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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pecos County
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.
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
- 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
- Exempt Certain emergency repairs may proceed without a permit if reported to the permitting authority within 72 hours after repairs begin
- Exempt 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).
Required documents
- Permit application
- Planning materials
- Site evaluation results
- Appropriate fee (amount not publicly identified)
- Building code
- None. Pecos County does not have building codes and permits other than on-site sewage.
- Permit validity
- Under TCEQ OSSF rules, an authorization to construct is generally valid for one calendar year from issuance.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days for OSSF approval or denial by permitting authority (per TCEQ rules). No public processing-time estimate for road, fire, or occupancy inquiries.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Pecos County and not inside Fort Stockton or Iraan city limits.
- 02 Determine whether the work triggers county controls. The county has no zoning or general permitting regulations; only OSSF permits are required.
- 03 For septic or OSSF work, contact Pecos County Health and Sanitation (Health Inspector Paula Lopez) at the county courthouse address.
- 04 Prepare the OSSF application package required by TCEQ: permit application, planning materials, site evaluation results, and appropriate fee.
- 05 Submit the OSSF materials to the county authorized agent and wait for review.
- 06 If work affects a county road crossing or easement, contact the applicable precinct commissioner.
- 07 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.
- 08 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.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: OSSF sequence: submit application and planning materials, receive authorization to construct, install the system, request county inspection, receive written approval before use.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Pecos County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pecos County, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pecos County, TX, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pecos County, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Pecos County, TX typically run 30 days for OSSF approval or denial by permitting authority (per TCEQ rules). No public processing-time estimate for road, fire, or occupancy inquiries.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pecos County, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pecos County, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pecos County, TX 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)..
last verified April 2026
source Pecos County Health and Sanitation ↗
entry id permits/texas/pecos/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Pecos County Health and Sanitation before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.