County Building Permits
Sutton County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sutton County, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated areas of Sutton County only. County does not maintain a general countywide building permit program. Published controls are narrower: OSSF permitting, subdivision/plat approvals, and 911 addressing.
- Department
- Sutton County On Site Sewage Facility / Designated Representative; Sutton County Commissioners Court
- Address
- 300 E Oak St, Sonora, TX 76950 (County Courthouse); OSSF: 4826 Red Oak Ln., San Angelo, TX 76904
- Phone
- County main: (325) 387-2711; OSSF direct: (325) 456-4607; 911 GIS Coordinator: (325) 944-9666 ext. 247
- Website
- https://www.co.sutton.tx.us/
Application Process
- Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Sutton County and not inside Sonora city limits.
- Determine which county-controlled approval applies: OSSF permitting, subdivision/plat approval, or 911 address assignment.
- If the project uses an on-site sewage facility, contact the county Designated Representative, Charles McDonald, and complete the posted OSSF application packet.
- If the project involves dividing land, use the county subdivision regulations and Commissioners Court process for plat review and approval.
- If a new addressed site or private road is involved, coordinate 911 address assignment through the county / CVCOG 911 program.
- Complete any required county review or inspection tied to the specific county program involved.
Source: Sutton County On Site Sewage Facility / Designated Representative; Sutton County Commissioners Court
General Requirements
Unincorporated Sutton County does not publish a general countywide building permit requirement for ordinary private construction. Verified county permit or approval controls posted online are: OSSF permits, subdivision/plat approvals, and 911 address assignment.
- Building code
- County defers to State of Texas. Recommends ICC International Building Codes. No enforced general building code program in place.
- Contractor requirements
- Texas state licensing governs state-licensed trades. OSSF work must route through the county's designated OSSF representative structure.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Sutton County On Site Sewage Facility / Designated Representative; Sutton County Commissioners Court to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- County main: (325) 387-2711; OSSF direct: (325) 456-4607 (phone)
- County Courthouse, 300 E Oak St, Sonora, TX 76950 (in-person)
Additional Resources
- Building code: County defers to State of Texas. Recommends ICC International Building Codes. No enforced general building code program in place.
- Subdivision Regulations
- Concho Valley Council of Governments 911
- Sutton County Hazard Mitigation Plan
- License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Sutton County On Site Sewage Facility / Designated Representative; Sutton County Commissioners Court before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sutton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sutton County, TX?
- Unincorporated Sutton County does not publish a general countywide building permit requirement for ordinary private construction. Verified county permit or approval controls posted online are: OSSF permits, subdivision/plat approvals, and 911 address assignment.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sutton County, TX?
- 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Sutton County and not inside Sonora city limits. 2. Determine which county-controlled approval applies: OSSF permitting, subdivision/plat approval, or 911 address assignment. 3. If the project uses an on-site sewage facility, contact the county Designated Representative, Charles McDonald, and complete the posted OSSF application packet. 4. If the project involves dividing land, use the county subdivision regulations and Commissioners Court process for plat review and approval. 5. If a new addressed site or private road is involved, coordinate 911 address assignment through the county / CVCOG 911 program. 6. Complete any required county review or inspection tied to the specific county program involved.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sutton County, TX?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: County main: (325) 387-2711; OSSF direct: (325) 456-4607, County Courthouse, 300 E Oak St, Sonora, TX 76950.
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