On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Coleman County
No countywide general building-permit program for ordinary construction in unincorporated Coleman County was found. Verified county permit and approval controls are narrower: OSSF permits for on-site sewage facilities, subdivision platting rules for certain residential subdivisions outside municipalities, and floodplain participation/contact information.
Note: No public exempt-work list was found. Because no countywide general building-permit program was identified, the reviewed county record does not provide a county-authored list of exempt building work.
- For OSSF: completed application, fee, technical information sheets, directions to the site, site evaluation results, planning materials, and in some cases a recorded affidavit and maintenance contract
- For subdivision matters: plat approval and recording for covered subdivisions
- Permit validity
- The OSSF Authorization to Construct is valid for one year from date of issuance.
- Owner-builder
- For OSSF, standard systems may be prepared by the owner or the OSSF installer. Non-standard and proprietary systems must be prepared by a licensed professional engineer or licensed professional registered sanitarian.
- Contractor requirements
- For OSSF, the site evaluation must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator or state licensed engineer, and the installer or the installer's registered apprentice on record must be present during all site inspections.
Application process
Typical processing: For OSSF, the county states written Notice of Approval is issued within seven days after approved installation inspection.
- 01 First confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Coleman County and not inside Coleman, Santa Anna, or Novice.
- 02 For on-site sewage facilities, obtain the county OSSF application and complete the required site evaluation and planning materials through the required licensed professional, owner, or installer depending on system type.
- 03 Submit the completed OSSF package, fee, technical information sheets, site directions, and required supporting materials to the county designated representative.
- 04 Wait for county review and issuance of the Authorization to Construct before installation.
- 05 Keep excavations open and request final inspection from the designated representative at least five working days before the requested inspection date.
- 06 If the installation is approved, the county states a written Notice of Approval will be issued within seven days.
- 07 Separately, if land is being divided into two or more lots of five acres or less for residential purposes outside municipal limits, comply with the county's subdivision platting rules before sale or conveyance.
- 08 If the site is in a mapped floodplain, verify floodplain development requirements with the county floodplain contact because Coleman County is listed as an NFIP participating community.
Typical processing time: For OSSF, the county states written Notice of Approval is issued within seven days after approved installation inspection.
Fee schedule
Coleman County building permit fees
For OSSF, fees are non-refundable, cash is not accepted, and payment must be by check or money order payable to Coleman County.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact OSSF designated representative at (325) 456-4607 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- For OSSF, request the final inspection at least five working days in advance
Typical sequence: For OSSF, the public materials show application, review, Authorization to Construct, installation, final inspection with excavation left open, and written Notice of Approval if the system passes.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Coleman County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Coleman County, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Coleman County, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Coleman County, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Coleman County, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Coleman County, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Coleman County Commissioners Court before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.