Hardeman County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Hardeman County. No countywide general building permit program published. Verified authority is TCEQ Region 3 OSSF (on-site sewage facility) permitting in areas where no local authorized agent exists.

Department

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Region 3 OSSF Program

Address

TCEQ Region 3, 1977 Industrial Blvd, Abilene, TX 79602-7833

Phone

325-698-9674

Email

nathan.helms@tceq.texas.gov

Website

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

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Hardeman County and not inside Quanah or Chillicothe city limits.
2. Use TCEQ OARS to confirm the permitting authority. For Hardeman County, OARS returns Region 03 - Abilene.
3. Arrange a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer.
4. Gather planning materials required for the proposed septic system.
5. Complete TCEQ-0235 form and attach legal description, owner information, site address, water source, site evaluation, and planning materials.
6. Submit the complete application package and fee to TCEQ Region 3.
7. TCEQ must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt.
8. Do not begin construction before authorization to construct is issued.
9. Notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the OSSF will be ready for inspection.
10. Permitting authority conducts construction inspection.
11. If deficiencies are found, correct and resubmit for final approval.

Typical processing time: OSSF permit applications must be approved or denied within 30 days of receipt.

Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Region 3 OSSF Program

General Requirements

TCEQ states that a permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF. No public evidence of a countywide general building permit requirement for unincorporated Hardeman County was found.

Required Documents

• TCEQ-0235 permit application
• Owner information and mailing address
• 911 site address
• Legal description supporting documents
• Water source information
• Site evaluator information and site evaluation report
• OSSF installer information
• Planning materials as applicable

Permit validity

Authorization to construct is valid for one calendar year from issuance. If the installer does not request a construction inspection within one year, the authorization expires and a new application and application fee are required.

Building code

No public countywide building code adoption or enforcement page found.

Owner-builder

TCEQ states a homeowner may install an OSSF if it is for a single-family dwelling the homeowner owns on property the homeowner owns, no part of the property will be developed for sale or lease, and all permitting, construction, and maintenance requirements are met.

Contractor requirements

OSSF work must be performed by a licensed installer or directly by the homeowner when the project qualifies for the homeowner exception. If another person assists for pay, that person generally must hold the appropriate state license unless a stated exception applies.

Fees

Permit fee formula

TCEQ states permit fees are paid to the authorized agent or the commission, whichever performs the permitting function. No Hardeman-specific fee amount posted.

Payment note

Confirm current OSSF fee amount and payment method directly with TCEQ Region 3 (325-698-9674 or nathan.helms@tceq.texas.gov) because no Hardeman-specific fee schedule was found.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• OSSF installations on single-family residential property 10 acres or more may be exempt under the 10 acre rule if all conditions are met: site evaluation completed, single-family dwelling on 10+ acre tract, minimum 100-foot setbacks from property lines, on-site disposal, and no nuisance or groundwater pollution risk.
• Emergency OSSF repairs may be exempt from permitting if reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.

Important: No public countywide general building exempt-work list was found. OSSF-only exemptions listed above per TCEQ rules.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Notify TCEQ Region 3 in writing (mail)
• TCEQ Region 3: 325-698-9674 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the date the OSSF will be ready for inspection.

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Authorization to construct, installation by licensed installer, notice to permitting authority, construction inspection, correction of any deficiencies if needed, then approval before use.

Additional Resources

• Building code: No public countywide building code adoption or enforcement page found.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Hardeman County Main Website
• Hardeman County Contact Information
• Hardeman County Judge
• TCEQ Region 3 OSSF Program
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Hardeman County Building Permit FAQ

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

TCEQ states that a permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF. No public evidence of a countywide general building permit requirement for unincorporated Hardeman County was found.

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

Fees are calculated as: TCEQ states permit fees are paid to the authorized agent or the commission, whichever performs the permitting function. No Hardeman-specific fee amount posted..

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

1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Hardeman County and not inside Quanah or Chillicothe city limits. 2. Use TCEQ OARS to confirm the permitting authority. For Hardeman County, OARS returns Region 03 - Abilene. 3. Arrange a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer. 4. Gather planning materials required for the proposed septic system. 5. Complete TCEQ-0235 form and attach legal description, owner information, site address, water source, site evaluation, and planning materials. 6. Submit the complete application package and fee to TCEQ Region 3. 7. TCEQ must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt. 8. Do not begin construction before authorization to construct is issued. 9. Notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the OSSF will be ready for inspection. 10. Permitting authority conducts construction inspection. 11. If deficiencies are found, correct and resubmit for final approval.

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

Typical processing time is OSSF permit applications must be approved or denied within 30 days of receipt..

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

The following work is generally exempt: OSSF installations on single-family residential property 10 acres or more may be exempt under the 10 acre rule if all conditions are met: site evaluation completed, single-family dwelling on 10+ acre tract, minimum 100-foot setbacks from property lines, on-site disposal, and no nuisance or groundwater pollution risk.; Emergency OSSF repairs may be exempt from permitting if reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.. Note: No public countywide general building exempt-work list was found. OSSF-only exemptions listed above per TCEQ rules.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Notify TCEQ Region 3 in writing, TCEQ Region 3: 325-698-9674. Installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the date the OSSF will be ready for inspection..