On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Brown County
A development permit is required prior to any type of construction, placement of structures, dredging, altering of land or waterways, or placement of fill in Brown County. An OSSF permit is required before installing a septic system or modification/repair of an existing septic system on tracts of 10 acres or less. For tracts over 10 acres, registration with site evaluation, layout, and legal description is required.
OSSF permits apply to tracts of 10 acres or less; tracts over 10 acres require registration with site evaluation, layout, and legal description rather than the same permit path
Recreational vehicles in a flood hazard area may be temporarily parked if onsite less than 180 days and fully licensed and ready for highway use, or if they meet the local flood-damage-prevention permit requirements
- Exempt OSSF permits apply to tracts of 10 acres or less; tracts over 10 acres require registration with site evaluation, layout, and legal description rather than the same permit path
- Exempt Recreational vehicles in a flood hazard area may be temporarily parked if onsite less than 180 days and fully licensed and ready for highway use, or if they meet the local flood-damage-prevention permit requirements
Required documents
- For development permit: legal plat, 911 address, planning materials if in a flood area, and permit fee
- For OSSF permit: legal plat, soil evaluation, system layout/design, 911 address, permit fee, and plot-plan/design materials described in the county OSSF packet
- Permit validity
- OSSF authorization to construct is valid for one calendar year from issuance; if a construction inspection is not requested within one year, it expires and a new application and fee are required.
- Contractor requirements
- No public county contractor-licensing program for general building work was found in reviewed materials; OSSF work is governed through the county OSSF packet and order.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether the project needs a county development permit, floodplain permit, OSSF permit, or OSSF registration for tracts over 10 acres.
- 02 Collect the required documents. Development permits require a legal plat, 911 address, flood-area planning materials if applicable, and permit fee. OSSF permits require a legal plat, soil evaluation, design/system layout, 911 address, and permit fee.
- 03 Submit the appropriate county form and supporting materials to the Brown County Permitting Department in Room 322 of the courthouse.
- 04 Wait for county review and issuance. OSSF documents warn not to begin construction before application approval.
- 05 Complete required inspections. County pamphlet states the posted inspection fees include two inspections for OSSF and floodplain-development work where applicable.
- 06 For OSSF work, request the construction inspection within one calendar year of issuance or the authorization to construct expires and a new application and fee are required.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Brown County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$20.00 for development permit; $210.00 for OSSF permit; $25.00 registration for over 10 acres
02
Permit fee formula
Flat fees published in the county permit pamphlet
03
Reinspection fee
$50.00 each for OSSF and floodplain additional inspections beyond included inspections
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (325) 643-1985 (phone)
Typical sequence: OSSF permit fees include two inspections and floodplain inspection fees include two inspections. OSSF packet requires a successful inspection before authorization to operate/use is recognized.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Brown County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, TX? ▸
A development permit is required prior to any type of construction, placement of structures, dredging, altering of land or waterways, or placement of fill in Brown County. An OSSF permit is required before installing a septic system or modification/repair of an existing septic system on tracts of 10 acres or less. For tracts over 10 acres, registration with site evaluation, layout, and legal description is required.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Brown County, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Brown County, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $20.00 for development permit; $210.00 for OSSF permit; $25.00 registration for over 10 acres. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees published in the county permit pamphlet.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, TX, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether the project needs a county development permit, floodplain permit, OSSF permit, or OSSF registration for tracts over 10 acres. 2. Collect the required documents. Development permits require a legal plat, 911 address, flood-area planning materials if applicable, and permit fee. OSSF permits require a legal plat, soil evaluation, design/system layout, 911 address, and permit fee. 3. Submit the appropriate county form and supporting materials to the Brown County Permitting Department in Room 322 of the courthouse. 4. Wait for county review and issuance. OSSF documents warn not to begin construction before application approval. 5. Complete required inspections. County pamphlet states the posted inspection fees include two inspections for OSSF and floodplain-development work where applicable. 6. For OSSF work, request the construction inspection within one calendar year of issuance or the authorization to construct expires and a new application and fee are required.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Brown County, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Brown County, TX. The following work is generally exempt: OSSF permits apply to tracts of 10 acres or less; tracts over 10 acres require registration with site evaluation, layout, and legal description rather than the same permit path; Recreational vehicles in a flood hazard area may be temporarily parked if onsite less than 180 days and fully licensed and ready for highway use, or if they meet the local flood-damage-prevention permit requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Brown County, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Brown County, TX via: (325) 643-1985.
last verified April 2026
source Brown County Permitting Department ↗
entry id permits/texas/brown/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Brown County Permitting Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.