How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?

The minimum permit fee is OSSF serving a single-family dwelling: $200; All other OSSF types: $400; Additional TCEQ fee per permit: $10. Fees are calculated as: Flat state OSSF permit fees under 30 TAC 285.21 when the executive director is the permitting authority..

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?

Typical processing time is 30 days for OSSF permit review by TCEQ or authorized permitting authority..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Grandfathered OSSF systems may not require a permit under TCEQ exemptions.; OSSF systems qualifying for the 10-acre rule exemption.; Emergency OSSF repairs do not require a permit but must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.. Note: No public Briscoe County exempt-work list for general building construction was found. Exemptions apply only to specific OSSF scenarios under TCEQ rules. Applicants should confirm directly with TCEQ Region 1 or the county judge's office before assuming work is exempt.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: TCEQ Region 1 (Amarillo), (806) 353-9251.

County Building Permits

Briscoe County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Briscoe County, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Texas Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Briscoe County. Note: Briscoe County does not operate a general county building-permit program for ordinary building construction. OSSF/septic permitting is controlled by TCEQ at the state level; the regional office (TCEQ Region 1, Amarillo) is the permitting authority.

Department: Office of the County Judge
Address: Briscoe County Courthouse, 415 Main St, Silverton, TX 79257
Phone: (806) 823-2131
Email: briscoejudge@co.briscoe.tx.us
Website: https://www.co.briscoe.tx.us/page/briscoe.County.Judge

Online Permit Portal

Open TCEQ OARS Permitting Authority Lookup

Platform: TCEQ Online Permitting (OSSF) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Briscoe County and not inside Silverton or Quitaque city limits.
Determine whether the project involves an OSSF/septic system. Briscoe County does not issue general building permits for ordinary vertical construction.
For OSSF work: Use TCEQ's county permitting-authority lookup and county-to-region list. Briscoe County is in TCEQ Region 1 (Amarillo).
Submit the application and planning materials to the permitting authority (TCEQ Region 1 or authorized local agent if one exists).
Arrange the required site evaluation by a licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer if required by TCEQ rules.
Wait for permit review. TCEQ states the permitting authority must approve or deny the OSSF application within 30 days of receipt.
After authorization to construct is issued, complete installation and required inspection(s) under TCEQ rules before operation.

Typical processing time: 30 days for OSSF permit review by TCEQ or authorized permitting authority.

Source: Office of the County Judge

General Requirements

No public county general building permit program for ordinary vertical construction was identified for unincorporated Briscoe County. TCEQ states a permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF unless an exemption applies.

Required Documents

For OSSF work: application and planning materials submitted to the permitting authority (TCEQ Region 1 or authorized agent).
TCEQ guidance points applicants to site evaluation materials prepared by a licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer where applicable.

Permit validity: No Briscoe County local permit validity rule was identified. TCEQ OSSF permit rules apply; no Briscoe County-specific modification to the default timeline was located.
Building code: No public county adoption of a general building code for unincorporated Briscoe County was identified in the sources reviewed. OSSF work is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285.
Owner-builder: No Briscoe County owner-builder rule for general building permits was identified. OSSF work is controlled by state OSSF rules and installer licensing requirements.
Contractor requirements: No Briscoe County local contractor licensing or registration program was identified for general building work. TCEQ states OSSF installers, apprentices, maintenance providers, and maintenance technicians must be licensed or registered by TCEQ.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: OSSF serving a single-family dwelling: $200; All other OSSF types: $400; Additional TCEQ fee per permit: $10
Permit fee formula: Flat state OSSF permit fees under 30 TAC 285.21 when the executive director is the permitting authority.
Reinspection fee: One-half of the original permit fee.
Payment note: TCEQ rule compilation states fees are payable when the application is submitted to the appropriate regional office and must be paid by check or money order to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Grandfathered OSSF systems may not require a permit under TCEQ exemptions.
OSSF systems qualifying for the 10-acre rule exemption.
Emergency OSSF repairs do not require a permit but must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.

Important: No public Briscoe County exempt-work list for general building construction was found. Exemptions apply only to specific OSSF scenarios under TCEQ rules. Applicants should confirm directly with TCEQ Region 1 or the county judge's office before assuming work is exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

TCEQ Region 1 (Amarillo) (in-person)
(806) 353-9251 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: For OSSF work, TCEQ guidance and rules indicate permit review, authorization to construct, installation, and inspection by the permitting authority or its representative before operation.

Additional Resources

Building code: No public county adoption of a general building code for unincorporated Briscoe County was identified in the sources reviewed. OSSF work is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285.
Verify contractor license: Texas TDLR License Lookup
Briscoe County Contact Page
TCEQ OSSF Permits
TCEQ OSSF Contacts
TCEQ Region Directory
TCEQ OSSF Licensing
License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Office of the County Judge before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Briscoe County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?: No public county general building permit program for ordinary vertical construction was identified for unincorporated Briscoe County. TCEQ states a permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF unless an exemption applies.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?: The minimum permit fee is OSSF serving a single-family dwelling: $200; All other OSSF types: $400; Additional TCEQ fee per permit: $10. Fees are calculated as: Flat state OSSF permit fees under 30 TAC 285.21 when the executive director is the permitting authority..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?: 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Briscoe County and not inside Silverton or Quitaque city limits. 2. Determine whether the project involves an OSSF/septic system. Briscoe County does not issue general building permits for ordinary vertical construction. 3. For OSSF work: Use TCEQ's county permitting-authority lookup and county-to-region list. Briscoe County is in TCEQ Region 1 (Amarillo). 4. Submit the application and planning materials to the permitting authority (TCEQ Region 1 or authorized local agent if one exists). 5. Arrange the required site evaluation by a licensed Site Evaluator or Professional Engineer if required by TCEQ rules. 6. Wait for permit review. TCEQ states the permitting authority must approve or deny the OSSF application within 30 days of receipt. 7. After authorization to construct is issued, complete installation and required inspection(s) under TCEQ rules before operation.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?: Typical processing time is 30 days for OSSF permit review by TCEQ or authorized permitting authority..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Grandfathered OSSF systems may not require a permit under TCEQ exemptions.; OSSF systems qualifying for the 10-acre rule exemption.; Emergency OSSF repairs do not require a permit but must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.. Note: No public Briscoe County exempt-work list for general building construction was found. Exemptions apply only to specific OSSF scenarios under TCEQ rules. Applicants should confirm directly with TCEQ Region 1 or the county judge's office before assuming work is exempt.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Briscoe County, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: TCEQ Region 1 (Amarillo), (806) 353-9251.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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