Zapata County has no incorporated cities, so every project falls under the County, which issues no building permit and publishes no building code. What it does require: a zoning permit from the County’s Zoning Administrator for building, grading or changing the use of land in the Falcon Lake Area (which includes Zapata and San Ygnacio), a floodplain development permit from the Projects Coordinator in flood hazard areas (956-765-9939), and a septic permit, since the County is the state’s authorized septic agent.
Who issues permits in Zapata County?
| Approval | Office |
|---|---|
| Zoning, sign and special use permits in the Falcon Lake Area | County Zoning Administrator; special use permits go to Commissioners Court and variances to the Board of Adjustment |
| Floodplain development permit | Projects Coordinator (floodplain administrator), Projects Office, 2nd floor of the courthouse, 200 E. 7th Avenue, Zapata; 956-765-9939 |
| Septic systems | Environmental Department, 2505 N. U.S. Hwy 83, Zapata; 956-765-6201. It inspects septic systems for compliance with state rules. |
| County water and sewer service | Water Plant (956-765-9975) and Sewer Plant (956-765-9977), 605 N. U.S. Hwy 83 |
| Fire Marshal | Zapata County Fire Department, 1207 FM 496 East; 956-765-9942 |
| Courthouse | 200 7th Ave, Zapata; 956-765-9920 |
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →The U.S. Census lists no incorporated city, town or village in Zapata County, so no municipal building department operates anywhere in the county.
Zoning permits around Falcon Lake
Commissioners Court adopted the Zapata County and Falcon Lake Area Zoning Regulations under the special state law that allows zoning around Falcon Lake; they took effect on January 1, 2010. Inside that area, land may not be cleared, graded or excavated, its use may not be changed, and no building or structure may be built, moved or altered without a permit under the regulations.
Permits under the zoning rules
- Zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator, who checks the plans against the district rules; the approved plans become part of the permit and work must follow them
- Special use permit from Commissioners Court after a public hearing, for uses that need one; no zoning permit is issued until it is granted
- Sign permit for any new, moved, enlarged or lighted sign
Extra reviews
- Property with a historic designation in San Ygnacio goes to the San Ygnacio National Historic District and Landmark Commission before a zoning permit is issued
- Variances and appeals go to the five-member Board of Adjustment; an approval lapses unless a zoning permit follows within a year
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →The regulations let Commissioners Court set fees for zoning, sign, home occupation and special use permits, amendments and variances by order; the fee is paid when the application is filed. In the suburban and agricultural district (T3A), no more than one residence is allowed per 10-acre tract. Zoning maps can be inspected at the County Road and Bridge office.
Flood zones in Zapata County
The County’s flood damage prevention ordinance took effect on July 17, 2012, with the flood maps for community 480687 dated the same day. A floodplain development permit is required for development in special flood hazard areas. The application goes to the Projects Coordinator with two scaled sets of plans showing existing and proposed structures, landscape changes and any manufactured home, and their elevations.
Septic systems and utilities
TCEQ lists Zapata County as an authorized agent for on-site sewage facilities, and the County’s Environmental Department inspects septic systems for compliance with the state rules. A permit and an approved plan are required before a septic system is built, altered or repaired. The County also runs its own water and sewer plants and has adopted grease trap and wastewater ordinances. The County water system has been under Stage III drought measures since April 27, 2020, limiting lawn irrigation to one day a week by address.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to start a project in Zapata County
Find out whether the lot is in the Falcon Lake Area and which district applies; T3A allows one home per 10 acres.
Submit the plans to the Zoning Administrator, with a special use permit first if the use needs one.
In a flood hazard area, file the floodplain development application with the Projects Office.
For a septic system, contact the Environmental Department, which inspects septic systems for the County; for county sewer, contact the Sewer Plant.
Development must follow the plans approved with the zoning permit.
Rather not deal with the Zapata County building department?
Get a free quote →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
Zapata County official resources
- Zapata County ordinances
- Zapata County and Falcon Lake Area Zoning Regulations (PDF)
- Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, 2012 (PDF)
- Zapata County Projects Office
- Zapata County Environmental Department
- Zapata County Sewer Plant
- Zapata County Water Plant
- TCEQ on-site sewage facility permits
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Zapata County permit FAQs
Do I need a building permit in Zapata County?
The County issues no building permit, but in the Falcon Lake Area, which includes Zapata and San Ygnacio, you need a county zoning permit before building, grading or changing a property’s use.
Is there a city building department in Zapata or San Ygnacio?
No. Neither is an incorporated city; both are governed by the County.
Who handles floodplain permits?
The County Projects Coordinator, at the Projects Office on the 2nd floor of the courthouse (956-765-9939).
Who inspects septic systems?
The Zapata County Environmental Department (956-765-6201); the County is TCEQ’s authorized septic agent.
How many homes can I build on rural land?
In zoning district T3A, no more than one residence per 10-acre tract.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Simplify Zapata 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.
Ready to break ground in Zapata County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Zapata County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Texas permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Zapata County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.