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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 Presidio County.

Presidio County requires a county floodplain development permit and applies FEMA flood-hazard maps and best available flood data to residential and nonresidential new construction, substantial improvements, fill placement, and alteration of waterways or drainage courses. The county OSSF Order and 30 TAC Chapter 285 govern new, modified, and repaired septic systems. Border-county subdivision compliance under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, Subchapter B, also requires qualifying property outside Marfa and Presidio city limits to obtain a county Certificate of Compliance before new utility service. No general county structural building-code edition was published for unincorporated construction in 2026.

Inspection lane

For floodplain review, submit the signed development application and a vicinity map; if the site is in a floodplain, include one copy of construction plans and specifications. For OSSF work, submit the application, fee, licensed site/soil evaluation, technical sheet, two copies of planning materials, and accurate directions to the County Judge and Designated Representative. After Authorization to Construct, contact Ruben Carrasco at 432-229-3528 or 432-386-0971 at least seven working days before the required inspection. Do not cover the system before inspection.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No county minor-structure or cosmetic-work exemption list was published. The floodplain administrator may issue an exemption certificate when the proposed site is outside an identified special flood-hazard area, but that certificate does not waive other federal, state, or local permits. The county's current OSSF packet does not publish an acreage-based permit exemption; applicants should obtain a county determination before septic work.

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 floodplain review, submit the signed development application and a vicinity map; if the site is in a floodplain, include one copy of construction plans and specifications. For OSSF work, submit the application, fee, licensed site/soil evaluation, technical sheet, two copies of planning materials, and accurate directions to the County Judge and Designated Representative. After Authorization to Construct, contact Ruben Carrasco at 432-229-3528 or 432-386-0971 at least seven working days before the required inspection. Do not cover the system before inspection.

  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 Presidio County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Presidio County Floodplain Administrator and OSSF Designated Representative 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 Presidio County Judge/Floodplain office: 432-729-4452; OSSF Designated Representative and Road and Bridge Supervisor Ruben Carrasco: 432-229-3528 or 432-386-0971 and request the current application route before preparing a final submittal.

How long might review take?

After a successful OSSF inspection, the county states that a Notice of Approval is issued in approximately seven working days. OSSF Authorization to Construct is valid for one year. The floodplain development permit is also valid for one year and must be renewed if work is not completed in that period. No initial floodplain or OSSF application-review time was published.

How are inspections scheduled?

For floodplain review, submit the signed development application and a vicinity map; if the site is in a floodplain, include one copy of construction plans and specifications. For OSSF work, submit the application, fee, licensed site/soil evaluation, technical sheet, two copies of planning materials, and accurate directions to the County Judge and Designated Representative. After Authorization to Construct, contact Ruben Carrasco at 432-229-3528 or 432-386-0971 at least seven working days before the required inspection. Do not cover the system before inspection.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Presidio County requires a county floodplain development permit and applies FEMA flood-hazard maps and best available flood data to residential and nonresidential new construction, substantial improvements, fill placement, and alteration of waterways or drainage courses. The county OSSF Order and 30 TAC Chapter 285 govern new, modified, and repaired septic systems. Border-county subdivision compliance under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232, Subchapter B, also requires qualifying property outside Marfa and Presidio city limits to obtain a county Certificate of Compliance before new utility service. No general county structural building-code edition was published for unincorporated construction in 2026. No county minor-structure or cosmetic-work exemption list was published. The floodplain administrator may issue an exemption certificate when the proposed site is outside an identified special flood-hazard area, but that certificate does not waive other federal, state, or local permits. The county's current OSSF packet does not publish an acreage-based permit exemption; applicants should obtain a county determination before septic work.

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.