On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hardeman County
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.
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.
- 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.
- Exempt 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.
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
- Building code
- No public countywide building code adoption or enforcement page found.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Region 3 OSSF Program ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: OSSF permit applications must be approved or denied within 30 days of receipt.
- 01 Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Hardeman County and not inside Quanah or Chillicothe city limits.
- 02 Use TCEQ OARS to confirm the permitting authority. For Hardeman County, OARS returns Region 03 - Abilene.
- 03 Arrange a site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or professional engineer.
- 04 Gather planning materials required for the proposed septic system.
- 05 Complete TCEQ-0235 form and attach legal description, owner information, site address, water source, site evaluation, and planning materials.
- 06 Submit the complete application package and fee to TCEQ Region 3.
- 07 TCEQ must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt.
- 08 Do not begin construction before authorization to construct is issued.
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hardeman County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Authorization to construct, installation by licensed installer, notice to permitting authority, construction inspection, correction of any deficiencies if needed, then approval before use.
Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Region 3 OSSF Program ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hardeman County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX typically run OSSF permit applications must be approved or denied within 30 days of receipt.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hardeman County, TX 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..
last verified April 2026
source Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Region 3 OSSF Program ↗
entry id permits/texas/hardeman/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Region 3 OSSF Program before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.