Where You Live in the County Changes What Rules Apply

McLennan County has several cities with their own local rules. The main ones are Waco, Robinson, Hewitt, McGregor, Bellmead, and Woodway. Each city sets its own zoning, building permits, and utility rules. Waco also has what is called an extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ. The ETJ is a buffer area just outside city limits. Inside the ETJ, Waco can control how land is subdivided, but it usually cannot apply full city zoning.

If your property is in unincorporated McLennan County — meaning outside all city limits and ETJs — local rules are simpler. The county has no zoning. Even so, state law still applies. You must follow state rules for septic permits, water well permits, and building near floodplains. Always find out which jurisdiction your address is in before you build or buy.