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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 Lee County.

Lee County requires a development application for residential, commercial, oil/gas, pipeline, water, manufactured-home, and other development in unincorporated areas; individual structures over 100 square feet require a permit. Projects must receive either a floodplain exemption certificate or a permit under the Lee County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. In the FEMA 1%-annual-chance floodplain, residential lowest floors must be at or above BFE; nonresidential buildings must be elevated or floodproofed; foundations, materials, utilities, and backflow protection must meet the published flood standards and receive professional certification. Every OSSF must be permitted under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285. No general adopted county ICC code edition was found.

Inspection lane

Submit the completed development packet, survey, flood map, and—when any part of the site is in the floodplain—plans, specifications, latitude/longitude, elevation certificate, and required professional certifications to Development Services at permitting@co.lee.tx.us or call 979-212-8070. The applicant consents to county compliance inspections, must furnish any required elevation certificate within 10 business days after foundation completion, and may not occupy or use the development until a Certificate of Compliance is issued. For OSSF inspection, give at least three working days' advance notice and leave the installation uncovered until approval.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

An individual building of 100 square feet or less does not require the county development permit. County guidelines also list roofing, painting, general repair, livestock pens and fences, and remodels that do not change a structure's square footage as not requiring a development application. Development outside the mapped 100-year floodplain receives a floodplain exemption certificate rather than a floodplain permit. All septic systems must be permitted; no acreage exception is published locally.

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

    Submit the completed development packet, survey, flood map, and—when any part of the site is in the floodplain—plans, specifications, latitude/longitude, elevation certificate, and required professional certifications to Development Services at permitting@co.lee.tx.us or call 979-212-8070. The applicant consents to county compliance inspections, must furnish any required elevation certificate within 10 business days after foundation completion, and may not occupy or use the development until a Certificate of Compliance is issued. For OSSF inspection, give at least three working days' advance notice and leave the installation uncovered until approval.

  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 Lee County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Lee County Development Services Department 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 Lee County Development Services: 979-212-8070 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

N/A; no county review-duration target is published. The development/floodplain permit is valid for one year and must be renewed if work is not completed within that period. A complete OSSF application remains subject to the 30-day approval-or-denial period in 30 TAC Chapter 285.

How are inspections scheduled?

Submit the completed development packet, survey, flood map, and—when any part of the site is in the floodplain—plans, specifications, latitude/longitude, elevation certificate, and required professional certifications to Development Services at permitting@co.lee.tx.us or call 979-212-8070. The applicant consents to county compliance inspections, must furnish any required elevation certificate within 10 business days after foundation completion, and may not occupy or use the development until a Certificate of Compliance is issued. For OSSF inspection, give at least three working days' advance notice and leave the installation uncovered until approval.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Lee County requires a development application for residential, commercial, oil/gas, pipeline, water, manufactured-home, and other development in unincorporated areas; individual structures over 100 square feet require a permit. Projects must receive either a floodplain exemption certificate or a permit under the Lee County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. In the FEMA 1%-annual-chance floodplain, residential lowest floors must be at or above BFE; nonresidential buildings must be elevated or floodproofed; foundations, materials, utilities, and backflow protection must meet the published flood standards and receive professional certification. Every OSSF must be permitted under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285. No general adopted county ICC code edition was found. An individual building of 100 square feet or less does not require the county development permit. County guidelines also list roofing, painting, general repair, livestock pens and fences, and remodels that do not change a structure's square footage as not requiring a development application. Development outside the mapped 100-year floodplain receives a floodplain exemption certificate rather than a floodplain permit. All septic systems must be permitted; no acreage exception is published locally.

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.