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Home & Property
Local Notes
Home & Property notes
Bowie County · Septic / Water
Homes outside city limits in Bowie County likely need a septic permit
If your home has no public sewer, Texas law says you need a permitted septic system. Bowie County has a local office that issues those permits.
Bowie County · Flood
Look up your flood zone before buying property near the Red River or Sulphur River
Bowie County has significant river flood risk along the Red River and Sulphur River, and FEMA flood maps determine whether your lender will require flood insurance.
Bowie County · Property tax
Two separate offices handle appraisal and tax collection in Bowie County
The Bowie Central Appraisal District sets property values, while a separate Tax Assessor-Collector handles billing — knowing which office to call saves confusion.
Brazoria County · Environmental
Brazoria County Has Several State Superfund Sites, Mostly Near Pearland and Freeport
TCEQ tracks eight state Superfund sites in Brazoria County; most are former industrial or waste-handling operations in Pearland and Freeport, some still active and some cleaned up.
Brazoria County · Windstorm insurance
Brazoria County Properties May Need Separate Windstorm Insurance
Brazoria County is one of 14 Texas first-tier coastal counties where standard homeowners policies often exclude wind and hail, making coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association a common necessity.
Brazoria County · Flood / Building
Brazoria County Requires New Homes to Be Built Two Feet Above FEMA's Flood Elevation
Brazoria County adopted a freeboard rule in 2007 requiring new construction in flood hazard areas to sit two feet higher than FEMA's base flood elevation, which also reduces flood insurance costs.
Brazoria County · Flood
Flood Zones Cover Large Portions of Brazoria County
Much of Brazoria County lies within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Brazos River, San Bernard River, and Gulf Coast, making flood risk a key factor before buying property.
Brazoria County · Septic / Water
Rural Properties in Brazoria County Need a Permit for Septic Systems
Any on-site sewage facility (septic system) in unincorporated Brazoria County requires a permit from the county's Environmental Health Department before installation or major repair.
Brazoria County · Water / Wells
The Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District Oversees Water Wells
If you own or plan to drill a water well in Brazoria County, the Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District sets the permit and registration rules.
Brazoria County · Land use
Unincorporated Brazoria County Has No Zoning
Brazoria County does not zone unincorporated land, meaning uses that would be forbidden in a city — a salvage yard, livestock operation, or industrial storage — could legally operate next to a subdivision.
Brazos County · Special districts / Emergency services
Emergency Services Districts in Brazos County
Four Emergency Services Districts cover unincorporated Brazos County and provide fire protection and EMS to rural areas outside city limits — and their tax rates appear on your property tax bill.
Brazos County · Flood
Flood zones and development permits in Brazos County
Parts of Brazos County sit in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Brazos and Navasota rivers, and any construction in those zones requires a county floodplain development permit.
Brazos County · Water
Groundwater wells and permits in Brazos County
Brazos County sits over productive aquifer systems managed by the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates well permits and water use in the county.
Brazos County · Weather / Emergency
Natural hazards and severe weather in Brazos County
Brazos County's official Hazard Mitigation Plan lists floods, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, wildfire, drought, extreme heat, and severe winter storms as significant hazards.
Brazos County · Land use
No county zoning in Brazos County — but rules still apply
Unincorporated Brazos County has no general zoning code. But if your land is inside Bryan's or College Station's extraterritorial jurisdiction, city rules still apply.
Brazos County · Oil & Gas / Mineral rights
Oil, gas, and mineral rights in Brazos County
Brazos County has active oil and gas production regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, and mineral rights are commonly severed from surface ownership, so buyers should check deed records carefully.
Brazos County · Water / Septic
Septic system permits in Brazos County
If you build or replace a septic system on unincorporated Brazos County land, you need a permit from the Brazos County Health Department before you start.
Brazos County · Water
The Simsboro aquifer dispute and what it means for Brazos County water
A legal dispute over permits to export water from the Simsboro aquifer could affect long-term water supply for Bryan, College Station, and private well owners in Brazos County.
Brewster County · Water / Drought
Drought is a recurring reality in Brewster County
Brewster County's dry climate means drought is a constant concern. It affects livestock, well water, and fire risk across this rural county.
Brewster County · Water / Wells
Private wells in Brewster County fall under a local water district
The Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District manages well permits and water use. Four aquifers supply groundwater across the county.
Briscoe County · Water / Groundwater
The Ogallala Aquifer: Briscoe County's Underground Water Supply
Nearly all water in Briscoe County — for homes, farms, and livestock — comes from the Ogallala Aquifer. This underground water supply has been dropping for decades because pumping outpaces natural refill.
Brooks County · Mineral rights / Oil & gas
Buying Land in Brooks County? Understand Mineral Rights First
Oil and gas was found in Brooks County in 1935. When you buy land here, someone else may already own the mineral rights underneath it.
Brooks County · Water / Groundwater
Drilling a Water Well in Brooks County: The Brush Country GCD
Brooks County sits inside the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates water wells and draws from the Gulf Coast Aquifer.
Brown County · Flood / Safety
Flash Floods and Low Water Crossings Are a Real Risk in Brown County
Pecan Bayou and low water crossings on county roads can flood quickly during storms, and driving around barricades is both dangerous and illegal in Texas.
Brown County · Water supply
The Brown County Water Improvement District Supplies Most of the Area's Water
Lake Brownwood is the primary drinking water source for Brownwood, Bangs, Early, and surrounding communities, managed by the Brown County Water Improvement District.
Burleson County · Water / Groundwater
New water wells in Burleson County require a permit from the Post Oak Savannah GCD
The Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District covers all of Burleson County. It requires permits and registration for new water wells.
Burnet County · Well Water
A groundwater district regulates water wells in Burnet County
If you plan to drill a water well in Burnet County, you need to work with the local groundwater conservation district.
Burnet County · Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is separate from your homeowners policy
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — you need a separate policy, and there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.
Burnet County · Septic / OSSF
Septic permits near the Highland Lakes go through LCRA
If your property is within about 2,200 feet of the upper Highland Lakes, LCRA — not the county — issues your septic system permit.
Burnet County · Water & Lakes
The Highland Lakes run through the heart of Burnet County
LCRA runs a chain of six lakes on the Colorado River. Four of those lakes sit partly or fully in Burnet County.
Caldwell County · Groundwater
A local water district oversees groundwater in the county
The Plum Creek Conservation District and Gonzales County Underground Water Conservation District both operate in parts of Caldwell County and regulate water wells.
Caldwell County · Septic Systems
Homes outside city limits need a permitted septic system
Most rural land in Caldwell County relies on on-site sewage facilities, and Texas law requires a permit before you build or repair one.
Caldwell County · Flood Risk
New FEMA flood maps for Caldwell County took effect in 2026
Updated federal flood maps for Caldwell County have an effective date of June 10, 2026, which could affect flood insurance requirements for some properties.
Calhoun County · Coastal windstorm / TWIA
Coastal Properties Need Separate Windstorm Coverage
Calhoun County is one of the 14 first-tier coastal counties where standard homeowners policies typically exclude wind and hail, so most property owners need a separate TWIA policy.
Calhoun County · Flood / Hurricane
Storm Surge Is the Biggest Hurricane Threat Here
Calhoun County's low coastal elevation makes it highly vulnerable to storm surge — rapidly rising ocean water that can travel miles inland during a hurricane — so knowing your flood zone and evacuation route matters before a storm forms.
Callahan County · Water Wells
Callahan County has no groundwater conservation district
If your land in Callahan County relies on a water well, there is no local groundwater district to regulate pumping — the state's rule of capture applies.
Callahan County · Mineral Rights & Oil
Oil has been produced in Callahan County since 1923
Callahan County has a long oil and gas history, and mineral rights are often severed from surface ownership — buyers should check before assuming they own what's underground.
Cameron County · Climate / Weather
Cameron County Has a Subtropical Climate — Hot, Humid, and Hurricane-Prone
Cameron County's subtropical climate means mild winters, very hot summers, about 27 inches of rain per year, and direct exposure to Gulf of Mexico hurricanes.
Cameron County · Windstorm Insurance
Cameron County Homes May Need Special Windstorm Insurance
Cameron County is in Texas's coastal windstorm zone, which means your regular homeowner policy likely does not cover hurricane wind damage.
Cameron County · Flood Risk
Much of Cameron County Is in a FEMA Flood Zone
Low elevation and proximity to the Gulf mean large parts of Cameron County carry significant flood risk — check the FEMA map before you buy.
Cameron County · Building Code / TWIA
New Homes Near the Coast Need a Windstorm Certificate
If you build or renovate in Cameron County's coastal windstorm zone, the work must be inspected and certified or you may not be able to get windstorm insurance.
Cameron County · Septic / OSSF
Septic Systems in Cameron County Require a Permit
If your home is not connected to a city sewer, you need a permit before installing or repairing a septic system (called an OSSF in Texas).
Cameron County · Water Rights
Surface Water Rights on the Rio Grande Are Strictly Managed
The Rio Grande's water is allocated under a state-managed system — you cannot simply pump from it without a water right.
Camp County · Septic / OSSF
Septic Systems Require a Permit in Camp County
Most rural homes in Camp County rely on a septic system, and Texas requires a permit before you install or repair one.
Carson County · Water Supply
Carson County Water Comes from the Ogallala Aquifer
Most water in Carson County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer underground, and a state-created district manages its use.
Carson County · Weather Hazards
Wildfire and Severe Wind Are Real Hazards in Carson County
The flat, dry Texas Panhandle sees fast-moving wildfires and severe wind and hail storms that homeowners and buyers should plan for.
Cass County · Water & Wells
Water wells in Cass County: what aquifer you are tapping
Many rural properties in Cass County use private water wells. Most tap the Queen City Aquifer, which supplies water mainly for homes and livestock in northeast Texas.
Castro County · Groundwater
The Ogallala Aquifer is Castro County's water source — and it is declining
Nearly all water in Castro County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, which has been dropping steadily for decades.
Chambers County · Weather hazards
Chambers County Has Been Hit by Major Hurricanes Repeatedly
Chambers County is on the upper Texas coast and sits in the path of Gulf hurricanes. Major storms hit in 1875, 1900, 1915, 1943, 1957, 1961, and 1983.
Chambers County · Coastal windstorm insurance
Most Chambers County Homes Need Windstorm Coverage
Chambers County is one of 14 Texas coastal counties where private insurers often will not write windstorm coverage, leaving the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as the backup option.
Chambers County · Flood risk
Much of Chambers County Sits in High-Risk Flood Zones
Chambers County is low and flat along the Gulf Coast. Many properties fall in FEMA high-risk flood zones, which can require flood insurance and affect what you can build.
Cherokee County · Mineral Rights
Buying Land Does Not Always Mean You Own the Minerals Under It
In Cherokee County, oil, gas, and other mineral rights are often owned separately from the surface land, and buyers should check before assuming they own both.
Cherokee County · Septic Systems / OSSF
You Need a Permit Before Installing a Septic System
Most rural properties in Cherokee County rely on on-site sewage systems, and a permit is required before you build, alter, or repair one.
Childress County · Water / Wells
Water Wells and the Mesquite Groundwater District
Only some parcels in northern Childress County are in the Mesquite Groundwater Conservation District. If yours is, you may need a permit before drilling a water well.
Clay County · Septic / Water
Building outside Henrietta in Clay County means you need a permitted septic system
Most of Clay County has no public sewer. Rural homes use private septic systems that must be permitted under Texas state rules.
Clay County · Mineral rights / Oil and gas
In Clay County, the person who owns the oil may not own your land
Oil was found near Petrolia in 1901. More than a century of leasing has left many Clay County parcels with separate surface and mineral owners.
Cochran County · Groundwater
Most Well Water Here Comes From a Shrinking Aquifer
Cochran County sits on the Ogallala Aquifer, the main source of well water for the High Plains — and it is slowly declining.
Cochran County · Oil and Gas
Oil Was Found Here in 1936 — Mineral Rights Still Matter
Cochran County has an active oil and gas history, so anyone buying land should check whether mineral rights are included.
Coke County · Groundwater & Wells
A local water district oversees wells in Coke County
The Coke County Underground Water Conservation District regulates groundwater, so if you plan to drill a water well, you will need to work with this district.
Coleman County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas activity in Coleman County is regulated by the RRC
Coleman County has a history of oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission regulates all wells and operators here under District 7B.