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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 Johnson County.

Johnson County requires a development permit before any new residential, commercial, or manufactured-home development begins in unincorporated areas. Its 2019 Flood Damage Prevention Order defines development broadly to include buildings, structures, mining, dredging, fill, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, storage, and floodplain fences; flood-zone projects may require form-board surveys and elevation certificates. Development Services also administers OSSF review and inspections under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285, plus the subdivision, drainage, infrastructure, road, right-of-way, stormwater, junkyard, and slaughterhouse requirements applicable to a project. The county expressly states that it does not require or perform general building-code inspections or issue certificates of occupancy; incorporated-city projects must follow the relevant municipality's building requirements. No countywide ICC structural-code edition is published.

Inspection lane

Email complete PDF applications and supporting documents to development@johnsoncountytx.org; photographs of documents are not accepted. The current residential packet requires the recorded deed, sealed survey or filed plat, assigned 911 address, site plan and project details, plus any applicable driveway, ETJ, floodplain, stormwater, well, or OSSF documentation. Development Services contacts the applicant after approval or if more information is needed. Obtain and visibly post the yellow permit before construction. For OSSF work, submit the applicable residential or commercial application and planning materials, await authorization, leave the installation uncovered, and coordinate the county inspection at 817-556-6380.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No general cosmetic-work exemption list is published. The county development permit applies to any new development in unincorporated Johnson County; an accessory development without plumbing has a separate reduced fee, not a permit exemption. Incorporated-city projects are directed to the municipality, and city extraterritorial-jurisdiction platting may also apply. OSSF permit exceptions under state minimum rules should not be assumed without Development Services confirmation, because local requirements and site conditions control.

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

    Email complete PDF applications and supporting documents to development@johnsoncountytx.org; photographs of documents are not accepted. The current residential packet requires the recorded deed, sealed survey or filed plat, assigned 911 address, site plan and project details, plus any applicable driveway, ETJ, floodplain, stormwater, well, or OSSF documentation. Development Services contacts the applicant after approval or if more information is needed. Obtain and visibly post the yellow permit before construction. For OSSF work, submit the applicable residential or commercial application and planning materials, await authorization, leave the installation uncovered, and coordinate the county inspection at 817-556-6380.

  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.

Open planning reference ↗

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 ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Johnson County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Johnson County Development Services 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 817-556-6380; fax 817-556-6391 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?

Email complete PDF applications and supporting documents to development@johnsoncountytx.org; photographs of documents are not accepted. The current residential packet requires the recorded deed, sealed survey or filed plat, assigned 911 address, site plan and project details, plus any applicable driveway, ETJ, floodplain, stormwater, well, or OSSF documentation. Development Services contacts the applicant after approval or if more information is needed. Obtain and visibly post the yellow permit before construction. For OSSF work, submit the applicable residential or commercial application and planning materials, await authorization, leave the installation uncovered, and coordinate the county inspection at 817-556-6380.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Johnson County requires a development permit before any new residential, commercial, or manufactured-home development begins in unincorporated areas. Its 2019 Flood Damage Prevention Order defines development broadly to include buildings, structures, mining, dredging, fill, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, storage, and floodplain fences; flood-zone projects may require form-board surveys and elevation certificates. Development Services also administers OSSF review and inspections under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285, plus the subdivision, drainage, infrastructure, road, right-of-way, stormwater, junkyard, and slaughterhouse requirements applicable to a project. The county expressly states that it does not require or perform general building-code inspections or issue certificates of occupancy; incorporated-city projects must follow the relevant municipality's building requirements. No countywide ICC structural-code edition is published. No general cosmetic-work exemption list is published. The county development permit applies to any new development in unincorporated Johnson County; an accessory development without plumbing has a separate reduced fee, not a permit exemption. Incorporated-city projects are directed to the municipality, and city extraterritorial-jurisdiction platting may also apply. OSSF permit exceptions under state minimum rules should not be assumed without Development Services confirmation, because local requirements and site conditions control.

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.