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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bee County
The public record supports county permits and approvals for development and floodplain review through the Bee County Development Permit Application, subdivision regulation through the Bee County Model Subdivision Rules, and OSSF or septic permits through Community Affairs. Research did not verify a separate countywide building-permit program for all ordinary unincorporated residential construction.
Note: No public exempt-work list was found for unincorporated Bee County. The verified public record instead supports narrower county regulation categories such as development and floodplain review, subdivision matters, 911 addressing, and OSSF or septic permitting.
- Applicant and property details
- Nature and description of construction
- Flood-map information
- One copy of plans and specifications if the property is in a floodplain
- For OSSF permits: completed application, planning materials, site and soil evaluation, accurate directions to the site
- Building code
- No countywide building code adoption or general county building department page was verified from the county sources reviewed. OSSF work is regulated under TCEQ OSSF rules.
- Permit validity
- Development permit valid for 1 year only for septic system. Past one year incurs renewal permit fee. No refunds. OSSF authorization to construct is valid for 1 year from the date issued and no refunds are allowed.
- Owner-builder
- No Bee County owner-builder handout or county HB 2833 implementation page was verified in the sources reviewed. For OSSF only, state law may allow owner installation in limited circumstances if the permitting authority allows it.
- Contractor requirements
- No countywide general contractor registration program was verified. OSSF design and installation materials must be prepared by the licensed or registered professionals identified in the county packet.
Application process
Typical processing: No general development-permit turnaround was publicly posted. For OSSF, TCEQ states the permitting authority must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt, and the county states inspections must be scheduled 3 working days in advance.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Bee County and determine which county approval path applies: development permit, floodplain review, subdivision matter, 911 addressing, or OSSF or septic permit.
- 02 Obtain the applicable Community Affairs form from the county's Community Affairs page.
- 03 For development permits, complete the Bee County Development Permit Application. For OSSF work, obtain site and soil evaluation and planning materials from the required licensed professional and complete the county OSSF packet.
- 04 Submit the complete paperwork and fee to Community Affairs by email or in person during published permit hours. The county says permits are issued Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and no permits are accepted after 4:00 PM.
- 05 County staff review the application for floodplain issues, other applicable regulations, and OSSF technical compliance as applicable.
- 06 If approved, the county issues the development permit or OSSF authorization to construct.
- 07 Schedule required inspections. The county states OSSF septic inspections must be scheduled 3 working days in advance and must occur before the system is covered.
Typical processing time: No general development-permit turnaround was publicly posted. For OSSF, TCEQ states the permitting authority must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt, and the county states inspections must be scheduled 3 working days in advance.
Source: Community Affairs Department ↗
Fee schedule
Bee County building permit fees
The county states permit payments may be made by cash, check payable to Bee County, or money order. No credit cards are accepted.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 361-621-1553 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- For OSSF, schedule at least 3 working days in advance. All OSSF septic inspections must be scheduled 3 working days in advance.
- Inspection hours
- Community Affairs office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Permit issuance hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: For OSSF, submit the packet and fee, obtain authorization to construct, begin construction, request inspection before the system is covered, and receive approval before operation. The county did not publish a general vertical-construction inspection sequence for all unincorporated projects.
Source: Community Affairs Department ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Bee County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bee County, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bee County, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bee County, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bee County, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bee County, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Affairs Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.