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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Hartley County.

Hartley County's official site publishes a local application to install an on-site sewage facility and a county septic-installer list. OSSF work is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285. The county website does not publish a general countywide building-permit program, floodplain permit materials, or a locally adopted ICC building-code edition; City of Dalhart or other municipal requirements may apply within incorporated areas.

Inspection lane

Obtain the county's six-page Application to Install On-Site Sewage Facility from the Hartley County Judge's page, submit it with the required planning and site-evaluation materials, and confirm payment and inspection scheduling with the Judge's Office at 806-235-3442. The county publishes a list of local septic installers, while TCEQ's license database should be used to verify credentials. Do not begin OSSF construction before the permit and approved plan are issued, and obtain final approval before operating the system.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No Hartley County-specific building-work exemption list was located. Under TCEQ rules, an OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan. The state 10-acre exemption is limited to a qualifying single-family dwelling with a licensed site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, at least 100 feet from property lines, on-site effluent disposal, and no other dwelling on the tract. Defined emergency repairs may proceed if reported in writing within 72 hours, and grandfathered systems qualify only under the state age, condition, and no-significant-change criteria.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Obtain the county's six-page Application to Install On-Site Sewage Facility from the Hartley County Judge's page, submit it with the required planning and site-evaluation materials, and confirm payment and inspection scheduling with the Judge's Office at 806-235-3442. The county publishes a list of local septic installers, while TCEQ's license database should be used to verify credentials. Do not begin OSSF construction before the permit and approved plan are issued, and obtain final approval before operating the system.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

No verified planning reference link is listed; ask the agency for the parcel-specific source.

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Hartley County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Hartley County Judge's Office OSSF Program is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact Hartley County Judge's Office: 806-235-3442; TCEQ OSSF general questions: 512-239-3799 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.

How are inspections scheduled?

Obtain the county's six-page Application to Install On-Site Sewage Facility from the Hartley County Judge's page, submit it with the required planning and site-evaluation materials, and confirm payment and inspection scheduling with the Judge's Office at 806-235-3442. The county publishes a list of local septic installers, while TCEQ's license database should be used to verify credentials. Do not begin OSSF construction before the permit and approved plan are issued, and obtain final approval before operating the system.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Hartley County's official site publishes a local application to install an on-site sewage facility and a county septic-installer list. OSSF work is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285. The county website does not publish a general countywide building-permit program, floodplain permit materials, or a locally adopted ICC building-code edition; City of Dalhart or other municipal requirements may apply within incorporated areas. No Hartley County-specific building-work exemption list was located. Under TCEQ rules, an OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan. The state 10-acre exemption is limited to a qualifying single-family dwelling with a licensed site evaluation, no nuisance or groundwater pollution, at least 100 feet from property lines, on-site effluent disposal, and no other dwelling on the tract. Defined emergency repairs may proceed if reported in writing within 72 hours, and grandfathered systems qualify only under the state age, condition, and no-significant-change criteria.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.