Hays County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Hays County, excluding incorporated city limits and Austin ETJ.

Department

Hays County Development Services and Hays County Fire Marshal's Office

Phone

512-393-2150

Website

https://www.hayscountytx.gov/permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine permit type (development, on-site sewage facility, food establishment, or junkyard).
2. Create a MyGovernmentOnline account and prepare required documentation.
3. Submit permit application electronically through the portal.
4. County Development Services and Fire Marshal's Office review application for completeness.
5. Applicant responds to any requested revisions or clarifications.
6. Permit is issued upon approval and payment of fees.
7. Schedule inspections through the portal; Fire Marshal inspections required for certain project types.

Typical processing time: Varies by project type; contact county for specific timelines.

Source: Hays County Development Services and Hays County Fire Marshal's Office

General Requirements

All development in unincorporated Hays County requires a county development permit. Development broadly includes buildings, swimming pools, sheds, slabs/foundations, fill, clearing, and similar land-modification work. Single-family dwellings, duplexes, and triplexes in the floodplain or subject to improvements require permits; interior renovation of single-family homes outside the floodplain may be exempt.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan or plat
• Construction plans
• Project description and scope
• Proof of ownership or authorization

Building code

International Fire Code (IFC); Fire Code applies to multifamily residential, public buildings, and commercial buildings. Fire Code does not apply to single-family dwellings, duplexes, or triplexes.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Interior renovation of single-family dwellings outside the floodplain (no permit required; however, confirm scope with Development Services)

Important: Exemption status depends on floodplain location and project scope. Applicants must verify project scope with Hays County Development Services before proceeding without a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MyGovernmentOnline portal (online)
• 512-393-2150 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection requirements vary by project type. Fire Marshal plan review and inspections apply to new commercial buildings, public buildings, multifamily residential projects, moved-in buildings, and substantial improvements subject to county fire code.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Fire Code (IFC); Fire Code applies to multifamily residential, public buildings, and commercial buildings. Fire Code does not apply to single-family dwellings, duplexes, or triplexes.
• Verify contractor license: TDLR License Lookup
• Floodplain Information
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub