Comanche County, Texas Building Permit Guide

Comanche County publishes no building permit for houses or other buildings outside city limits. What it does permit is septic systems, through the On-Site Sewage Facility program run from the County Judge’s office (a standard system costs $350), and the division of land, under subdivision regulations adopted on April 26, 2021. Inside the city of Comanche, the City issues building permits from $25, while De Leon states it has no building codes.

Who issues permits in Comanche County?

The County’s forms page lists two construction-related programs: septic (OSSF) applications, filed with the County Judge’s office, and subdivision plats, filed with the County Clerk. It publishes no county building permit, building inspection or zoning process. The three incorporated places handle construction in town differently:

Septic permits in rural Comanche County

A permit is needed to construct, alter, repair, extend or operate an on-site sewage facility in the county. TCEQ lists Comanche County as its septic agent for the entire county, so the same program covers a septic system inside Comanche, De Leon or Gustine. The steps the County publishes:

• Get the application from the County Judge’s office or the County website.
• Have a licensed site evaluator carry out a full site evaluation and write up the soil and site conditions.
• Have the planning materials prepared: the owner or installer may prepare a standard system, but non-standard and proprietary systems need a professional engineer or professional sanitarian.
• File the application, technical information sheet, site evaluation, planning materials, site drawing, a copy of the deed, any recorded affidavit and maintenance contract, and directions to the site, with the fee, at the County Judge’s office.
• The County Inspector reviews the plans; non-standard designs may also go to TCEQ regional staff in Abilene.
• An Authorization to Construct is issued, valid for one year.

Comanche County fees

OSSF fees are non-refundable and must be paid by cash or check made out to Comanche County; each includes the $10 state TCEQ fee.

In the city of Comanche, the City’s fee list (updated October 16, 2023) charges $50, $75 or $100 for a new house of up to 500, 501–1,500 or more than 1,500 sq ft, and $75, $100 or $125 for new commercial buildings in the same size bands. Every other building permit is $25, demolition is $25 plus a $250 deposit, and a sign permit or special use variance is $150.

Inspections and land division rules

The County inspects septic systems, not buildings. The installer must notify the County Inspector at least 5 working days before the construction inspection, and every excavation must stay open until the inspection is done. If the system passes, the owner receives a Notice of Approval. The subdivision regulations add that septic tanks must be inspected by a licensed sanitarian, professional engineer or designated TCEQ agent before, during and after construction, and that only one habitable structure may be connected to each septic system.

Dividing a tract outside city limits into two or more parts with lots or streets requires a plat approved by Commissioners Court. Start with an informal pre-application meeting with the precinct commissioner, County Judge and County Attorney. Lots served by septic must be at least one acre with a community water system and two acres without one, and soil tests for at least 10% of the tracts must accompany the plat. Inside the city of Comanche, a variance or special use needs Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council approval before work starts.

Texas building code

Texas has no single statewide building code: state law makes the International Residential Code the base code for homes in cities and the International Building Code the base for commercial buildings, with each city choosing the edition and its own amendments, while the National Electrical Code and the energy code apply statewide. Outside city limits most counties issue no building permits for homes. Texas building code rules

Comanche County permit search and official resources

• Comanche County forms and regulations
• OSSF application requirements and fees
• OSSF application
• Comanche County Subdivision Regulations (2021)
• Comanche County Judge
• City of Comanche code enforcement forms
• City of Comanche permit and licensing fees
• City of De Leon: building permit FAQ
• TCEQ on-site sewage facility permits

Comanche County permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in rural Comanche County?

The County publishes no building permit for unincorporated land. A septic system does need an OSSF permit from the County Judge’s office.

How much is a septic permit in Comanche County?

$350 for a standard system and $450 for one that needs a maintenance contract; commercial systems are $500 and $650.

Does the City of Comanche require building permits?

Yes. The City’s Code Enforcement office issues them, with a site plan required for every permit; a new house costs $50 to $100 depending on size.

Do I need a building permit in De Leon?

No. The City of De Leon says it has no building codes in place.

What is the minimum lot size for a septic system in a new subdivision?

One acre where a community water system serves the lot, and two acres where it does not.

Simplify Comanche County permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Texas. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Comanche County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.