Texas Porch

Septic / OSSF

New Septic Systems in Orange County Need a County Permit

If you are outside city sewer service in Orange County, you need a county permit before you can install a septic system.

Orange County Home & Property

Rural and unincorporated parts of Orange County rely on on-site sewage facilities (OSSFs) — commonly called septic systems. Before you install one, you must get a permit from the Orange County Environmental Health and Code Compliance Department.

To start, hire a Texas-licensed septic installer. The installer will help you gather required paperwork, including an engineer's site assessment and a maintenance contract. The county inspects the work before issuing an operating permit. You should pump the tank every three to five years. The county office is at 11475 FM 1442 and can be reached at (409) 745-1463. State rules come from TCEQ.

Source to confirm: Orange County – On-Site Septic Systems

More Orange County notes

Property Tax Basics

Orange County Has Two Separate Property Tax Offices

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles your bill and payment.

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Homestead Exemption

File for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

Homeowners who live in their home on January 1 can apply for a homestead exemption to lower their tax bill.

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Flood Risk

Orange County's FEMA Flood Maps Have Been Updated

FEMA released revised preliminary flood maps for Orange County in early 2025, which may change flood insurance requirements for some properties.

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Wind Insurance

Orange County Is Not in the TWIA Windstorm Insurance Zone

TWIA is the state's backup windstorm insurer for coastal counties. Orange County is not on its covered list.

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