Do Texas counties have zoning?

Generally, no. Texas counties have limited land-use authority that does not include general zoning. Travis County, for example, states that it cannot regulate whether land is used for residential, business or industrial purposes, and cannot limit the height, size or number of buildings on a lot or the number of homes per acre. Counties can still regulate subdivision platting, road and drainage standards, and septic systems. A few narrow exceptions exist, such as limited zoning authority granted to certain counties around specific lakes. Because of these limits, land in unincorporated areas, outside city limits and free of deed restrictions, is usually where buyers have the most freedom, but permits still apply.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• County PowersTravis County, Texas
• What You Need to Know About Land-Use Restrictions in TexasTexas A&M Real Estate Research Center
• Subdivision Regulations (county government training presentation)V.G. Young Institute of County Government, Texas A&M AgriLife