Septic / OSSF

Septic Systems Require a County Permit

Most rural properties in Polk County are not on a public sewer, so a new septic system needs a county on-site sewage permit before installation.

Polk County Home & Property

In Texas, a septic system is called an On-Site Sewage Facility, or OSSF. If your property is not served by a city sewer line, you need an OSSF permit from Polk County before installing or repairing a system. This applies to both new construction and repairs to existing systems.

Polk County's permits department handles residential OSSF permits, commercial OSSF permits, and aerobic system maintenance permits. Contact the permits office at 936-327-6820, ext. 1, or email permits@co.polk.tx.us. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Source to confirm: Polk County Permits — polktx.gov

More Polk County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax

In Polk County, one office sets your property value and a separate office collects the tax you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill

If this home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable value.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland and Timberland Can Be Taxed at a Lower Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber production may qualify for a special appraisal based on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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Groundwater & Wells

You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well

Polk County is in the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which requires you to register a new well before you drill.

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