Falls County, Texas Building Permit Guide

Falls County’s website lists no county building permit or building inspector. For rural land, the county’s permit is for septic systems: the application costs $500 ($525 for an aerobic system) and is filed with the County Clerk in Marlin, and plats are needed for small-lot residential subdivisions. Marlin, Rosebud and Golinda publish their own permit processes.

What needs a county permit in Falls County?

The county’s site has no floodplain permit page either. Farm-to-market roads and state highways belong to TxDOT, whose Marlin office is at 254-883-3462; county roads and culverts are handled by Road & Bridge and the commissioner for each precinct.

Who issues permits in Falls County?

The County Clerk is in Room 202 of the Falls County Courthouse, 125 Bridge Street, Marlin, TX 76661 (P.O. Box 458), phone 254-883-1408. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Septic permits in rural Falls County

The county has no trade permits; electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits exist only where a city issues them. What the county does permit is the septic system. Its 2026 application packet sets out the steps:

• Pick up the application at the County Clerk’s office.
• Have a qualified person carry out the required site and soil evaluation.
• Include a copy of the deed or other proof of ownership with the owner’s name and address.
• Proprietary and non-standard systems must be designed by a registered sanitarian or professional engineer.
• File the application and technical information sheet in the property owner’s name, with two copies of the drawings, the soil evaluation and directions to the site, and send a copy to your licensed installer.

Falls County fees and review

Every septic application costs $500, and aerobic systems add $25 for the affidavit to the public, for $525 in total. A re-inspection costs $250, half the permit fee, and is paid by the installer. Fees are paid once all forms and designs are in, are non-refundable, and are taken by cashier’s check or money order according to the packet; the Clerk’s page also lists cash, checks with ID and cards.

The county’s designated representative reviews the plans and application, including non-standard designs. When they are approved, the county issues an Authorization to Construct, valid for one year from issue.

Septic inspections

The installation must be inspected before the system is covered. Call the office at least 5 working days ahead to book it (the On-Site Sewage Inspector is at 254-883-0298). After a successful inspection, the owner receives a Notice of Approval within about 5 working days, and every fee must be paid before it is issued.

The county does not inspect buildings. In Marlin, Rosebud and Golinda, building inspections are arranged through the city that issued the permit.

Subdividing land in Falls County

The Commissioners Court’s Model Subdivision Rules, adopted in 2008 under the Local Government Code and the Texas Water Code, apply outside city limits to any division of land that creates two or more lots of 5 acres or less for homes. Those lots need a recorded plat, and the rules aim to make sure each lot has adequate water and wastewater service. Lots of 5 acres or less are treated as residential unless the plat and deeds restrict them to other uses. The full rules are on the County Clerk’s forms list.

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

Falls County permit search and official resources

• Falls County Government
• Falls County Clerk: septic and subdivision documents
• Falls County septic application packet (2026)
• Falls County Subdivision Rules
• Falls County Road & Bridge
• City of Marlin Permit Department
• City of Rosebud
• City of Golinda permits

Falls County permit FAQs

Do I need a building permit to build a house in rural Falls County?

The county lists no building permit or building inspector. You will need a county septic permit if the house uses a septic system.

How much is a septic permit in Falls County?

$500 for any system, $525 for an aerobic system, and $250 for each re-inspection.

Where do I apply for a septic permit?

At the County Clerk’s office, Room 202 of the courthouse at 125 Bridge Street in Marlin (254-883-1408). Questions go to the On-Site Sewage Inspector at 254-883-0298.

Who issues building permits in Marlin?

The City of Marlin Permit & Inspection Department, at 254-883-1450 option 6 or permits@marlintx.net.

Do I need a plat to split my land?

Outside city limits, yes, if the split creates two or more lots of 5 acres or less intended for homes.

Simplify Falls 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 Falls County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.