Bastrop County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Bastrop County. Note: Bastrop County does not issue building permits or certificates of occupancy in the unincorporated area. The county operates Development Services and issues development permits (floodplain, driveway, OSSF/septic). For residential single-family and duplex work covered by HB 2833, the county imposes limited building-code requirements but does not perform inspections.

Department

Bastrop County Development Services

Address

211 Jackson Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602

Phone

(512) 581-7176

Email

development.services@co.bastrop.tx.us

Website

https://www.bastropcounty.gov/page/ds.home

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project is in unincorporated Bastrop County and whether it needs a county development permit, OSSF permit, driveway permit, floodplain authorization, or only private compliance with the county's limited residential code rules.
2. For external development, prepare the county application materials. At minimum: proof of ownership, a dimensioned site plan showing proposed improvements and existing structures, and a copy of a survey or plat.
3. Submit through MyGovernmentOnline. Bastrop County implemented MyGovernmentOnline on January 7, 2021 for permit applications and supporting documents.
4. If wastewater service is unavailable, submit the development permit and OSSF permit concurrently.
5. If the project is a new single-family house or duplex, or a qualifying large addition in the unincorporated area, ensure the work substantially conforms either to the 2006 IRC or the residential code applicable in the City of Bastrop, at the builder's option under HB 2833.
6. Arrange the required private inspections for covered residential construction. Bastrop County is not involved in the inspection process; the builder must hire a qualified inspector.
7. Maintain inspection records. The county states there is no requirement to provide those reports to Bastrop County.

Typical processing time: Not specified by county

Source: Bastrop County Development Services

General Requirements

A development permit is needed for any development as defined by the county's Flood Damage Prevention Order. The county does not issue building permits or certificates of occupancy. Only external development requires a permit; interior renovations on existing footprints do not require a county development permit.

Required Documents

• Proof of ownership
• Dimensioned site plan showing proposed improvements and existing structures
• Survey or plat
• Additional supporting materials as requested by county

Permit validity

Development and driveway permits expire if construction is not completed within 3 years after issuance. A one-time 180-day extension may be granted if requested 30 days before expiration. OSSF permits have separate 1-year expiration rules.

Building code

Limited residential code requirements apply only to new single-family houses, duplexes, and certain large additions. Builders may use either the 2006 IRC or the residential code applicable in the City of Bastrop. No county building codes for other uses.

Owner-builder

The county page does not publish a separate owner-builder affidavit because the county does not issue building permits.

Contractor requirements

For HB 2833 residential work, inspections must be performed by a licensed engineer, registered architect, licensed professional inspector, qualifying plumbing inspector, building inspector employed by a political subdivision, or ICC-certified residential combination inspector.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Varies by permit type. See county Development Services page for current fee table.

Payment note

MyGovernmentOnline allows customers to upload permit applications and supporting documents and communicate with staff; specific online payment notes were not identified in the reviewed material.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Interior building renovations on existing footprints do not require a county development permit
• Accessory buildings 25 square feet or less do not require a county development permit unless placed on a foundation or constructed within the floodplain

Important: Even though the county does not issue building permits, external development in the unincorporated area may still require a county development permit, floodplain review, driveway permit, and/or OSSF permit. Confirm with Development Services before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (512) 581-7176 (phone)
• development.services@co.bastrop.tx.us (email)

Typical inspection sequence: For HB 2833 residential construction: foundation stage before concrete placement; framing and mechanical systems stage before drywall or similar wall covering; completion of construction. For remodeling, inspections are performed as necessary based on project scope. Builder must contract privately with a qualified inspector.

Not applicable; inspections are private, not county-performed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Limited residential code requirements apply only to new single-family houses, duplexes, and certain large additions. Builders may use either the 2006 IRC or the residential code applicable in the City of Bastrop. No county building codes for other uses.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 Subchapter F
• Development Services FAQ
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub