Baylor County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Baylor County. The county does not publish a general countywide building permit program; verified controls are limited to OSSF/septic permitting and floodplain administration.

Department

Baylor County (primarily OSSF and Floodplain Administration)

Address

Baylor County Courthouse, 109 N Washington, Seymour, TX 76380

Phone

940-889-3553 (main); 817-723-5398 (OSSF); 940-256-0908 (floodplain)

Email

claycountyossf@gmail.com

Website

https://www.co.baylor.tx.us/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify that the parcel is in unincorporated Baylor County and not within City of Seymour limits.
2. For OSSF/septic projects, verify whether the tract falls in the Millers Creek Reservoir service area, as that area is handled by North Central MWA instead of Baylor County.
3. For an OSSF/septic project, contact the Baylor County Authorized Agent listed in TCEQ OARS.
4. Obtain a site evaluation and prepare planning materials as required by TCEQ OSSF rules and the local authorized agent.
5. Submit the OSSF permit application to the authorized agent and obtain authorization before installation, repair, extension, or alteration.
6. For development in mapped flood hazard areas, contact the county floodplain administrator before work.

Source: Baylor County (primarily OSSF and Floodplain Administration)

General Requirements

No public evidence found of a general unincorporated-county building permit program. Verified permit controls are narrower: OSSF permits are generally required before construction, installation, repair, extension, or alteration of an on-site sewage facility unless an exemption applies under state rules. Floodplain permitting/approval should be confirmed for work in flood hazard areas.

Owner-builder

TCEQ states OSSF work may be performed directly by the homeowner when it is the homeowner's single-family residence, subject to state OSSF requirements and local authority rules.

Contractor requirements

TCEQ states OSSF installers must be licensed or registered by TCEQ.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Baylor County (primarily OSSF and Floodplain Administration) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

Baylor County OSSF Authorized Agent: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: TCEQ OSSF guidance indicates local authorized agents inspect OSSF installations for compliance.

Additional Resources

• Verify contractor license: TCEQ OSSF Installer License Search
• County Judge Information
• Texas Almanac - Baylor County
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Baylor County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Baylor County, TX?

No public evidence found of a general unincorporated-county building permit program. Verified permit controls are narrower: OSSF permits are generally required before construction, installation, repair, extension, or alteration of an on-site sewage facility unless an exemption applies under state rules. Floodplain permitting/approval should be confirmed for work in flood hazard areas.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Baylor County, TX?

1. Verify that the parcel is in unincorporated Baylor County and not within City of Seymour limits. 2. For OSSF/septic projects, verify whether the tract falls in the Millers Creek Reservoir service area, as that area is handled by North Central MWA instead of Baylor County. 3. For an OSSF/septic project, contact the Baylor County Authorized Agent listed in TCEQ OARS. 4. Obtain a site evaluation and prepare planning materials as required by TCEQ OSSF rules and the local authorized agent. 5. Submit the OSSF permit application to the authorized agent and obtain authorization before installation, repair, extension, or alteration. 6. For development in mapped flood hazard areas, contact the county floodplain administrator before work.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Baylor County, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Under TCEQ state law, OSSF permits may be exempt under the "10 acre rule" if all rule conditions are met.; Emergency repairs do not require an OSSF permit if reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.. Note: No public Baylor County exempt-work list for a general building permit program exists because no public countywide general building permit program was located.