Unincorporated Jim Wells County

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.

• 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.

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.

Permit validity

An OSSF authorization to construct is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

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.

Source: Jim Wells County Safety & Inspection Department ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   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. 03
   Pay the posted OSSF permit fee ($260.00) and submit the application to the Safety and Inspection Department.
4. 04
   Wait for county review and, where applicable, technical review under the county's adopted OSSF program before beginning covered work.
5. 05
   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. 06
   Schedule inspections with the county office. Inspections should be requested at least two working days in advance.
7. 07
   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 ↗

Make check or money order payable to Jim Wells County OSSF

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (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 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.

Source: Jim Wells County Safety & Inspection Department ↗