Newton County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Newton County. County does not publish a countywide city-style general building permit program. Verified controls: floodplain development permits, subdivision/RV park review, and OSSF permitting. Confirm parcel is outside Newton city limits before relying on this section.

Department

Newton County Floodplain Administration; Jasper-Newton County Public Health District (for OSSF permits)

Address

Floodplain Office, 110 E. Court Street, Room 125, Newton, TX 75966; Jasper-Newton County Public Health District main office 139 West Lamar Street, Jasper, TX 75951

Phone

Floodplain Office (409) 379-5691; Public Health District main (409) 384-6829; Newton clinic (409) 379-5291

Website

https://www.co.newton.tx.us/page/newton.floodplainmanagement

Application Process

1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Newton County and determine whether the proposed work is in the county floodplain program, a subdivision/RV park review path, an OSSF path, or more than one of those.
2. For floodplain-regulated work, complete Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Newton County Floodplain Development Permit Application and submit the package with required supporting materials to the Floodplain Administrator.
3. Include the site development plan and elevation certificate required for all new development. If requested, provide additional materials such as a no-rise certification for regulatory floodway work or subdivision/park plans with base flood elevations.
4. For RV parks or subdivisions, review and satisfy the county Model Subdivision Rules before filing plats or starting development.
5. If the project needs an on-site sewage facility, contact the Jasper-Newton County Public Health District for the separate OSSF permit path.
6. Call the Floodplain Office for an appointment. No development work may start until an Authorization to Proceed/Permit is signed and issued.
7. After completion, submit the as-built elevation certificate or floodproofing certificate required by the county form and allow final inspection.

Typical processing time: No public end-to-end review time estimate found. Permit or zone letter issued upon receipt of payment if requirements are met.

Source: Newton County Floodplain Administration; Jasper-Newton County Public Health District (for OSSF permits)

General Requirements

All new development requires a Floodplain Development Application to be completed and processed prior to start of construction. This includes floodplain zone inquiries, new construction, subdivisions, RV parks, mobile homes, tiny homes, portable buildings, and substantial improvements. No public countywide general building permit program found outside these narrower controls.

Required Documents

• Completed Sections 1 through 3 of the Floodplain Development Application
• Site development plans and elevation certificates (required for all new development)
• No-rise certification for regulatory floodway work (if applicable)
• Subdivision or mobile home park plans with base flood elevations (if development exceeds 50 lots or 5 acres)
• As-built elevation or floodproofing certificate at project completion

Permit validity

Floodplain development permits are valid for six months from date of issuance.

Building code

No public countywide adopted building code or general county building code enforcement program. Verified countywide construction control is the Newton County Flood Damage Prevention Order for floodplain development.

Contractor requirements

No public Newton County contractor registration or local contractor licensing program found. State trade licensing may still apply. For unincorporated residential projects where governmental inspections are required, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 private-inspection rules may also be relevant.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$20.00 for Letter of Zone Determination; $40.00 for Floodplain Development Permit

Permit fee formula

Flat fees stated on the county floodplain application form

Payment note

Permit or zone letter issued upon receipt of payment if requirements are met. No online payment instructions found.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Newton County Floodplain Administration; Jasper-Newton County Public Health District (for OSSF permits) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call Floodplain Administrator for appointment (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Application review, possible request for additional information, permit/authorization to proceed, county inspections during work as needed, then final submission of as-built elevation or floodproofing documentation.

Additional Resources

• Building code: No public countywide adopted building code or general county building code enforcement program. Verified countywide construction control is the Newton County Flood Damage Prevention Order for floodplain development.
• Verify contractor license: Texas TDLR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Newton County Main Website
• Flood Damage Prevention Order
• Requirements for Newton County
• Hazard Mitigation Action Plan 2022
• Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Newton County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Newton County, TX?

All new development requires a Floodplain Development Application to be completed and processed prior to start of construction. This includes floodplain zone inquiries, new construction, subdivisions, RV parks, mobile homes, tiny homes, portable buildings, and substantial improvements. No public countywide general building permit program found outside these narrower controls.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Newton County, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $20.00 for Letter of Zone Determination; $40.00 for Floodplain Development Permit. Fees are calculated as: Flat fees stated on the county floodplain application form.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Newton County, TX?

1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Newton County and determine whether the proposed work is in the county floodplain program, a subdivision/RV park review path, an OSSF path, or more than one of those. 2. For floodplain-regulated work, complete Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Newton County Floodplain Development Permit Application and submit the package with required supporting materials to the Floodplain Administrator. 3. Include the site development plan and elevation certificate required for all new development. If requested, provide additional materials such as a no-rise certification for regulatory floodway work or subdivision/park plans with base flood elevations. 4. For RV parks or subdivisions, review and satisfy the county Model Subdivision Rules before filing plats or starting development. 5. If the project needs an on-site sewage facility, contact the Jasper-Newton County Public Health District for the separate OSSF permit path. 6. Call the Floodplain Office for an appointment. No development work may start until an Authorization to Proceed/Permit is signed and issued. 7. After completion, submit the as-built elevation certificate or floodproofing certificate required by the county form and allow final inspection.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Newton County, TX?

Typical processing time is No public end-to-end review time estimate found. Permit or zone letter issued upon receipt of payment if requirements are met..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Floodplain Administrator for appointment.