How permits work in unincorporated Caldwell County
In unincorporated Caldwell County, septic permits and site construction permits are handled by the county Sanitation Department in Lockhart, and the two are linked.
Texas counties have limited authority over residential construction. Outside city limits there is generally no county building permit or building inspection, but the work still has to meet the residential building code, and the county does regulate development in the floodplain and every on site sewage facility, which is what most homes outside the cities use. HOAs and deed restrictions also still apply.
What the county requires
- A septic permit follows a site evaluation of the soil, which decides the type of system; an approved permit is good for one year.
- When site construction adds or expands structures that generate wastewater and are served by septic, the construction and septic applications are submitted and processed together.
- In the 100 year floodplain, the septic permit is not issued until a development permit is approved for the structure.
Contact: Sanitation Department, 1700 FM 2720, Lockhart, 512-398-1803.
Planning a project on septic
- Find the existing septic permit and system design; the county uses it to decide whether the system can carry the new work
- Keep additions, pools, decks and driveways clear of the tank, drain field and replacement area shown on the septic site plan
- Budget for a site evaluation and a new design if bedrooms or fixtures are added
- Confirm floodplain status first; a floodplain permit can be required before anything else is approved
Cities in Caldwell County
Inside city limits, the city issues the building permit: Lockhart.
Texas licensing for remodeling trades
| Who | What Texas requires |
|---|---|
| General contractors | Texas has no state license for general contractors; cities register contractors locally (Austin, Cedar Park and Marble Falls, for example). |
| Electricians | Electrical work requires a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (apprentice, residential wireman, journeyman or master, working under a licensed electrical contractor). |
| Plumbers | Plumbing work requires registration or a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (apprentice, tradesman, journeyman or master). |
| Air conditioning and refrigeration | TDLR registers technicians, certifies technicians who pass an exam, and licenses contractors, who need 48 months of experience and an exam. Registered technicians work under a licensed contractor. Handling refrigerant also requires EPA Section 608 certification. |
| Homeowners | Many cities let homeowners pull permits for their own homestead. In Austin that includes electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, with exceptions such as the main electric service and refrigerant work. |
Sources: TDLR: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors; TDLR: Electricians; Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; City of Austin Homeowner's Permit.
Frequently asked questions
Does Caldwell County issue building permits?
Texas counties generally do not issue building permits for homes. In unincorporated Caldwell County, the county handles development, floodplain and septic (OSSF) permits instead. In unincorporated Caldwell County, septic permits and site construction permits are handled by the county Sanitation Department in Lockhart, and the two are linked..
Do I need a septic permit for an addition in Caldwell County?
If the addition adds bedrooms or wastewater fixtures, or changes the footprint over the drain field, expect the county to review whether the existing septic system can support it, and an upgrade may be required.
How do I know if my property is in city limits?
Check the property on the appraisal district map or ask the nearest city. Inside city limits, the city's building permit applies; see our guides for Lockhart.
Sources
Related
General information gathered from official sources on October 18, 2026, not legal advice. We confirm the rules for your address during the free consultation.