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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Madison County
Unincorporated Madison County does not operate a general countywide building-permit program. Verified permit triggers are OSSF permits, floodplain development permits, driveway access permits on county right of way, electric service permits, and certain food-establishment permits.
- Exempt Adding a layer of gravel to an existing gravel driveway
- Exempt Seal coating an existing asphalt driveway
- Exempt General maintenance of existing driveway not involving resurfacing
Note: Unincorporated Madison County applies a narrower permit structure focused on OSSF, floodplain, driveway access, and related rural-development controls rather than a comprehensive building-permit program. Confirm permit requirements with the applicable county office before proceeding.
- Varies by permit type
- Survey or site map for driveway access
- Detailed site, builder, and flood-elevation information for floodplain development
- Septic application and maintenance certification for OSSF
- Building code
- No public source showed countywide adoption of a general building code for all unincorporated construction.
- Permit validity
- Driveway permit becomes null and void if driveway facilities are not constructed within six months from issuance. Expiration rules for floodplain and OSSF permits were not publicly documented.
- Owner-builder
- No public owner-builder rule was clearly posted in the county sources reviewed.
- Contractor requirements
- No countywide general contractor license requirement was clearly posted in the reviewed materials.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly specified
- 01 Determine the specific county permit type: OSSF, floodplain development, electric service, driveway access, or other rural-development permit.
- 02 Obtain 911 address or address verification through the county permit page if needed.
- 03 Complete the permit-specific application and gather required support documents (survey/site map for driveway, site and elevation info for floodplain, septic forms for OSSF).
- 04 Submit the application to the correct county office (OSSF to Wastewater, floodplain to Floodplain Coordinator, driveway to County Commissioner for the applicable precinct).
- 05 Wait for county review and permit issuance. No work may start until permit is issued.
- 06 Complete required inspections or final signoff (driveway commissioner inspection, OSSF county inspection, floodplain compliance documentation).
Typical processing time: Not publicly specified
Fee schedule
Madison County building permit fees
OSSF payment by check or money order payable to Madison County; cash not accepted
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Wastewater Office 936-348-2152 (phone)
- Floodplain Coordinator 936-348-3810 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Wastewater Office: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Permit-specific. Driveway: application, preliminary approval, construction, final inspection by County Commissioner. OSSF: application, issuance, installation, county inspection.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Madison County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Madison County, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Madison County, TX? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Madison County, TX? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Madison County, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Madison County Rural Development / Wastewater Office, Madison County Floodplain, County Commissioner (precinct) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.