Unincorporated Bastrop County

A development permit is needed for any development as defined by the county's Flood Damage Prevention Order. The county does not issue building permits or certificates of occupancy. Only external development requires a permit; interior renovations on existing footprints do not require a county development permit.

• Exempt Interior building renovations on existing footprints do not require a county development permit
• Exempt Accessory buildings 25 square feet or less do not require a county development permit unless placed on a foundation or constructed within the floodplain

Note: Even though the county does not issue building permits, external development in the unincorporated area may still require a county development permit, floodplain review, driveway permit, and/or OSSF permit. Confirm with Development Services before proceeding.

Building code

Limited residential code requirements apply only to new single-family houses, duplexes, and certain large additions. Builders may use either the 2006 IRC or the residential code applicable in the City of Bastrop. No county building codes for other uses.

Permit validity

Development and driveway permits expire if construction is not completed within 3 years after issuance. A one-time 180-day extension may be granted if requested 30 days before expiration. OSSF permits have separate 1-year expiration rules.

Owner-builder

The county page does not publish a separate owner-builder affidavit because the county does not issue building permits.

Contractor requirements

For HB 2833 residential work, inspections must be performed by a licensed engineer, registered architect, licensed professional inspector, qualifying plumbing inspector, building inspector employed by a political subdivision, or ICC-certified residential combination inspector.

Source: Bastrop County Development Services ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether the project is in unincorporated Bastrop County and whether it needs a county development permit, OSSF permit, driveway permit, floodplain authorization, or only private compliance with the county's limited residential code rules.
2. 02
   For external development, prepare the county application materials. At minimum: proof of ownership, a dimensioned site plan showing proposed improvements and existing structures, and a copy of a survey or plat.
3. 03
   Submit through MyGovernmentOnline. Bastrop County implemented MyGovernmentOnline on January 7, 2021 for permit applications and supporting documents.
4. 04
   If wastewater service is unavailable, submit the development permit and OSSF permit concurrently.
5. 05
   If the project is a new single-family house or duplex, or a qualifying large addition in the unincorporated area, ensure the work substantially conforms either to the 2006 IRC or the residential code applicable in the City of Bastrop, at the builder's option under HB 2833.
6. 06
   Arrange the required private inspections for covered residential construction. Bastrop County is not involved in the inspection process; the builder must hire a qualified inspector.
7. 07
   Maintain inspection records. The county states there is no requirement to provide those reports to Bastrop County.

Typical processing time: Not specified by county

Source: Bastrop County Development Services ↗

MyGovernmentOnline allows customers to upload permit applications and supporting documents and communicate with staff; specific online payment notes were not identified in the reviewed material.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (512) 581-7176 (phone)
• development.services@co.bastrop.tx.us (email)

Typical sequence: For HB 2833 residential construction: foundation stage before concrete placement; framing and mechanical systems stage before drywall or similar wall covering; completion of construction. For remodeling, inspections are performed as necessary based on project scope. Builder must contract privately with a qualified inspector.

Not applicable; inspections are private, not county-performed.

Source: Bastrop County Development Services ↗