Val Verde County, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Building and sign permits are issued in the Amistad land use area only. Outside that narrower area, no verified countywide general building-permit program exists. The county also controls Certificates of Compliance for utility connections, Letters of Non Applicability, OSSF permits, plat review, and floodplain administration.

Department

Health Department / Risk Management

Address

207 E. Losoya Street, Del Rio, TX 78840

Phone

(830) 774-7569 or (830) 774-7570

Website

https://valverdecounty.texas.gov/171/Health-Department-Risk-Management

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the property is in the Amistad land use and zoning order area. Building and sign permits are only required in this area.
2. For Amistad-area building permits, prepare the zoning application for determination of compliance and permit to use or build, plus the required plot plan and supporting ownership and survey materials.
3. Submit required building-permit documentation to Health Department / Risk Management, including a survey (if 5 acres or less), complete building plans, plot design showing all structures, legal description, proof of legal owner, and floodplain delineation if applicable. Include a $100 fee by check or money order.
4. The county completes the application form and requires both homeowner and contractor signatures. County staff verifies survey pins, batter boards, and plot design before issuing the permit.
5. For utility-related approvals, apply separately for a Certificate of Compliance or Letter of Non Applicability with legal description, proof of ownership, AEP ESI number if applicable, and a $50 fee.
6. For OSSF permits, installers must submit the completed application, plot design, septic and potable-water-source locations, complete site evaluation and system design, plus the applicable fee.
7. For residential construction or placement, the residence must be inspected prior to occupancy.

Source: Health Department / Risk Management

General Requirements

Building and sign permits are required in the Amistad land use and zoning order area only. Outside that area, no verified countywide general building-permit program exists. Verified county controls also include Certificates of Compliance before power-company electrical service connections, Letters of Non Applicability, OSSF permits, plat review, and floodplain administration. For unincorporated residential projects in county-regulated areas, Texas HB 2833 private-inspection rules may be a state-law overlay worth confirming with county counsel or the county engineer.

Required Documents

• Survey (if 5 acres or less)
• Complete building plans
• Plot design showing all structures
• Legal description
• Proof of legal owner
• Delineation of 100-year floodplain if present
• Zoning application information (lot size, flood-zone information, parking information, private-water or sewage-facility information)
• Legal-size plot plan drawn to scale

Owner-builder

The county building-permit requirement sheet states the office will need both homeowner and contractor signatures.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Permit fee formula

Building permit in Amistad land use and zoning order area: flat $100; Certificate of Compliance / Letter of Non Applicability: flat $50; OSSF residential: flat $250; OSSF commercial: flat $400

Payment note

County requirement sheets specify check or money order for the $100 building-permit fee, $50 Certificate of Compliance / Letter of Non Applicability fee, and OSSF fees.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Health Department / Risk Management to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: For Amistad-area building permits, county staff verifies survey pins, batter boards, and plot design before permit issuance. For residences being constructed or placed on the property, inspection prior to occupancy is required. For Certificate of Compliance and Letter of Non Applicability requests, a field technician will verify the property. OSSF review requires the installer package before permit issuance.

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Directory
• Building Permit Application
• List of Documents Needed for Building Permit
• Certificate of Compliance Application
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Val Verde County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building and sign permits are required in the Amistad land use and zoning order area only. Outside that area, no verified countywide general building-permit program exists. Verified county controls also include Certificates of Compliance before power-company electrical service connections, Letters of Non Applicability, OSSF permits, plat review, and floodplain administration. For unincorporated residential projects in county-regulated areas, Texas HB 2833 private-inspection rules may be a state-law overlay worth confirming with county counsel or the county engineer.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Val Verde County, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Building permit in Amistad land use and zoning order area: flat $100; Certificate of Compliance / Letter of Non Applicability: flat $50; OSSF residential: flat $250; OSSF commercial: flat $400.

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

1. Determine whether the property is in the Amistad land use and zoning order area. Building and sign permits are only required in this area. 2. For Amistad-area building permits, prepare the zoning application for determination of compliance and permit to use or build, plus the required plot plan and supporting ownership and survey materials. 3. Submit required building-permit documentation to Health Department / Risk Management, including a survey (if 5 acres or less), complete building plans, plot design showing all structures, legal description, proof of legal owner, and floodplain delineation if applicable. Include a $100 fee by check or money order. 4. The county completes the application form and requires both homeowner and contractor signatures. County staff verifies survey pins, batter boards, and plot design before issuing the permit. 5. For utility-related approvals, apply separately for a Certificate of Compliance or Letter of Non Applicability with legal description, proof of ownership, AEP ESI number if applicable, and a $50 fee. 6. For OSSF permits, installers must submit the completed application, plot design, septic and potable-water-source locations, complete site evaluation and system design, plus the applicable fee. 7. For residential construction or placement, the residence must be inspected prior to occupancy.