County Building Permits

Pecos County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Pecos County outside Fort Stockton and Iraan. Pecos County has no zoning or general building-permit regulations and only requires permits for on-site sewage facilities (OSSF).

Department
Pecos County Health and Sanitation
Address
Pecos County Courthouse, 103 W Callaghan St, Fort Stockton, TX 79735
Phone
(432) 336-5355 or (432) 290-0299
Website
https://www.co.pecos.tx.us/guidelines-criteria-rules/

Application Process

  1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Pecos County and not inside Fort Stockton or Iraan city limits.
  2. Determine whether the work triggers county controls. The county has no zoning or general permitting regulations; only OSSF permits are required.
  3. For septic or OSSF work, contact Pecos County Health and Sanitation (Health Inspector Paula Lopez) at the county courthouse address.
  4. Prepare the OSSF application package required by TCEQ: permit application, planning materials, site evaluation results, and appropriate fee.
  5. Submit the OSSF materials to the county authorized agent and wait for review.
  6. If work affects a county road crossing or easement, contact the applicable precinct commissioner.
  7. If work involves fire-code or occupancy questions, contact Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Jessie Dominguez at (432) 336-3521 or jessie.dominguez@co.pecos.tx.us.
  8. After OSSF approval to construct, request inspection before the system is placed into service.

Typical processing time: 30 days for OSSF approval or denial by permitting authority (per TCEQ rules). No public processing-time estimate for road, fire, or occupancy inquiries.

Source: Pecos County Health and Sanitation

General Requirements

Pecos County only requires permits for on-site sewage facilities (OSSF). The county has no zoning or general building-permit regulations. The county does not have building codes and permits other than OSSF.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Planning materials
  • Site evaluation results
  • Appropriate fee (amount not publicly identified)
Permit validity
Under TCEQ OSSF rules, an authorization to construct is generally valid for one calendar year from issuance.
Building code
None. Pecos County does not have building codes and permits other than on-site sewage.
Owner-builder
TCEQ allows qualifying property owners to install certain OSSFs for their own single-family residence if the permitting authority allows it and all regulatory conditions are met. Pecos County has no documented general county residential inspection program.
Contractor requirements
No Pecos County general contractor-registration or contractor-licensing program was found. OSSF installers and related professionals are regulated under TCEQ licensing rules.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of 10 acres or more may be exempt from OSSF permit if all statutory distance and discharge conditions are met
  • Certain emergency repairs may proceed without a permit if reported to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin
  • Certain older grandfathered OSSF systems may remain exempt under TCEQ rules if they meet applicable conditions

Important: These exemptions apply to OSSF work under state-level TCEQ rules, not to a county general building-permit program (which Pecos County does not have).

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (432) 336-5355 or (432) 290-0299 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
For OSSF work, notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the system is ready for inspection (per TCEQ rules).
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: OSSF sequence: submit application and planning materials, receive authorization to construct, install the system, request county inspection, receive written approval before use.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Pecos County Health and Sanitation before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pecos County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pecos County, TX?
Pecos County only requires permits for on-site sewage facilities (OSSF). The county has no zoning or general building-permit regulations. The county does not have building codes and permits other than OSSF.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pecos County, TX?
1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Pecos County and not inside Fort Stockton or Iraan city limits. 2. Determine whether the work triggers county controls. The county has no zoning or general permitting regulations; only OSSF permits are required. 3. For septic or OSSF work, contact Pecos County Health and Sanitation (Health Inspector Paula Lopez) at the county courthouse address. 4. Prepare the OSSF application package required by TCEQ: permit application, planning materials, site evaluation results, and appropriate fee. 5. Submit the OSSF materials to the county authorized agent and wait for review. 6. If work affects a county road crossing or easement, contact the applicable precinct commissioner. 7. If work involves fire-code or occupancy questions, contact Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Jessie Dominguez at (432) 336-3521 or jessie.dominguez@co.pecos.tx.us. 8. After OSSF approval to construct, request inspection before the system is placed into service.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pecos County, TX?
Typical processing time is 30 days for OSSF approval or denial by permitting authority (per TCEQ rules). No public processing-time estimate for road, fire, or occupancy inquiries..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pecos County, TX?
The following work is generally exempt: Qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of 10 acres or more may be exempt from OSSF permit if all statutory distance and discharge conditions are met; Certain emergency repairs may proceed without a permit if reported to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin; Certain older grandfathered OSSF systems may remain exempt under TCEQ rules if they meet applicable conditions. Note: These exemptions apply to OSSF work under state-level TCEQ rules, not to a county general building-permit program (which Pecos County does not have).
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pecos County, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (432) 336-5355 or (432) 290-0299. For OSSF work, notify the permitting authority at least five working days before the system is ready for inspection (per TCEQ rules)..

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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.
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