Codes, exemptions & field inspections
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
Montague County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and FEMA/NFIP standards for development in special flood hazard areas; Montague County OSSF Order adopted August 11, 2025 and 30 TAC Chapter 285; Montague County Subdivision Regulations adopted May 28, 2024. No general county structural building-code edition was published for unincorporated one-to-four-family construction in 2026.
Inspection lane
For septic work, submit the county application, site and soil evaluation, approved design, plat or survey, and fee to the Sewage Inspector; after installation and before covering, arrange inspection with Mike Preuninger at 940-531-2179. Floodplain applicants submit the packet and any required elevation, floodproofing, or no-rise certificates to the Floodplain Administrator; county representatives inspect during construction and at completion, and the development may not be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
Minor-work playbook
A floodplain permit is required for development of any kind in a mapped special flood hazard area, including new buildings, additions, small accessory structures, clearing, fill, grading, mining, dredging, drilling, roads, parking, storage, drainage work, and individual water or sewer systems; the county publishes no cosmetic-work exemption inside the floodplain. OSSF materials require county approval before any physical component is installed and set minimum lots of one acre with public water or two acres with a private well for each single-family residence.
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
Request with lead time
For septic work, submit the county application, site and soil evaluation, approved design, plat or survey, and fee to the Sewage Inspector; after installation and before covering, arrange inspection with Mike Preuninger at 940-531-2179. Floodplain applicants submit the packet and any required elevation, floodproofing, or no-rise certificates to the Floodplain Administrator; county representatives inspect during construction and at completion, and the development may not be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
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.
Planning reference
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
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.
Project questions
Montague County Sewage Inspector and Emergency Management/Floodplain Administration is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
No verified online portal was located in the reviewed public materials. Contact Sewage Inspector Mike Preuninger: 940-531-2179; Emergency Management Coordinator/Floodplain contact: 940-841-1336; County Judge: 940-894-2401 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.
The county will approve or deny an OSSF application within 30 days; resolving deficiencies may take up to 30 days, and a denial is issued in writing. No fixed floodplain-review time is published. A floodplain permit expires if work does not commence within six months.
For septic work, submit the county application, site and soil evaluation, approved design, plat or survey, and fee to the Sewage Inspector; after installation and before covering, arrange inspection with Mike Preuninger at 940-531-2179. Floodplain applicants submit the packet and any required elevation, floodproofing, or no-rise certificates to the Floodplain Administrator; county representatives inspect during construction and at completion, and the development may not be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
Montague County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and FEMA/NFIP standards for development in special flood hazard areas; Montague County OSSF Order adopted August 11, 2025 and 30 TAC Chapter 285; Montague County Subdivision Regulations adopted May 28, 2024. No general county structural building-code edition was published for unincorporated one-to-four-family construction in 2026. A floodplain permit is required for development of any kind in a mapped special flood hazard area, including new buildings, additions, small accessory structures, clearing, fill, grading, mining, dredging, drilling, roads, parking, storage, drainage work, and individual water or sewer systems; the county publishes no cosmetic-work exemption inside the floodplain. OSSF materials require county approval before any physical component is installed and set minimum lots of one acre with public water or two acres with a private well for each single-family residence.
Field sequencing matters
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.