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Home & Property
Local Notes
Home & Property notes
Collin County · Weather Hazards
Collin County Gets Tornadoes and Major Hail Every Year
Collin County is in an active tornado and hail zone. Spring storms regularly bring large hail and tornado threats.
Collin County · Flood Risk
FEMA Updated Flood Maps for Parts of Collin County
FEMA has issued preliminary updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps for several Collin County cities and unincorporated areas — check whether your property's flood zone changed.
Collin County · Water Supply
Most of Collin County's Tap Water Comes from Lake Lavon
The North Texas Municipal Water District supplies treated water to most cities in Collin County, drawing heavily from Lake Lavon, which sits in the county.
Collin County · On-Site Sewage
Properties Without City Sewer Need a Permitted Septic System
Rural homes in Collin County that are not on a city sewer line must have a permitted On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) — and the lot must be large enough to support one.
Collin County · Land Use
Unincorporated Collin County Has Almost No Zoning Rules
Collin County does not zone most unincorporated land. But you still need permits to build, and city rules can apply if you are near a city limit.
Collingsworth County · Water Wells
A Groundwater District Regulates Water Wells Here
If you plan to drill a water well in Collingsworth County, you must work with the Mesquite Groundwater Conservation District first.
Collingsworth County · Weather Hazards
Severe Weather Is a Real Risk in Collingsworth County
Collingsworth County faces tornadoes, large hail, high winds, wildfires, and winter storms — the National Weather Service Amarillo covers this area.
Colorado County · Water & Wells
Colorado County Has Its Own Groundwater District
The Colorado County Groundwater Conservation District sets rules for water wells in the county. If you use a private well or plan to drill one, these rules apply to you.
Colorado County · Flood Risk
The Colorado River Runs Through the County — Flooding Is Real
The Colorado River cuts through Colorado County. Low-lying land near it and other waterways can flood.
Comal County · Groundwater & Wells
A Groundwater District Regulates Wells in Comal County
If you drill a water well in Comal County, the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District has rules you must follow.
Comal County · Edwards Aquifer
Building Near the Edwards Aquifer Has Extra Rules
Parts of Comal County sit over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, where construction sites face stricter environmental rules.
Comal County · Flood Control & Water Supply
Canyon Lake Was Built to Control Floods on the Guadalupe
Canyon Lake in northern Comal County is owned by the U.S. government and operated for flood control, water supply, and recreation.
Comal County · Jurisdiction & Land Use
City Limits, ETJ, and Unincorporated Comal County Are Not the Same
Where your property sits — inside city limits, in the ETJ, or in unincorporated county land — determines which rules apply to you.
Comal County · Flood Risk
The Guadalupe River Can Rise Fast — Know Your Flood Zone
Parts of Comal County along the Guadalupe River are in FEMA-designated flood zones where lenders require flood insurance.
Comal County · Septic Systems
You Need a Permit for a Septic System in Comal County
Any new septic system — called an OSSF in Texas — requires a permit and an approved plan before construction can begin.
Comanche County · Groundwater
New Water Wells Require Registration with the Middle Trinity GCD
If you plan to drill a water well in Comanche County, you must register it with the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
Concho County · Water Wells
Groundwater Districts and Well Rules in Concho County
Parts of Concho County have groundwater districts that set rules for wells and pumping. Check which district covers your land before you drill.
Concho County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Activity in Concho County
Concho County has active oil and gas production. The Texas Railroad Commission's District 7C office in San Angelo oversees it.
Cooke County · Groundwater & Wells
A groundwater district regulates water wells in Cooke County
The North Texas Groundwater Conservation District covers Cooke County and may require permits or registrations for new water wells on rural property.
Cooke County · School Districts
Cooke County has eight school districts — your address determines yours
Eight separate school districts operate in Cooke County, each with its own tax rate, so the ISD for your specific address can meaningfully affect your property tax bill.
Cooke County · Flooding & Weather Hazards
Cooke County has experienced federally declared flooding disasters
FEMA has designated Cooke County for disaster assistance after severe storms and flooding, including a 2024 event with straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flood damage.
Cooke County · Mineral Rights & Oil/Gas
Oil and gas production has been part of Cooke County since the 1920s
Cooke County has had active oil and gas production since 1924, so mineral rights on any land purchase deserve careful attention.
Coryell County · Military Presence
Fort Hood Drives the Local Economy
The large Army post on the county's edge is a major source of jobs, housing demand, and population in the area.
Coryell County · Water Wells & Groundwater
Groundwater in Coryell County Falls Under State Management Area 8
Coryell County sits in Groundwater Management Area 8, which covers the Trinity aquifer system that many rural properties depend on for well water.
Cottle County · Water Supply
Many Rural Properties in Cottle County Rely on Water Wells
If you buy rural land in Cottle County, your water likely comes from a private well. A groundwater district may limit how much you can pump.
Crane County · Climate & Water Supply
Crane County gets about 13 inches of rain a year — water is scarce
With roughly 13 inches of annual rainfall and high summer heat, Crane County is one of the drier parts of Texas — water supply and drought planning matter for any property here.
Crane County · Water / Groundwater
Crane County has no local groundwater conservation district
Crane County has no local groundwater district to regulate private water wells — which means fewer rules, but also less protection.
Crockett County · Water Wells
Groundwater in Crockett County Is Managed and Permit-Required
Crockett County has its own groundwater district — if you drill a well, you will need to deal with it.
Crockett County · Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Has Shaped Crockett County for Decades
If you buy land in Crockett County, find out whether mineral rights are included — they may have already been sold off.
Crosby County · Groundwater / Wells
Drilling a Water Well Requires a Permit Here
Crosby County sits within the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, which requires permits before drilling new wells.
Culberson County · Water Wells
Drilling a water well in Culberson County requires a permit
The Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District regulates new wells, so you need to contact them before drilling.
Culberson County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas activity exists in Culberson County — know your mineral rights
Culberson County has active oil and gas wells regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, so buyers should check whether mineral rights transfer with land.
Culberson County · Wildfire Hazard
Wildfire is a real risk in Culberson County
Dry conditions and strong winds make wildfires a recurring threat in Far West Texas, including Culberson County.
Dallam County · Groundwater
Water Wells and the Ogallala Aquifer in Dallam County
Nearly all water in Dallam County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, which is managed by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District.
Dallam County · Wildfire Hazard
Wildfire Risk in Dallam County
Dallam County sits in one of Texas's highest wildfire risk areas because of dry grass, low humidity, and strong winds.
Dallas County · Floodplain Development
Building Near a Creek in the County Needs a Permit
In unincorporated Dallas County, any construction inside a mapped floodplain requires a county floodplain development permit.
Dallas County · Flood Zone / FEMA
Check FEMA's Flood Map Before You Buy
FEMA maps show which Dallas County properties sit in a flood hazard zone, which affects insurance costs and mortgage requirements.
Dallas County · Groundwater
Dallas County Sits Over the Trinity Aquifer
The Trinity Aquifer runs under Dallas County and much of North Texas, but most county residents rely on surface water, not wells.
Dallas County · Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance Is Separate from Your Homeowner's Policy
Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. Dallas County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Dallas County · Severe Weather / Hail
Large Hail Is Common in Dallas County
Dallas County regularly sees large to very large hail from spring supercell thunderstorms, which can damage roofs and vehicles.
Dallas County · Mineral Rights
Mineral Rights Can Be Sold Separately from Surface Rights
In Texas, the owner of a property's surface and the owner of its mineral rights may be different people.
Dallas County · Septic / OSSF
Rural Dallas County Homes May Use On-Site Septic Systems
Properties in unincorporated Dallas County that lack city sewer service may use on-site sewage facilities regulated by the county under TCEQ rules.
Dallas County · Water Authority
The Trinity River Authority Manages Water Across the Basin
The Trinity River Authority of Texas provides water treatment, flood planning, and basin coordination for municipalities including those in Dallas County.
Dallas County · Severe Weather
Tornadoes Are a Real Hazard in Dallas County
Dallas County sits in tornado-prone North Texas, and the National Weather Service tracks more than 140 years of tornado records for the county.
Dallas County · Unincorporated Area / ETJ
Unincorporated Dallas County Has Its Own Rules
Small patches of Dallas County lie outside any city, and building or developing there requires a county permit instead of a city permit.
Dallas County · Winter Weather
Winter Ice Storms Hit Dallas County Too
Dallas County is vulnerable to winter ice and freezing temperatures, which can damage pipes, knock out power, and make roads dangerous.
Dallas County · Oil and Gas / Mineral Rights
You Can Look Up Oil and Gas Well Records for Dallas County
The Texas Railroad Commission maintains records on every permitted oil and gas well in Dallas County, accessible online.
Dallas County · MUD / Water District
Your Home May Be Inside a Water District
Many Dallas County neighborhoods — especially newer suburbs — sit inside a Municipal Utility District that charges its own fees and taxes.
Dawson County · Oil, Gas & Mineral Rights
Oil and gas have shaped Dawson County for nearly a century
Dawson County has a long oil production history, and landowners here should understand that surface rights and mineral rights are often owned separately.
Dawson County · Groundwater / Water Wells
You need a permit before drilling a water well in Dawson County
The Mesa Underground Water Conservation District oversees the Ogallala Aquifer in Dawson County and requires a permit to drill a new well.
Deaf Smith County · Water & Wells
All water wells in Deaf Smith County tap the Ogallala Aquifer
The Ogallala Aquifer is the only major freshwater source under most of the county, and a state groundwater district controls who can drill and how much they can pump.
Delta County · Agricultural Appraisal
Ag Valuation Can Cut Tax Bills on Delta County Farmland
Rural land used for farming or ranching can be taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for — this often means a much lower tax bill.
Denton County · Flood Hazard
Denton County has active FEMA flood maps that affect insurance and building
FEMA released preliminary flood maps for Denton County in June 2026, affecting areas along the Elm Fork Trinity River and its tributaries.
Denton County · Weather Hazard
Denton County sits in an active tornado corridor in North Texas
The National Weather Service tracks tornadoes in Denton County going back to 1880, and the county lies in an area where spring severe weather is a regular concern.
Denton County · Water Supply
Denton County's water supply planning is overseen by the state
The Texas Water Development Board coordinates regional water supply planning for Denton County as part of Region C, which covers the upper Trinity River Basin.
Denton County · City vs. County Rules
Many Denton County addresses are inside a city's planning zone, not the city itself
Texas cities have an extraterritorial jurisdiction — a buffer zone outside city limits — where they can regulate subdivisions and plats even if you pay county taxes.
Denton County · Groundwater Rules
Parts of Denton County fall under the North Texas Groundwater Conservation District
If your property uses a private well in parts of Denton County, groundwater conservation district rules may apply to drilling and use.
Denton County · Emergency Alerts
Sign up for NWS Fort Worth alerts to get weather warnings for Denton County
The National Weather Service Fort Worth office issues tornado, severe thunderstorm, and winter storm warnings for Denton County — sign up for alerts before storm season.
Denton County · Septic Systems
Unincorporated Denton County homes without city sewer need a septic permit
Installing, repairing, or changing a septic system outside city limits in Denton County requires a permit from the county Environmental Health Division.
DeWitt County · Water Supply
Many Rural Properties in DeWitt County Rely on Private Water Wells
Outside city limits in DeWitt County, many homes get their water from private wells — check the state databases before you buy to understand what kind of water supply a property has.