Wise County, Texas Building Permit Guide

Census Vintage 2025 estimates put Wise County at 83,778 people, 52,506 of them in the unincorporated balance; Decatur has 9,029, Bridgeport 6,915, Boyd 2,546 and Runaway Bay 2,212.

This guide covers Wise County’s septic, engineering, plat and fire marshal roles and the City of Decatur.

What requires a permit in Wise 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): a permit from Environmental Services. Since February 3, 1997 the minimum lot is 1 acre with public water and 2 acres with a private well; a smaller lot needs a warranty deed showing it existed before then.
• Driveways, floodplain development and gas pipeline/utility lines: permits from the County Engineer.
• Land divisions: since May 15, 2000, land divided into tracts of 10 acres or less is referred for platting.

Who handles permitting in Wise County?

Environmental Services (Public Works): 2901 S FM 51, Building 100, Decatur; 940-627-9332; Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

County Engineer Chad Davis, P.E., C.F.M.: 2901 S FM 51, Building 200, Decatur, (940) 273 7289. The office also publishes the county’s Right of Way Standards.

Platting department: 940-627-6135.

Fire Marshal’s Office: under the County Judge, it lists fire code enforcement among its primary functions in unincorporated Wise County.

Decatur: Development Services, 1601 S State St., (940) 393-0250, Monday-Friday 8AM to 5PM; Director and Chief Building Official Wayne Smith. Permits, fees and inspections run through GovWell after contractor registration. The city has used the 2021 International codes (IBC, IRC, IFC and others) with the 2023 National Electric Code and NCTCOG amendments since January 1, 2025.

Plats and floodplain permits in Wise County

Plats are reviewed by Public Works, Engineering and the precinct commissioner, recommended by the Public Works Director, County Engineer and commissioner, approved at Commissioners Court, then filed by the owner/developer (Development Services/Public Works (940)627-9332). To record a final plat, the County Clerk needs two reproducible (Mylar) copies and four blue line copies, on an 18-inch by 24-inch sheet, with certified tax certificates from all taxing authorities.

For a floodplain development permit, no work may start until it is issued, it expires if work does not begin within six months, and the development cannot be used until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.

Wise County septic fees

• Standard system $360; aerobic (or anything needing testing) $560; non-profit $10.00
• Alter/extend/replace/repair: half the current fee; re-inspections $100.00

A septic permit expires one year from the date of payment.

Inspections in Decatur

City inspections are scheduled in GovWell or on the inspection line (940) 393-0259; requests made before 3:30 pm are scheduled for the next business day.

Official Wise County permitting resources

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

• Wise County Environmental Services
• How to obtain a Wise County septic permit
• Wise County Engineer
• Wise County plat submittals
• Decatur inspections

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum lot for a septic system in Wise County?

1 acre with public water, 2 acres with a private well, unless a warranty deed shows the lot existed before February 3, 1997.

Who issues driveway permits in Wise County?

The County Engineer, (940) 273 7289.

Does Wise County have a fire marshal?

Yes. The Fire Marshal’s Office lists fire code enforcement among its primary functions in unincorporated Wise County.

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