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

The following work is generally exempt: Single-family dwelling OSSF on a tract of 10 acres or more if all system parts are at least 100 feet from property line, effluent stays on property, system is not causing nuisance or groundwater pollution, and dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract; Emergency OSSF repairs (must be reported in writing to permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin); Certain grandfathered OSSF systems meeting TCEQ conditions; Connecting recreational vehicles or manufactured homes to rental spaces if the existing OSSF is not altered. Note: No public exempt-work list for unincorporated Loving County general building permits was found because no comprehensive county building permit program was identified. The exemptions listed are state-level TCEQ exceptions for OSSF work. Applicants should contact the county directly to confirm whether their specific project requires a permit.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (432) 377-2362. For OSSF: installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the system will be ready for inspection.

County Building Permits

Loving County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Loving County. County controls are limited to OSSF (on-site sewage facility) permitting and floodplain administration. No comprehensive countywide general building permit program for ordinary construction was found in public records.

Department: Loving County Authorized Agent for OSSF; County Floodplain Administrator
Address: Loving County Courthouse, 100 Bell St, Mentone, TX 79754
Phone: (432) 377-2362
Email: rickie_her@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.co.loving.tx.us/

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Loving County and determine if the project triggers a county permit program.
For OSSF or septic systems, contact the Loving County Authorized Agent at (432) 377-2362.
Obtain a site evaluation from a qualified professional and assemble required planning materials.
Submit the OSSF application package with site evaluation, planning materials, and fee to the county office.
County reviews and must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt.
For floodplain-related projects, contact the county floodplain administrator before development.
After OSSF authorization is issued, the installer must request inspection when the system is ready.
County conducts construction inspection and issues a written notice of approval if the system passes.

Typical processing time: Up to 30 days for OSSF application review per TCEQ rules. No public processing time available for floodplain or general development review.

Source: Loving County Authorized Agent for OSSF; County Floodplain Administrator

General Requirements

County permit controls are limited to OSSF permits and floodplain administration. No public countywide general building permit requirement for ordinary construction in unincorporated areas was identified in public records.

Required Documents

OSSF application (TCEQ rules require an application, planning materials, site evaluation results, and appropriate fee)
Site evaluation from a qualified professional
Planning materials per TCEQ requirements
Appropriate fee

Permit validity: OSSF Authorization to Construct valid for one calendar year from issuance. If inspection not requested within that period, a new application and fee are required.
Building code: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285 govern OSSF programs. No comprehensive county building code adoption found for general construction.
Owner-builder: Owner may install an OSSF only if the permitting authority allows it, the project is for the owner's single-family dwelling on property the owner owns, the property is not developed for sale or lease, and all permitting and construction requirements are met.
Contractor requirements: OSSF installers, site evaluators, designated representatives, maintenance technicians, and maintenance providers are regulated through TCEQ licensing and registration rules.

Fees

Payment note: No public Loving County fee schedule for general building, OSSF, or floodplain permits was found. Contact the county directly for current fee information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Loving County Authorized Agent for OSSF; County Floodplain Administrator to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(432) 377-2362 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: For OSSF: installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the system will be ready for inspection
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: For OSSF: Authorization to Construct issued first, installer requests inspection when system is ready, county conducts construction inspection, written notice of approval issued after passing inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285 govern OSSF programs. No comprehensive county building code adoption found for general construction.
Verify contractor license: TCEQ OSSF Licensing Page
Loving County Official Website
TCEQ OSSF Licenses and Qualifications
TCEQ OSSF Permits Guidance
TCEQ Rules for OSSF Programs
Texas Floodplain Administrators Directory
FEMA Community Contact Report
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 Loving County Authorized Agent for OSSF; County Floodplain Administrator before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Loving County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Loving County, TX?: County permit controls are limited to OSSF permits and floodplain administration. No public countywide general building permit requirement for ordinary construction in unincorporated areas was identified in public records.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Loving County, TX?: 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Loving County and determine if the project triggers a county permit program. 2. For OSSF or septic systems, contact the Loving County Authorized Agent at (432) 377-2362. 3. Obtain a site evaluation from a qualified professional and assemble required planning materials. 4. Submit the OSSF application package with site evaluation, planning materials, and fee to the county office. 5. County reviews and must approve or deny the application within 30 days of receipt. 6. For floodplain-related projects, contact the county floodplain administrator before development. 7. After OSSF authorization is issued, the installer must request inspection when the system is ready. 8. County conducts construction inspection and issues a written notice of approval if the system passes.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Loving County, TX?: Typical processing time is Up to 30 days for OSSF application review per TCEQ rules. No public processing time available for floodplain or general development review..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Loving County, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Single-family dwelling OSSF on a tract of 10 acres or more if all system parts are at least 100 feet from property line, effluent stays on property, system is not causing nuisance or groundwater pollution, and dwelling is the only dwelling on the tract; Emergency OSSF repairs (must be reported in writing to permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin); Certain grandfathered OSSF systems meeting TCEQ conditions; Connecting recreational vehicles or manufactured homes to rental spaces if the existing OSSF is not altered. Note: No public exempt-work list for unincorporated Loving County general building permits was found because no comprehensive county building permit program was identified. The exemptions listed are state-level TCEQ exceptions for OSSF work. Applicants should contact the county directly to confirm whether their specific project requires a permit.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Loving County, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (432) 377-2362. For OSSF: installer must notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the system will be ready for inspection.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Loving County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

← Back to Loving County permit guides