Census Bureau estimates for 2025 put 37,745 Harrison County residents in the unincorporated balance of the county. Marshall is the largest city (24,467), followed by Hallsville (4,895) and the Harrison County part of Longview (2,438); Waskom, Scottsville and Uncertain are the other incorporated places.
This guide covers Harrison County’s septic, floodplain, subdivision and right-of-way processes and the City of Marshall.
What requires a permit in Harrison County?
Outside city limits, most Texas counties issue no building permits for homes; the state licensing rules for electrical, A/C and plumbing work still apply.
- Septic (OSSF) systems: one permit per system from Harrison County Environmental Health.
- Floodplain development: residential and commercial floodplain permit applications are held by Road & Bridge.
- Pipes and utility lines in county road right-of-way: a Notice of Proposed Installation.
- Subdivisions and mobile home, RV or tiny home parks: a Subdivision Application to Environmental Health.
- Building in Marshall: city permits for residential and commercial construction.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in Harrison County?
Harrison County Environmental Health (septic): 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas 75672; (903) 935-4870 ext. 1362; fax (903) 938-0969.
Road & Bridge (County Engineer): 3800 Five Notch Road, Marshall, Texas 75672; (903) 935-4868. It holds the subdivision regulations and application, the Flood Damage Prevention Order and the floodplain permit applications.
Fire Marshal’s Office: 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, (903) 935-4870; fire investigations and day care and business inspections.
Marshall: Permits & Inspections, 401 S Alamo Blvd., Marshall, TX 75670 (mailing P.O. Box 698, Marshall, TX 75671), 903-934-7994. Applications and permit and license searches go through the city’s online portal.
Septic, floodplain and road rules in Harrison County
Septic
The county applies the ten-acre homeowner-install rule only to a single-family residence. If more than one home is placed on the ten-acre property it is treated as multifamily, and commercial or multifamily systems need a permit and a licensed installer.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Subdivisions and parks
A subdivision, mobile home, RV or tiny home park needs a Subdivision Application, a $50 fee and 8 attachments prepared by a Professional Sanitarian or Professional Engineer. Environmental Health approves or denies the planning materials in writing within 45 days; individual septic permits can be filed after that.
Floodplain
The residential floodplain packet needs a scaled site drawing, structure elevation drawings, a FEMA Elevation Certificate by a Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor, proof of ownership and directions to the site.
Road right-of-way
File a Notice of Proposed Installation with the Commissioners’ Court c/o the County Engineer, with two copies of drawings: one form per installation, typed, with an original signature.
Harrison County permit costs and fees
- OSSF permit: $360.00 single residence system; $560.00 commercial/multifamily; $360.00 proprietary/non-standard
- OSSF re-inspection after a failed inspection: half the permit fee, each time
- Residential floodplain development permit: $20.00
- Subdivision or park application: $50
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a septic permit in Harrison County
One permit per system.
After plan review an ATC is issued, valid for one year.
Call the office at least two working days ahead.
Follows within approximately 5 working days of a passed inspection.
Inspections in Harrison County
For a county floodplain permit the site is inspected before construction begins (call at least two working days ahead), and a final inspection is scheduled when construction is done; changes need approved as-built plans. Inside Marshall, Permits & Inspections performs the inspections for residential and commercial construction. In Marshall, the Zoning Board of Adjustments hears variance requests and the Planning and Zoning Commission reviews major development projects.
Rather not deal with the Harrison County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Harrison County permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Harrison County Environmental Health
- Harrison County OSSF permitting process
- Harrison County Road & Bridge
- How to apply for a residential floodplain permit
- Marshall Permits & Inspections
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Who issues septic permits in Harrison County?
Harrison County Environmental Health, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, (903) 935-4870 ext. 1362.
How long is a Harrison County Authorization to Construct valid?
One year.
What does a residential floodplain permit cost in Harrison County?
$20.00.
Simplify Harrison County permitting with Alliance Permitting
- Check whether the site is inside a city or on county land, and which office handles each permit there
- Prepare the county septic, floodplain, plat or road paperwork alongside any city building permit
- Track each approval and inspection through to the final sign-off
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →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.
Ready to break ground in Harrison County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Harrison County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Texas permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Harrison County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.