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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Reeves County
A general countywide building permit requirement for ordinary residential or commercial vertical construction in unincorporated Reeves County is not clearly documented. Verified county permit and development controls apply for: on-site sewage facilities, driveways and culverts in county right-of-way, utility facilities within county right-of-way, subdivision platting and development review, food operation permits, and manufactured home rental community regulation.
Note: No public countywide exempt-work list was found for a general building-permit program because no such program is clearly documented. Subdivision regulations include certain statutory exceptions to platting but these are not the same as a county building-permit exempt-work list.
- Varies by permit type. OSSF requires site evaluation, planning materials, directions, and legal-description support. Subdivision filings require plats, utility certifications, 911 addressing approval, tax documentation, roadway and drainage materials, and other checklist items.
- Building code
- No countywide adopted building code page for a general unincorporated building-permit program was found. Reeves County enforces subdivision regulations and OSSF requirements, and its subdivision materials reference county authority under Texas statutes for setbacks and related development controls.
- Permit validity
- OSSF Authorization to Construct is valid for 1 year from date of issuance. Subdivision regulations discuss development authorization expiration concepts but a simple countywide general permit expiration rule was not found.
- Owner-builder
- No countywide owner-builder rule was found. No public Reeves County implementation page for Texas HB 2833 private residential inspections was found.
- Contractor requirements
- OSSF work requires licensed site evaluators, designers, and installers. No general county contractor registration program for ordinary building construction was found.
Application process
Typical processing: General permits: 1 to 2 weeks. OSSF final notice after successful inspection: within 7 calendar days.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Reeves County and identify which county control applies. Do not assume a general county building permit exists for ordinary construction.
- 02 Use the county permits page and iWorQ portal to identify the applicable permit or regulation category: OSSF, driveway or culvert access, utility facilities within county right-of-way, subdivision, food operation, or manufactured home rental community requirements.
- 03 Prepare the permit-specific application and supporting materials. For example, OSSF requires a site evaluation, planning materials, accurate directions, and legal-description support; subdivision applications require plats, utility approvals, 911 addressing, tax certificates, and other checklist items.
- 04 Submit through the county's process. As of January 1, 2026, original applications must be mailed to the Treasurer's Office permits address as directed by the county notice.
- 05 Pay the applicable fee through the Treasurer's Office. The county processes permits within 1 to 2 weeks.
- 06 Complete any required permit-specific inspection. For OSSF, contact the office at least 5 working days in advance.
- 07 Obtain the final county approval document. For OSSF, the county issues an Authorization to Construct first and then a Notice of Approval after successful inspection.
Typical processing time: General permits: 1 to 2 weeks. OSSF final notice after successful inspection: within 7 calendar days.
Fee schedule
Reeves County building permit fees
Payments should be made through the Treasurer's Office. The county accepts credit cards over the phone and in the office. OSSF applications state fees are non-refundable and must be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order. No cash accepted for OSSF.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Contact Reeves County office at least 5 working days in advance (OSSF inspections) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 5 working days in advance for OSSF inspections
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday: 7:00 AM-6:00 PM. Some sources indicate 7:30 AM-6:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Varies by permit type. OSSF sequence: application review, Authorization to Construct, installation inspection before cover, then Notice of Approval. Subdivision sequence: checklist review, hearing process, and county approval actions rather than typical building-stage inspections.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Reeves County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Reeves County, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Reeves County, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Reeves County, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Reeves County, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Reeves County, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Reeves County Road and Bridge Permits Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.