, the Wood County Judge's Office calls itself the county's main source of information and assistance; contact it at 903-763-2716 or PO Box 938, Quitman, TX 75783⁹. Land divisions are different: Wood County publishes subdivision regulations and required forms through its subdivision information page¹⁵. The courthouse contact is 100 S. Main Street, Quitman, Texas 75783, at (903) 763-1236¹⁵. Before formally submitting a plat, an owner or developer must meet with the Subdivision Coordinator, and property in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction needs written city approval before the preliminary plat is submitted⁶. A completed plat application ordinarily receives final action within 30 days, subject to the stated extension circumstances⁶.

Does Wood County have zoning?

Unincorporated Wood County has no countywide zoning, and Texas law gives counties zoning authority only in limited circumstances²³. At the county zoning level, no minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit governs an individual unincorporated parcel³. Wood County's lack of zoning does not erase subdivision review, septic rules, flood concerns, deed restrictions or municipal requirements. A parcel inside a municipality can be governed by that city's rules, while a tract in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction may need city approval during the county subdivision process²⁶. Wood County also publishes separate infrastructure-development standards for manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities¹⁵. Those community-development materials should not be confused with a county zoning ban on one dwelling placed on an owner's unincorporated land³.

How do septic permits work in Wood County?

Texas generally requires a permit and approved plan before an OSSF is constructed, installed, altered, extended or repaired⁷. For unincorporated Wood County, the TCEQ directory lists the Wood County Authorized Agent at 213 W Bermuda St, Quitman, TX 75783, (903) 763-5308¹⁶. The Sabine River Authority instead regulates and permits OSSFs within 2,000 feet of Lake Fork Reservoir under its Lake Fork rules⁵. Confirm the permitting authority before paying for design work when a parcel is near the reservoir. Texas's conditional 10-acre exception requires a single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres, a qualifying site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, on-site effluent disposal, no other dwelling on the tract, and every OSSF component at least 100 feet from the property line⁷. Only 19.2% of Wood County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency¹⁷.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Wood County?

Wood County does not impose county zoning restrictions on RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, accessory dwellings or temporary camping on unincorporated land³. That is a county-level answer, not a promise that every parcel is ready for occupancy. Wastewater still must comply with Texas OSSF requirements unless a specific exemption applies⁷. City rules can apply inside municipal limits, and a deed restriction or other private agreement may affect a particular tract. A rental community or park is also a different project from one owner placing one unit on personal land: Wood County publishes infrastructure-development standards specifically for manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities¹⁵. Ask the subdivision office which community-development materials apply if the plan includes multiple sites, rentals, new roads or a land division¹⁵⁶.

How do you build a home in Wood County, step by step?

Confirm that the parcel is outside a municipality and ask the Wood County Judge's Office about any unusual county issue; an ordinary unincorporated home has no county building permit¹⁹.

If the project divides land, contact the subdivision office before filing a plat; a pre-submission meeting is required, and city approval is needed when the property lies in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction⁶¹⁵.

Determine whether the county authorized agent or the Sabine River Authority handles the OSSF, then secure the required septic approval before installation unless every condition of an exemption is met⁷⁵.

If access connects to a Texas state highway, submit Form 1058 to TxDOT and wait for the executed driveway permit before construction in the right of way¹⁸.

Check title documents, flood exposure, utility availability and construction access before closing; county zoning freedom does not remove parcel-specific constraints³¹⁷.

What should you check before buying land in Wood County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 19.2% of Wood County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, even though 88.5% of the land has a slope of 15% or less¹⁷¹⁹. Wood County is 52.2% forested and receives about 46.8 inches of precipitation per year, so inspect clearing needs, drainage and wet-weather access in person²⁰²¹. Farmland value averages about $5,395 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 0.9% and the median annual tax bill is about $1,818²²¹⁰¹¹. Population density is about 74.3 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is roughly 35 miles from the county center²³²⁴. Before closing, confirm municipal or extraterritorial-jurisdiction status, legal access, the correct septic authority, prior land divisions, utilities and deed restrictions; Wood County Emergency Management handles floodplain administration and publishes the floodplain permit⁶¹⁶²⁵.

Watch-outs

The Sabine River Authority's reviewed Wood County rule supports a 2,000-foot Lake Fork Reservoir jurisdiction; do not assume the same boundary applies around every lake in Wood County⁵.
Wood County's community-development standards cover manufactured-home, mobile-home, tiny-home and RV rental communities; a multi-site development should go through the subdivision office even though one unit is unrestricted at the county zoning level¹⁵³.
We could not confirm a county residential inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy requirement; ask the County Judge's Office about an unusual structure and the applicable city when land is inside municipal limits⁹¹.

Sources

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Wood County scores

Seclusion45100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency74100% ev.

Admin Boringness8290% ev.

Durability61100% ev.

Property Autonomy71100% ev.

Carry Cost71100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$277kTypical home

0.9%Property tax

$5,395Land / acre

46.8"Annual rain

16.9% of yrsSevere drought

30.8 / yr (+22.1)Mid-century 100°F days

21.3 daysMid-century dry spell

2.43" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.41×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,157Home insurance / yr

0.8% / yrInsurance growth

0%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

29,284People within 30 min

5,941,349People within 2 hr

36,051Radius comparison (15 mi)

74.3People / sq mi

1.1%Federal land

88.5%Land at 15% slope or less

19.2%Septic soil without severe limits

72,142 acWorkable land screen

52.2%Wooded land

40.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac

64.8°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Wood County

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

Wood County rules

Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Building height · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule
Unincorporated Wood County: no county rule sets this, because Texas law gives zoning power only to certain counties, and Wood 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.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
OSSF permitting activity in Wood County reported under Sabine River Authority Billing.
- The authorized-agent program operates under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285.
- The cited TCEQ report confirms Sabine River Authority Billing activity for Wood County but does not state the exact reservoir, project-boundary, or distance limitation applicable within Wood County.
“On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) located within 2,000-feet of the Reservoir are subject to regulation and permitting by the SRA”
How to Become a Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Authorized Agent ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Subdivision development in unincorporated Wood County when roads connect to a State Highway or Farm Market Road.
- The requirement appears in the County's supporting-document list for subdivision plat approval.
- It applies when roads come off a State Highway or Farm Market Road; the rule does not establish a countywide driveway-permit requirement for every individual driveway.
“9. TxDOT Driveway Application if roads come off a State Highway or Farm Market Road”
Wood County Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Final subdivision plat applications for land outside municipal limits in Wood County.
- The rules define a subdivision as dividing land in Wood County outside the limits of a municipality.
- Other County Clerk filing fees may also be required after approval.
- The $550 fee applies to cancellation or revision.
final plat application fee for 1 to 10 lots: 400 USD · final plat application fee for 11 to 20 lots: 800 USD · final plat application fee for 21 or more lots: 1200 USD · cancellation or revision fee: 550 USD
“Upon submission of the Final Plat, the Owner shall pay to Wood County an application fee: $400.00 – 1 to 10 Lots $800.00 – 11 to 20 Lots $1200.00 – 21 to Higher Lots $550.00 - Cancellation or Revision”
Wood County Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Subdivision plat approval for land outside municipal limits in Wood County.
- Before official plat submission, the owner/developer must meet with the Subdivision Coordinator.
- If the property is in a municipality's ETJ, written City approval is required before preliminary plat submission.
- Required supporting documents include a completed application, tax certificate, lienholder acknowledgment, OSSF or SRA septic-permitting letter, water and electric will-serve letters, an ETJ letter when applicable, and other listed materials.
- A completed application generally receives final action within 30 days; the period may be extended up to 30 days in the stated circumstances.
- A plat is approved by the Commissioners Court unless disapproved within the applicable period.
ordinary final-action period: 30 days (May be extended for up to 30 days if requested and agreed in writing by the applicant and approved by the Commissioners Court or designee, or when a Government Code Chapter 2007 takings impact assessment is required.)
“Except as provided by Subsection H, the Commissioners Court or the Court's designee shall take final action on a plat application, including the resolution of all appeals, no later than the 30th day after the date the completed plat application is received by the Commissioners Court or the Court's designee.”
Wood County Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Revised and Amended 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
Building permitNot required
Texas counties have no general statutory authority to require residential building permits in unincorporated areas; Wood County regulates plats via subdivision rules but no county building-permit program was identified.
Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 - County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
County-wide zoningAbsent
Zoning authority in Texas is granted to municipalities (LGC Ch. 211); Wood County has subdivision regulations but no countywide zoning over unincorporated land.
Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 - Municipal Zoning Authority ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

Building code adoptedPartial
Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
- The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
- The effective date is July 1, 2024.
- The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
- Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
- Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
- Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.
effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)
“July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
Industrialized Housing and Buildings – Adoption of New Code Editions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
- A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.
- A 10-acre exemption may apply only if all listed conditions are met: site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; effluent disposed of on the property; and the single-family dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract.
- Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin.
- Grandfathered systems may also be exempt if the stated conditions are met.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other TCEQ conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF distance from property line for 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun; written report to permitting authority)
“A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas
- Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
- Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
- Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
- Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.
reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)
“Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
Basics for Septic Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — OSSF installation and compliance inspections performed under an approved local authorized-agent program or by TCEQ where applicable.
  “The authorized agent is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, including reviewing OSSF permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and more. The agent also administers the OSSF program according to the OSSF order, ordinance, or resolution approved by the executive director within the agent's area of jurisdiction.”
  How to Become a Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System) Authorized Agent ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid sanitation through an OSSF serving property in Wood County.
- Off-grid sanitation is subject to OSSF permitting and approved-plan requirements unless an applicable exemption is satisfied.
- The 10-acre exemption requires a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres, a qualifying site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line, on-property effluent disposal, and no other dwelling on the tract.
- Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting but must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
- Local permitting programs may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (All other stated exemption conditions must also be met.) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line
“An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
A tract located outside municipal limits in Wood County, Texas, divided into two or more parts where the owner does not lay out a part described by Texas Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3) and the land is primarily used for agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production purposes.
- The tract must be located outside the limits of a municipality.
- The division must be into two or more parts.
- The owner must not lay out a part of the tract described by 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 the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
- The exception concerns the county plat requirement; it does not establish an exemption from other applicable subdivision, wastewater, floodplain, road, utility, or municipal/extraterritorial-jurisdiction requirements.
- If the tract later ceases to satisfy the statutory use conditions, the statutory consequences under Section 232.0015(d) apply.
number of divided parts: >= 2 parts (The statutory exception applies only when the other listed conditions are met.)
“A county may not require [...] a plat of the subdivision prepared if: [...] the land is to be used primarily for agricultural use”
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232 ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
county zoning authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.
- Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
- For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
- Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
- The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.
Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)
“This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
Local Government Code Chapter 231, County Zoning Authority ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityLimited
Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.
- Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
- Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
- The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
- A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
- The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
- Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
- Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
- A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
- Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.
county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)
“The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder residential construction in Wood County, Texas.
Inspections — Residential construction in unincorporated Wood County, Texas.
Certificate of occupancy — Residential occupancy in Wood County, Texas.
Local zoning — Zoning administered by municipalities or other local authorities within Wood 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 Wood County, Texas

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

Wood County scores 78/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and workable self-sufficiency basics (46.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Wood 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 Wood County OSSF authorized agent (under TCEQ); TCEQ regional office where no local agent. 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 Wood County?

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

Land in Wood County runs about $5,395 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wood County?

Wood County gets about 46.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.9% of years.

How remote is Wood County?

A representative private-land location has about 29,284 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,941,349 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building and land permits in Wood County?

Does Wood County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Wood County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Wood County?

How do you build a home in Wood County, step by step?

What should you check before buying land in Wood County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Wood County in Texas

How Wood County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Wood County

Wood County rules

Texas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Wood County, Texas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Wood County, Texas?

What is the water situation in Wood County?

How remote is Wood County?

How Wood compares in Texas