Wilson County, Texas Building Permit Guide

Census Vintage 2025 estimates put Wilson County at 56,139 people, 42,025 of them in the unincorporated balance; Floresville has 9,105, Poth 2,014, La Vernia 1,499 and Stockdale 1,494.

This guide covers Wilson County’s development, septic, right-of-way, subdivision and fire code rules and the City of Floresville.

What requires a permit in Wilson County?

Wilson County will not authorize a septic system until the development permit is approved and the 911 address is verified by the 911 Addressing Department. The development permit needs a drainage study if the development footprint is three (3) acres or more, and an elevation certificate if a structure is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Outside the mapped floodplain the county issues a Development Permit Exemption Certificate, which recommends a floor elevation of at least two (2) feet above natural ground where no clearly defined channel exists.

On October 27, 2025 the county adopted a county Fire Code, the 2021 International Fire Code and its appendices, with permits, approvals and inspection fees. Private improvements in county road rights-of-way are governed by the PIPROW regulations approved by Commissioners Court on April 27, 2026.

Who handles permitting in Wilson County?

Permitting & Development (Development Director Luz Serrato): development permits, septic and food inspections and driveway inspections, all on 830-393-8357. Courthouse Annex II, 800 Tenth Street, Bldg B, Floresville; Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch) and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; fax 830-393-8379.

Fire Marshal Carl Fowner, Emergency Operations Center, 802 10th St., Floresville, 830-259-5612. Residents outside city limits request and pay for Fire Marshal permits online at WCFMOpermits.com.

Floresville (county seat): the Buildings & Permits department reviews plans and processes permits under the International Building Code and Residential Code; City Hall 1120 D Street, (830) 393-3105.

Flood zones and subdivisions in Wilson County

In Zone A of the flood hazard area, the base flood elevation must be set by a Texas-licensed surveyor or engineer, and commercial structures must schedule a Fire Safety meeting before the development permit is approved. The current Subdivision and Development Rules and Regulations were approved by Commissioners Court on April 13, 2026.

Wilson County permit costs and fees

• County development permit: $100 per application
• Floresville building permit by declared valuation: $1,000 to $15,000 is $100.00; $100,001 to $500,000 is $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 per additional $1,000
• Floresville plumbing, electrical and mechanical: $100.00 per trade
• Floresville general contractor registration $100.00; plumbing contractor registration $0.00; after-hours inspections $47.00/hour (minimum 2 hours)

Septic authorization and inspections

A Wilson County OSSF authorization to construct is valid for twelve months; if the final inspection is not done within one year, a new application and fee are required.

Official Wilson County permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Wilson County Permitting & Development
• Wilson County development permit
• Wilson County septic permit
• Wilson County Fire Marshal
• Floresville Buildings & Permits

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a development permit for a septic system in Wilson County?

Yes. The county will not authorize a septic system until the development permit is approved and the 911 address is verified.

Does Wilson County have a fire code?

Yes. It adopted the 2021 International Fire Code on October 27, 2025; permits are requested online at WCFMOpermits.com.

How long is a Wilson County septic authorization valid?

Twelve months.

Simplify Wilson 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

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