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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Schleicher County
No general county building permit program for ordinary vertical construction identified. Permits required for: OSSF/septic construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation; county-road pipeline or utility crossings; new county-road access driveways requiring ditch work and/or culvert installation; and subdivision activity.
OSSF systems meeting the 10-acre rule
Certain emergency repairs not requiring permit if reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs have begun
- Exempt OSSF systems meeting the 10-acre rule
- Exempt Certain emergency repairs not requiring permit if reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs have begun
Required documents
- OSSF: application and planning materials with site evaluation by TCEQ licensed site evaluator or professional engineer
- Pipeline/utility crossing: county application, road location, description and location details, and map; signed policy required
- Access driveway: county permit form with project details and sketch/design information
- Subdivision: compliance with posted county subdivision regulations
- Building code
- TCEQ OSSF rules under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285 apply. County right-of-way policies for access driveways and pipeline/utility crossings and county subdivision regulations also apply. No general county building code adoption identified.
- Permit validity
- OSSF: authorization to construct valid for one calendar year from issuance. Pipeline/utility crossing: valid for 90 days, subject to extension. Access driveway: becomes null and void if not constructed within six months from issuance.
- Owner-builder
- OSSF: owner may install OSSF for single-family dwelling the owner owns on property the owner owns if local requirements allow and state conditions are met.
- Contractor requirements
- OSSF installers, site evaluators, and related personnel governed by state licensing rules under TCEQ OSSF program.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: OSSF: TCEQ requires approval or denial within 30 days of receipt. No public processing-time estimate for subdivision, driveway, or pipeline permits.
- 01 Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Schleicher County and outside Eldorado city limits.
- 02 Determine whether the project triggers one of the county's published permit programs: subdivision regulations, county-road pipeline/utility crossing permits, county-road access driveway permits, or OSSF/septic permitting.
- 03 For OSSF/septic work, contact the Schleicher County Authorized Agent and submit planning and permit application materials required by TCEQ and the local authorized-agent program.
- 04 For a county-road pipeline or utility crossing, submit the county application identifying the road location, include required map/location description. Form states $500 permit fee, requires 8-1-1 confirmation, and requires notification 48 hours prior to installation.
- 05 For a county-road access driveway, submit the driveway permit form and design sketch. All construction and materials are subject to county inspection and approval.
- 06 For subdivision activity, comply with the county subdivision regulations before proceeding.
- 07 Wait for approval before beginning the covered work.
- 08 Complete required inspection steps: OSSF work subject to permitting-authority review and inspection; driveway applicants must contact county at least 24 hours before work begins; pipeline applicants must give 48 hours notice before installation.
Typical processing time: OSSF: TCEQ requires approval or denial within 30 days of receipt. No public processing-time estimate for subdivision, driveway, or pipeline permits.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OSSF: (325) 456-4607 (phone)
- Access driveway: contact county representative at least 24 hours prior to beginning work (in-person)
- Pipeline/utility crossing: notification 48 hours prior to installation and 8-1-1 service confirmation required (phone)
- Inspection hours
- OSSF office hours: Monday through Friday, 9AM - 12PM and 1PM - 5PM
Typical sequence: OSSF: submit permit materials, receive approval, install system, request inspection at least five working days before system ready, obtain final approval if system passes. Access driveway: submit permit, receive authorization, notify county before work, complete work subject to county inspection. Pipeline/utility crossing: submit application, obtain approval, give 48 hours notice, perform installation subject to county policy conditions.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Schleicher County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX? ▸
No general county building permit program for ordinary vertical construction identified. Permits required for: OSSF/septic construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation; county-road pipeline or utility crossings; new county-road access driveways requiring ditch work and/or culvert installation; and subdivision activity.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX, follow these steps: 1. Verify the parcel is in unincorporated Schleicher County and outside Eldorado city limits. 2. Determine whether the project triggers one of the county's published permit programs: subdivision regulations, county-road pipeline/utility crossing permits, county-road access driveway permits, or OSSF/septic permitting. 3. For OSSF/septic work, contact the Schleicher County Authorized Agent and submit planning and permit application materials required by TCEQ and the local authorized-agent program. 4. For a county-road pipeline or utility crossing, submit the county application identifying the road location, include required map/location description. Form states $500 permit fee, requires 8-1-1 confirmation, and requires notification 48 hours prior to installation. 5. For a county-road access driveway, submit the driveway permit form and design sketch. All construction and materials are subject to county inspection and approval. 6. For subdivision activity, comply with the county subdivision regulations before proceeding. 7. Wait for approval before beginning the covered work. 8. Complete required inspection steps: OSSF work subject to permitting-authority review and inspection; driveway applicants must contact county at least 24 hours before work begins; pipeline applicants must give 48 hours notice before installation.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX typically run OSSF: TCEQ requires approval or denial within 30 days of receipt. No public processing-time estimate for subdivision, driveway, or pipeline permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX. The following work is generally exempt: OSSF systems meeting the 10-acre rule; Certain emergency repairs not requiring permit if reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs have begun. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Schleicher County, TX via: OSSF: (325) 456-4607, Access driveway: contact county representative at least 24 hours prior to beginning work, Pipeline/utility crossing: notification 48 hours prior to installation and 8-1-1 service confirmation required.
last verified April 2026
source Schleicher County Commissioners Court / County Offices; Schleicher County Authorized Agent for OSSF ↗
entry id permits/texas/schleicher/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Schleicher County Commissioners Court / County Offices; Schleicher County Authorized Agent for OSSF before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.