On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mason County
No public countywide general building permit requirement was found for ordinary building construction in unincorporated Mason County. Verified county permit or approval triggers: all new OSSF installations and major repairs require an OSSF permit; floodplain development in mapped flood hazard areas uses the county development permit application; subdivision and plat activity is regulated by county subdivision regulations.
Note: No public exempt-work list was found for unincorporated Mason County. Parcel-specific county controls may still apply for OSSF, floodplain development, or subdivision activity.
- For OSSF: completed forms, permit fee, and floor or construction plans showing bedrooms, restrooms, square footage, and water-softener information
- For floodplain review: county development permit form with applicant and property information and one copy of plans and specifications if in a floodplain
- For subdivision review: applicable application and plat materials per county regulations
- Building code
- No public countywide building code adoption for general construction was found. Verified county regulatory programs are subdivision rules adopted by Mason County Commissioners Court and county-administered OSSF permitting under TCEQ-authorized local administration.
- Permit validity
- OSSF Authorization to Construct valid for one year from issue. Floodplain development permit valid for one year from issue and must be renewed if work is not completed.
- Owner-builder
- OSSF packet expressly contemplates homeowner installation; homeowner must pay any reinspection fee if the homeowner installs the OSSF themselves.
- Contractor requirements
- No public Mason County contractor-license requirement for general building work found. For septic work, state OSSF licensing rules apply through TCEQ rather than a separate county general-contractor licensing program.
Application process
Typical processing: OSSF Notice of Approval issued within approximately 5 working days after successful inspection. Subdivision and floodplain processing times not published.
- 01 No countywide general building permit process was found on the official county website. Verified county permit processes include OSSF, floodplain review, and subdivision approvals.
- 02 For OSSF permits: Obtain application forms from the Mason County Designated Representative.
- 03 Have the appropriate individual (usually the installer) complete all applicable OSSF forms.
- 04 Submit completed forms and fee to the Mason County Designated Representative. Plans must show bedrooms, restrooms, square footage, and water-softener information.
- 05 County reviews the OSSF application and plans. Upon approval, it issues an Authorization to Construct valid for one year.
- 06 Install the system and contact the Mason County Designated Representative at least 5 working days in advance for the required inspection before covering the system.
- 07 After successful inspection, the county issues a Notice of Approval within approximately 5 working days.
- 08 For floodplain work: Complete the Mason County Development Permit Application with applicant information, property location, proposed construction details, and one copy of plans and specifications if in a floodplain.
- 09 The Floodplain Administrator determines whether the property is in a mapped flood hazard area and whether additional permits are required.
- 10 For subdivision approvals: Submit applications to Commissioners Court under the county subdivision regulations and Texas Local Government Code deadlines.
Typical processing time: OSSF Notice of Approval issued within approximately 5 working days after successful inspection. Subdivision and floodplain processing times not published.
Fee schedule
Effective October 2024
All OSSF fees are non-refundable and must be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order. No cash accepted. Floodplain development permit fees amount not published.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 325-347-5556 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- For OSSF inspections, contact the Mason County Designated Representative at least 5 working days before the inspection
Typical sequence: OSSF: authorization to construct, installation, inspection before covering the system, then county Notice of Approval after successful inspection. Floodplain: administrative review by the Floodplain Administrator. Subdivision: review through Commissioners Court.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Mason County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Mason County, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Mason County, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mason County, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Mason County Designated Representative and Floodplain Administrator; Mason County Commissioners Court before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.