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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 Midland County.

Midland County Flood Damage Prevention Regulations adopted in 1992 and the Monahans and South Draw Interim Flood Planning Framework adopted December 13, 2021; county OSSF requirements under 30 TAC Chapter 285. For addresses outside City of Midland limits, the county states that fire codes and building/fire-code permits, inspections, violations, and certificates of occupancy are handled by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office; the county does not publish specific structural or fire-code editions for 2026. The City Fire Marshal may instead enforce within the City's ETJ.

Inspection lane

For septic work, contact Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613 at least four working days before inspection and leave the system uncovered until it passes; no inspection is scheduled during the first 24 hours after application receipt. Floodplain projects may require a site plan and a surveyor- or engineer-signed elevation or floodproofing certificate returned to Public Works. State fire/building inspection requests use the State Fire Marshal contacts listed on the county Fire Marshal page.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

County guidance does not publish a minor-work exemption. It states that every person planning development in unincorporated Midland County must first obtain a floodplain permit; covered development includes buildings, additions and improvements, mobile-home placement, fill, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, storage, and changes to channels, ditches, or playa lakes. Verify City of Midland ETJ jurisdiction for the project address.

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

    For septic work, contact Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613 at least four working days before inspection and leave the system uncovered until it passes; no inspection is scheduled during the first 24 hours after application receipt. Floodplain projects may require a site plan and a surveyor- or engineer-signed elevation or floodproofing certificate returned to Public Works. State fire/building inspection requests use the State Fire Marshal contacts listed on the county Fire Marshal page.

  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 ↗Permit portalOpen 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 Midland County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Midland County Public Works, Midland Health Department, and Texas State Fire Marshal's Office 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?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact Public Works/Floodplain: 432-742-7370; City-County Health Department septic: 432-681-7613; State Fire Marshal: 512-676-6800.

How long might review take?

N/A for general floodplain review. OSSF authorization to construct is valid for one year, and the Health Department reserves at least 24 hours for initial application review before an inspection can be scheduled. Driveway and related Public Works permits are routed to Commissioners Court on its regular meeting cycle.

How are inspections scheduled?

For septic work, contact Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613 at least four working days before inspection and leave the system uncovered until it passes; no inspection is scheduled during the first 24 hours after application receipt. Floodplain projects may require a site plan and a surveyor- or engineer-signed elevation or floodproofing certificate returned to Public Works. State fire/building inspection requests use the State Fire Marshal contacts listed on the county Fire Marshal page.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Midland County Flood Damage Prevention Regulations adopted in 1992 and the Monahans and South Draw Interim Flood Planning Framework adopted December 13, 2021; county OSSF requirements under 30 TAC Chapter 285. For addresses outside City of Midland limits, the county states that fire codes and building/fire-code permits, inspections, violations, and certificates of occupancy are handled by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office; the county does not publish specific structural or fire-code editions for 2026. The City Fire Marshal may instead enforce within the City's ETJ. County guidance does not publish a minor-work exemption. It states that every person planning development in unincorporated Midland County must first obtain a floodplain permit; covered development includes buildings, additions and improvements, mobile-home placement, fill, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, storage, and changes to channels, ditches, or playa lakes. Verify City of Midland ETJ jurisdiction for the project address.

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.