Development Services

Development Services

211 Jackson Street | Bastrop, Texas 78602 | (512) 581-7176

development.services@co.bastrop.tx.us

For information on how to file a Public Information Request, please visit https://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/co.public_information

MyGovernmentOnline Permit Application System

Bastrop County implemented the MyGovernmentOnline Permitting and Inspection software on January 7, 2021.  The software allows customers to upload permit applications and supporting documents online vs. hard copy submittals, and communicate with Development Services staff through messages to address questions and facilitate permit issuance.

Development Services Map Viewer

Click here to view map

Development Services Permitting Policies

All development requirements are subject to change without notice. It is recommended customers contact Development Services prior to submitting an application.

Our office does not place or interpret deed or any property restrictions associated with the properties.  This is information to be researched by the property owner.

  1. Only external development requires a permit. Interior building renovations on existing footprints do not require a permit.
  2. A development permit is not required for accessory buildings 25 square feet or less unless they are placed on a foundation or constructed within the floodplain.
  3. At a minimum, all applications require:
    1. Proof of property ownership.
    2. Dimensioned site plan showing the proposed improvements, and existing building(s) / structure(s).
    3. Copy of Survey or Plat.
    4. Additional information may be requested as needed.
  4. Permits will not be issued for non-compliant property unless there is a health or public safety reason, such as failed septic system, and as approved by department head.
  5. When a public wastewater system is not available, applications for a Development Permit and an OSSF (Septic) Permit are to be submitted concurrently.
  6. Floor plans will be submitted with OSSF permit applications.
  7. An addition to an existing structure that includes bedrooms requires septic review.  If a revised septic design is required, the development permit will not be issued until an application is made for the revised OSSF system.
  8. Fees for IRS recognized tax-exempt organizations and reciprocating governmental entities will be waived.
  9. Fees for permits necessitated by a declared federal emergency will be waived for those residents rebuilding on the same property.
  10. A Development permit becomes valid upon execution and shall expire if the Construction of the development has not been completed after three years have elapsed from the date the permit was issued.
  11. A OSSF Permit will expire one year after the Authorization to Construct Permit has been issued; or if the Authorization to Construct Permit has not been issued, one year after the initial site confirmation inspection has been conducted.

Development and Driveway Permit Extension:

A one-time 180-day extension may be granted by the department head if requested 30 days prior to permit expiration.

Extensions will not be granted for OSSF permits.

 

Additional Requirements for Single Family Residential Development in the Pine Forest Subdivisions

Drainage exhibits (pre-development and post-development drainage maps) signed and sealed
by a registered professional engineer are required.

Requirements for Commercial and Non-Single Family Development Permit Applications

  1. A Non-Single Family Application for Development Permit is required.
  2. Commercial and Non-Single-Family Development Requirements:
    1. Proof of Property Ownership
    2. Copy of Survey or Plat
    3. Owner Agent Certification - if applicant is not the property owner
    4. Civil construction Plan Set - Stamped by a Professional Engineer Licensed in the State of Texas and should include, but is not limited to:
      1. Cover Page
      2. Construction Notes
      3. Copy of Survey or Plat
      4. Existing Conditions
      5. Dimensional Site Plan
      6. Grading Plan
      7. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
      8. Drainage Plans - Pre & Post-Construction
      9. Wastewater Plan
      10. Construction Details
      11. Floor Plan - If Applicable
    5. Drainage Report
    6. Hydraulics and Hydrology Study- If Required
    7. Geotechnical Report- For Manufactured Home Rental Communities, Condominiums, and work performed within Bastrop County Right-of-Way other than driveways
    8. TCEQ Wastewater Permit
    9. Letter from the applicable utility companies
    10. Letter from the applicable Emergency Services District (required for permit issuance)
    11. TxDOT Right-of-Way Permit- If driveway/entrance is on a state-maintained road (required for permit issuance)
  3. It shall be policy to maintain zero net increase in storm water runoff rates and to ensure no negative impacts attributable to new development and redevelopment that increases impervious cover. A grading and drainage plan with contours prepared by a registered professional engineer showing existing and proposed conditions is required. The drainage plan must demonstrate no adverse erosion or off-site drainage impacts due to the proposed development. The engineer will need to determine if on-site detention is required to meet these requirements.
  4. Electronic submittals of civil site plan set shall be 22" x 34" (ANSI D) in size drawn to scale. Staff reserves the right to request full-size hard copies if necessary.

 

** Pre-Development meetings are required for all Lodging and Recreational Vehicle Park Developments. They are optional for all other Commercial Development.

At the Pre-Development Meeting, additional requirements will be discussed.

 

Utility Work Within Bastrop County ROW

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Bastrop County's Flood Damage Prevention Order defines "development” as any man-made change to improved and unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. A development permit is needed for any development. There are three types of development permit:

    • “Class A” permits are issued for all development outside the mapped 100-year floodplain,
    • "Conditional Class A" permits are issued for all development outside the mapped 100-year floodplain but on property within the 100-year floodplain, and
    • "Class B" permits are issued for all development that lies partially or wholly within the mapped 100-year floodplain.

    Please see Floodplain Management for further details. 

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  • No, Bastrop County does not issue building permits or Certificates of Occupancy.

    Bastrop County has limited statutory authority regarding building codes. Bastrop County Building Code only applies to the construction of residential single-family homes and duplexes. There are no Bastrop County Building Codes for any other uses.

    During the 81st legislative session, the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) was dissolved resulting in the lack of building code requirements in the unincorporated areas of all Texas counties. The Legislature passed HB 2833, which amended Chapter 233 of the Local Government code by adding Subchapter F. This amendment provided an opportunity for counties to adopt certain building code standards in the unincorporated areas of the county.

    Bastrop County Commissioners Court passed a resolution on September 14, 2009 adopting provisions of HB 2833. This action restored residential building code requirements for certain structures that are built in the unincorporated areas of Bastrop County.

    In accordance to HB 2833, residential construction in the unincorporated areas of Bastrop County shall substantially conform to either the version of the International Residential Code published as of May 1, 2008 (which is the 2006 International Residential Code) or the version of the International Residential Code that is applicable in the county seat (City of Bastrop). HB 2833 requires that the decision of which code to use is the builder’s choice.

    These building code requirements apply in the unincorporated areas of Bastrop County for the construction of a new single-family house or duplex or the construction of an addition to an existing single-family house or duplex (if the addition will increase the square footage or the value of the existing residential building by more than 50%).

    There are three required inspections. The required inspections must be performed at: (1) the foundation stage, before the placement of concrete; (2) the framing and mechanical systems stage, before covering with drywall or other interior wall covering; and (3) completion of construction of the residence. For remodeling construction to an existing residence, the inspection requirements shall be performed as necessary based on the scope of work of the construction project.

    In accordance with the provisions of HB 2833, as adopted by Bastrop County, the County is not involved in the inspection process for the residential structure. The builder is responsible for contracting to perform the required inspections with: (1) a licensed engineer; (2) a registered architect; (3) a professional inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission; (4) a plumbing inspector employed by a municipality and licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; (5) a building inspector employed by a political subdivision; or (6) an individual certified as a residential combination inspector by the International Code Council. A builder may use the same inspector for all the required inspections or a different inspector for each required inspection.

    It is the builder’s responsibility to (1) comply with these requirements, (2) have the required inspections performed, and (3) maintain copies of the inspection reports. There is no requirement to provide copies of reports to Bastrop County.

    A letter stating this can be downloaded here and provided to any entity requesting a Certificate of Occupancy.

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  • No, Bastrop County does not regulate placement of, size or content of signs on private property in the unincorporated area. The City of Bastrop requires permits for proposed signs in the City's ETJ. Additionally, TxDOT requires permits for certain signs on the state highway system. 

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  • No, Bastrop County does not have general zoning authority in the unincorporated areas. Under the provisions of the Airport Zoning Act (Chapter 241, Texas Local Government Code) a small area in the northwest part of the county is subject to airport zoning per an Order Regulating and Restricting Use of Property near the Austin Executive Airport. 

    There is zoning inside the incorporated limits of the Cities of Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville.

    A letter stating this can be downloaded here and provided to any entity requesting information on zoning.

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