Cottle County, TX — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 5

§ 01

Permit authority

Cottle County and TCEQ Region 3 (for OSSF permitting)

Street address

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

Phone

806-492-3613

Coverage

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

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Cottle County

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

The 10-acre rule may exempt an OSSF from permitting if all TCEQ conditions are satisfied

Exempt

Emergency repairs do not require a permit if reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin

Exempt

Some existing or grandfathered OSSFs may not need a permit if TCEQ's conditions are met

Exempt

Exempt The 10-acre rule may exempt an OSSF from permitting if all TCEQ conditions are satisfied
Exempt Emergency repairs do not require a permit if reported in writing to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin
Exempt 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.

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.

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Cottle County and outside Paducah city limits.
02

Determine whether the project implicates a verified permit control. OSSF/septic work is the primary identified permitting program.
03

For OSSF work, use TCEQ's county search tool to confirm the permitting authority (currently TCEQ Region 3 - Abilene).
04

Submit OSSF application and planning materials to the permitting authority.
05

Include a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer.
06

Wait for approval or denial. TCEQ requires action within 30 days of receipt.
07

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) ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

TCEQ Region 3 (Abilene) (in-person)

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

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

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

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Cottle County permits

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

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cottle County, TX, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in unincorporated Cottle County, TX typically run TCEQ requires the permitting authority to approve or deny OSSF applications within 30 days of receipt.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cottle County, TX via: TCEQ Region 3 (Abilene).

last verified April 2026 source Cottle County and TCEQ Region 3 (for OSSF permitting) ↗ entry id permits/texas/cottle/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cottle County and TCEQ Region 3 (for OSSF permitting) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.