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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Johnson County
Development Permits are required for new development in unincorporated Johnson County, including mobile homes and certain land-development activities.
Note: Johnson County does not publish a specific exemption list for unincorporated areas. Confirm permit requirements directly with county Public Works before proceeding.
- Completed Development Permit application
- Site plan or plat showing property boundaries and proposed work
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Floodplain certification if in flood zone
- Building code
- Johnson County does not enforce a comprehensive building code for construction in unincorporated areas; permits are limited to development, floodplain, and OSSF (septic) matters.
Source: Johnson County Public Works ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; typically 5-10 business days for complete applications.
- 01 Review Development Permit requirements and fee schedule on the county Public Works website.
- 02 Download and complete the appropriate permit application for your project type (residential, commercial, mobile home, etc.).
- 03 Prepare required supporting documents (site plans, plat, etc.) in PDF format.
- 04 Submit completed application and documents by email to development@johnsoncountytx.org or in person at the Johnson County Annex.
- 05 County staff reviews for completeness and procedural compliance, including FEMA floodplain assessment if applicable.
- 06 Pay the permit fee upon approval notice.
- 07 Obtain the issued Development Permit before beginning construction.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; typically 5-10 business days for complete applications.
Source: Johnson County Public Works ↗
Fee schedule
Effective 2026-03
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026-03) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 817-556-6380 (phone)
- development@johnsoncountytx.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Standard Johnson County business hours; contact Public Works for specifics.
Typical sequence: Johnson County does not provide building inspections or certificates of occupancy for unincorporated construction. Development Permits are limited to land-development, floodplain, and septic (OSSF) oversight.
Source: Johnson County Public Works ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Johnson County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Johnson County, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Johnson County, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Johnson County Public Works before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.