Sterling County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas in Sterling County outside the city limits of Sterling City.

Department

Sterling County Judge / County Courthouse

Address

Sterling County Courthouse, 4th St, Sterling City, TX 76951

Phone

325-378-3481

Website

https://www.co.sterling.tx.us/

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is outside Sterling City limits and in unincorporated Sterling County.
2. Contact the County Judge to confirm whether the county has any location-specific floodplain or other development review for the parcel.
3. If the project involves a new well, submit the Sterling County Underground Water Conservation District Notice of Intent to Drill at least five business days before drilling. If the well is non-exempt, submit the district permit application and supporting materials required by Rule 3.204.
4. If the project involves an OSSF, confirm the current permitting authority through TCEQ before construction. Sterling County did not appear in TCEQ's 2024 authorized-agent report.
5. If the parcel is in a mapped flood hazard area, confirm floodplain requirements with the county contact listed by Texas Flood before any development.
6. No public Sterling County general building-permit workflow was found; direct confirmation with county staff is required for specific project requirements.

Typical processing time: Groundwater district requires Notice of Intent to Drill at least five business days before drilling. Non-exempt well permits valid only if completed within six months from permit issuance.

Source: Sterling County Judge / County Courthouse

General Requirements

No public Sterling County general building permit requirement for ordinary building construction was identified. Floodplain, OSSF, and water-well permits apply in specific situations.

Permit validity

Groundwater district non-exempt well permit valid only if well is completed within six months from permit issuance date.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Wells exempt under Texas Water Code Section 36.117 do not require a district permit
• A well used solely for domestic or livestock use on a tract of 10 acres or less and incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day does not require a district permit (although registration and preregistration rules still apply)

Important: Exemption from district permit does not mean exemption from registration and preregistration requirements. No Sterling County-specific exemption list was found for floodplain review or OSSF permitting.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: For water wells: preregistration, exempt-status determination if applicable, permit application for non-exempt wells, drilling within approved location, and submission of required follow-up reports.

Additional Resources

• Verify contractor license: Texas License Search
• County Home
• Sterling County Underground Water Conservation District
• Sterling County Underground Water Conservation District Rules
• Sterling County Underground Water Conservation District Adopted Rules PDF
• Texas Flood Floodplain Contacts
• TCEQ OSSF Permits
• TCEQ 2024 Authorized-Agent Report
• TCEQ Region Directory
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling County Building Permit FAQ

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

No public Sterling County general building permit requirement for ordinary building construction was identified. Floodplain, OSSF, and water-well permits apply in specific situations.

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

1. Confirm the parcel is outside Sterling City limits and in unincorporated Sterling County. 2. Contact the County Judge to confirm whether the county has any location-specific floodplain or other development review for the parcel. 3. If the project involves a new well, submit the Sterling County Underground Water Conservation District Notice of Intent to Drill at least five business days before drilling. If the well is non-exempt, submit the district permit application and supporting materials required by Rule 3.204. 4. If the project involves an OSSF, confirm the current permitting authority through TCEQ before construction. Sterling County did not appear in TCEQ's 2024 authorized-agent report. 5. If the parcel is in a mapped flood hazard area, confirm floodplain requirements with the county contact listed by Texas Flood before any development. 6. No public Sterling County general building-permit workflow was found; direct confirmation with county staff is required for specific project requirements.

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

Typical processing time is Groundwater district requires Notice of Intent to Drill at least five business days before drilling. Non-exempt well permits valid only if completed within six months from permit issuance..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Sterling County, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Wells exempt under Texas Water Code Section 36.117 do not require a district permit; A well used solely for domestic or livestock use on a tract of 10 acres or less and incapable of producing more than 25,000 gallons per day does not require a district permit (although registration and preregistration rules still apply). Note: Exemption from district permit does not mean exemption from registration and preregistration requirements. No Sterling County-specific exemption list was found for floodplain review or OSSF permitting.