Cottle County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Cottle County outside Paducah city limits. No countywide general building permit program identified; OSSF/septic permitting through TCEQ Region 3.

Department

Cottle County and TCEQ Region 3 (for OSSF permitting)

Address

Cottle County Courthouse, 815 9th Street, Paducah, TX 79248

Phone

806-492-3613

Website

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

Application Process

1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Cottle County and outside Paducah city limits.
2. Determine whether the project implicates a verified permit control. OSSF/septic work is the primary identified permitting program.
3. For OSSF work, use TCEQ's county search tool to confirm the permitting authority (currently TCEQ Region 3 - Abilene).
4. Submit OSSF application and planning materials to the permitting authority.
5. Include a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer.
6. Wait for approval or denial. TCEQ requires action within 30 days of receipt.
7. Complete any required inspections and approvals under the OSSF permit before use.

Typical processing time: TCEQ requires the permitting authority to approve or deny OSSF applications within 30 days of receipt.

Source: Cottle County and TCEQ Region 3 (for OSSF permitting)

General Requirements

No public countywide general building permit program identified for ordinary construction. For OSSF/septic systems, TCEQ requires a permit and approved plan to construct, alter, repair, extend, or operate an OSSF unless an exemption applies.

Required Documents

• For OSSF work: permit application, planning materials tied to the system type, and a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer

Building code

No public countywide building code adoption identified for ordinary construction in unincorporated Cottle County.

Owner-builder

TCEQ states an owner may install an OSSF if the permitting authority allows it, the system is for a single-family residence the owner owns on property the owner owns, with no intent to develop for sale or lease.

Contractor requirements

OSSF installers and related personnel are regulated under TCEQ licensing rules.

Fees

Payment note

No public Cottle County general building permit fee schedule found. Verify current OSSF fees directly with TCEQ Region 3 at 325-698-9674 or nathan.helms@tceq.texas.gov.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• The 10-acre rule may exempt an OSSF from permitting if all TCEQ conditions are satisfied
• Emergency repairs do not require a permit if reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin
• Some existing or grandfathered OSSFs may not need a permit if TCEQ's conditions are met

Important: OSSF-specific state exemptions verified by TCEQ. Always verify exemptions with TCEQ Region 3 before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• TCEQ Region 3 (Abilene) (in-person)

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: For OSSF work, inspections follow the approved plan and the permitting authority's process. Contact TCEQ Region 3 for specific inspection sequence.

Additional Resources

• Building code: No public countywide building code adoption identified for ordinary construction in unincorporated Cottle County.
• Cottle County Home
• TCEQ OSSF Permitting
• TCEQ Region 3 OSSF Contact
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Cottle County Building Permit FAQ

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

No public countywide general building permit program identified for ordinary construction. For OSSF/septic systems, TCEQ requires a permit and approved plan to construct, alter, repair, extend, or operate an OSSF unless an exemption applies.

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

1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Cottle County and outside Paducah city limits. 2. Determine whether the project implicates a verified permit control. OSSF/septic work is the primary identified permitting program. 3. For OSSF work, use TCEQ's county search tool to confirm the permitting authority (currently TCEQ Region 3 - Abilene). 4. Submit OSSF application and planning materials to the permitting authority. 5. Include a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer. 6. Wait for approval or denial. TCEQ requires action within 30 days of receipt. 7. Complete any required inspections and approvals under the OSSF permit before use.

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

Typical processing time is TCEQ requires the permitting authority to approve or deny OSSF applications within 30 days of receipt..

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

The following work is generally exempt: The 10-acre rule may exempt an OSSF from permitting if all TCEQ conditions are satisfied; Emergency repairs do not require a permit if reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin; Some existing or grandfathered OSSFs may not need a permit if TCEQ's conditions are met. Note: OSSF-specific state exemptions verified by TCEQ. Always verify exemptions with TCEQ Region 3 before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: TCEQ Region 3 (Abilene).