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

The minimum permit fee is $260.00. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee for OSSF permits. No general building permit fee formula for unincorporated areas..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary construction not in a flood zone, not using city utilities, not for commercial use, and not for public use does not require a building or certificate of occupancy permit. Note: This limitation applies only if ALL conditions are met: (1) not in a flood zone, (2) not using city utilities, (3) not commercial, and (4) not public-use. Floodplain and OSSF work may still require permits and approvals.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (361) 668-1018, press 8. Inspections should be scheduled at least two working days in advance.

County Building Permits

Jim Wells County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jim Wells County, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Texas Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Jim Wells County only. The county publicly documents OSSF permitting and floodplain development controls, but the county's own builder guidance says no building, plumbing, electrical, or certificate of occupancy permit is required for ordinary construction in unincorporated areas under the conditions listed.

Department: Jim Wells County Safety & Inspection Department
Address: 601 E. Main St., Ste. 275, Alice, TX 78332
Phone: (361) 668-1018, press 8
Website: https://www.co.jim-wells.tx.us/page/co.county.safety

Application Process

Confirm the property is in unincorporated Jim Wells County and determine whether the project involves an on-site sewage facility, a floodplain location, subdivision activity, or another specifically regulated county program.
For OSSF work, complete the county OSSF permit application with the property owner, site evaluator, installer, legal description, directions, system design information, and other attachments required by the county form and TCEQ rules.
Pay the posted OSSF permit fee ($260.00) and submit the application to the Safety and Inspection Department.
Wait for county review and, where applicable, technical review under the county's adopted OSSF program before beginning covered work.
For floodplain development, submit the floodplain development permit application and plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, elevations, and flood-hazard relationship of the proposed work.
Schedule inspections with the county office. Inspections should be requested at least two working days in advance.
For OSSF work, do not cover the system before inspection. The county guidance says a certificate to operate is mailed after the system passes and all paperwork is complete.

Source: Jim Wells County Safety & Inspection Department

General Requirements

The county Safety page expressly covers permitting, maintenance, and construction requirements for on-site sewage facilities. The county flood damage prevention order requires a floodplain development permit for development in regulated flood hazard areas. The county's posted builder guidance states that in unincorporated Jim Wells County no permit or certificate of occupancy is required for building construction, plumbing, or electrical work if ALL of the following conditions are met: (1) the structure is not in a flood zone, (2) no city utilities are used, (3) the structure is not for commercial use, and (4) it is not for public use.

Required Documents

For OSSF: owner information, legal description, site address or directions, application type, system and lot information, installer and site evaluator information, and supporting technical materials
For floodplain work: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing location, dimensions, elevation, lowest-floor, floodproofing, drainage, and watercourse information as applicable

Permit validity: An OSSF authorization to construct is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Building code: No general county building code adoption for unincorporated Jim Wells County was identified. Verified county controls are the OSSF program and the Flood Damage Prevention Court Order.
Owner-builder: For OSSF work, the technical information sheet must be in the property owner's name and all permits must be issued before construction begins.
Contractor requirements: No public county contractor registration program for ordinary building trades was found. OSSF work is handled through the county's licensed OSSF program. State trade licensing may still apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $260.00
Permit fee formula: Flat fee for OSSF permits. No general building permit fee formula for unincorporated areas.
Payment note: Make check or money order payable to Jim Wells County OSSF

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary construction not in a flood zone, not using city utilities, not for commercial use, and not for public use does not require a building or certificate of occupancy permit

Important: This limitation applies only if ALL conditions are met: (1) not in a flood zone, (2) not using city utilities, (3) not commercial, and (4) not public-use. Floodplain and OSSF work may still require permits and approvals.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(361) 668-1018, press 8 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Inspections should be scheduled at least two working days in advance
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Submit permit application, obtain authorization before construction, call for inspection before covering the system or proceeding past regulated stages, then receive final approval or certificate to operate for OSSF work after paperwork is complete.

Additional Resources

Building code: No general county building code adoption for unincorporated Jim Wells County was identified. Verified county controls are the OSSF program and the Flood Damage Prevention Court Order.
County Safety Department
Building Permit for JWC 2023
JW Resolution January 2010
Texas Flood Basics
License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Jim Wells County Safety & Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jim Wells County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jim Wells County, TX?: The county Safety page expressly covers permitting, maintenance, and construction requirements for on-site sewage facilities. The county flood damage prevention order requires a floodplain development permit for development in regulated flood hazard areas. The county's posted builder guidance states that in unincorporated Jim Wells County no permit or certificate of occupancy is required for building construction, plumbing, or electrical work if ALL of the following conditions are met: (1) the structure is not in a flood zone, (2) no city utilities are used, (3) the structure is not for commercial use, and (4) it is not for public use.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jim Wells County, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $260.00. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee for OSSF permits. No general building permit fee formula for unincorporated areas..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jim Wells County, TX?: 1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Jim Wells County and determine whether the project involves an on-site sewage facility, a floodplain location, subdivision activity, or another specifically regulated county program. 2. For OSSF work, complete the county OSSF permit application with the property owner, site evaluator, installer, legal description, directions, system design information, and other attachments required by the county form and TCEQ rules. 3. Pay the posted OSSF permit fee ($260.00) and submit the application to the Safety and Inspection Department. 4. Wait for county review and, where applicable, technical review under the county's adopted OSSF program before beginning covered work. 5. For floodplain development, submit the floodplain development permit application and plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, elevations, and flood-hazard relationship of the proposed work. 6. Schedule inspections with the county office. Inspections should be requested at least two working days in advance. 7. For OSSF work, do not cover the system before inspection. The county guidance says a certificate to operate is mailed after the system passes and all paperwork is complete.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jim Wells County, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary construction not in a flood zone, not using city utilities, not for commercial use, and not for public use does not require a building or certificate of occupancy permit. Note: This limitation applies only if ALL conditions are met: (1) not in a flood zone, (2) not using city utilities, (3) not commercial, and (4) not public-use. Floodplain and OSSF work may still require permits and approvals.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jim Wells County, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (361) 668-1018, press 8. Inspections should be scheduled at least two working days in advance.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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