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Phone Number: 972-548-5585

Fax Number: 972-548-5555

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. (closed on all County holidays)

Forms of Payment Accepted: Check, cash, money order or credit card (please note that a non-refundable, convenience fee will be charged for each credit card transaction).  Please note that the Fire Marshal's Office is the Cashier for all permitting.

The Collin County Interactive Maps can give you much information about your property – If your property is located in an ETJ, City limits, the floodplain, the County Commissioner for your area, and much more. Use the layer list dropdown on the right side of the blue tool bar of the map to get started ().  Please note that both unincorporated and ETJ properties are always within Collin County's permitting jurisdiction. 

Is there zoning, outside of city limits, in Collin County?

Collin County does not, at this time, have any zoning restrictions in the unincorporated portions of the County, with the exception of Sexually-Oriented business, Salvage and Junk Yards and Animal Slaughter Operations. However, permitting is required for residential and non-residential building projects that disturbs ground or adds footprint on a parcel of land. Anyone planning any type of residential or commercial project (that disturbs ground or adds footprint on a parcel of land) in the unincorporated County must apply for a permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.  

Where can I get a copy of my deed?

This document can be obtained at the Collin County Clerk's Office located at 2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2104, McKinney, TX or from the Clerk's Deed Search page.

Where can I get a copy of a subdivision plat or abstract map?

The plat or abstract map can be obtained from the Collin County Central Appraisal District or from the Clerk's Deed Search page (plat maps).

How do I get an address?

Collin County does not address raw land.  Addresses are conferred as part of the permitting process only.  Once you apply for your permit, addressing will be part of the process.  PLEASE NOTE THAT ADDRESSING CAN BE DELAYED IF SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE STRUCTURE TO BE ADDRESSED IS NOT NOTED ON YOUR PERMIT APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (MARKED CORRECTLY ON A SITE MAP). 

If you are located OUTSIDE of city limits, but within Collin County (including unincorporated and within any ETJ), you will need to apply for a Development Permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.   You can find instructions on how to use the portal, as well as other helpful information, Here. 

·         IF YOU ARE BUILDING/ADDING A NEW STRUCTURE THAT WILL CONNECT TO A NEW OSSF, THEN APPLY FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FIRST AND STAFF WILL THEN SEND AN ASSOCIATED OSSF PERMIT THROUGH YOUR PORTAL TO BE COMPLETED BY YOU.  DO NOT APPLY FOR A SEPARATE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND OSSF PERMIT. 

·         IF YOU ARE BUILDING/ADDING A NEW STRUCTURE THAT WILL CONNECT TO AN EXISTING OSSF, THAT NEW OSSF CONNECTION WILL BE REVIEWED AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IF ANY ADDITIONAL PERMITTING IS REQUIRED. 

Does all residential property work in unincorporated Collin County require a permit? 

Only projects that will result in disturbance of ground or addition of footprint on a parcel of land will require a permit (for example – a new structure, an addition, swimming pools, fencing, grading/filling, a new pond, etc.) or an extensive remodel of a dwelling structure that adds a bedroom or otherwise doubles the value of the structure require permitting. 

Permits are not required for projects like:  re-roofing, new electrical service on an existing structure, roof-mounted solar panels, water heater or AC unit change out, etc.

Do I need to apply for a permit through Collin County Development Services when building, remodeling or changing ownership of a non-residential/commercial business?

If you are located OUTSIDE of city limits, but within Collin County, you will need to apply for a Commercial Permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.   You can find instructions on how to use the portal, as well as other helpful information, Here.

Does all non-residential/Commercial property work in unincorporated Collin County require a permit? 

Only projects that will result in disturbance of ground or addition of footprint on a parcel of land (for example – a new structure, an addition, fencing, grading/filling, a new pond, etc.) a remodel or a change in tenancy in an existing structure will require permitting. 

Permits are not required for projects like:  re-roofing, new electrical service on an existing structure with no new tenancy, roof-mounted solar panels, water heater or AC unit change out, addition of antenna on an existing cell tower (with no new ground footprint), etc.

What documents will I need to submit with my CSS Portal application?

The documents required will vary for each type of permit.  Go into the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal and apply for the type of permit that you need (search the key terms of the project that you are permitting and the system will suggest permits to you based on your search terms – you can then narrow down based on the permit descriptions).  You will get to a screen that details the documents required for that permit.  If you do not have all of the documents ready to go for that permit, the CSS system will allow you to save a draft of your work so that you can come back and finalize when you have all of the required documents.

What happens after I submit my permit application through the CSS Portal?

Once your online permit application is submitted, the department staff will review all of the submitted information and documents.  If the submission is approved, the staff will then issue an invoice that will be available to you in your portal (allow 2-4 business days for intake processing and issuance of the invoice).  PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REVIEW(S) WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL ALL FEES HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL.  Once the review begins, the process can take up to 30 days.  You can follow the process in your portal account.  Once the review has been completed and approved, you will see a printer icon on your permit main page that will allow you to print your approved permit.

If your online application is not approved, you will find notes on your permit account that instruct you on next steps (make any required changes to the record, attach additional/updated documents, etc.).  It is important that you check in on the process in the portal often so that you do not miss any information that could result in delays.   

Can I expedite my permit?

We process all permits in the order in which the administratively complete submissions (including payment) are received.  We do make every effort to complete the applications as quickly as we can.

How do I check the status of my permit?

You will check the status of your permit by signing on to the permit account in the portal.  Several departments will be reviewing each permit so the current status that is reflected in the portal is the most up-to-date information that is available. 

Does my permit have an expiration date?

Commercial/Non-residential permits expire after 180 days of no activity (from date of issuance) and residential and OSSF permits expire after 365 days of no activity (from date of issuance).

• If your property is located OUTSIDE of city limits – you are required to apply for an OSSF permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.   You can find instructions on how to use the portal, as well as other helpful information, Here.
• IF YOU ARE BUILDING A NEW STRUCTURE THAT WILL CONNECT TO A NEW OSSF, THEN APPLY FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FIRST AND STAFF WILL THEN SEND AN ASSOCIATED OSSF PERMIT THROUGH YOUR PORTAL TO BE COMPLETED BY YOU.  DO NOT APPLY FOR A SEPARATE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND OSSF PERMIT. 
• If your property is located INSIDE of city limits – you MAY BE required to apply for an OSSF permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) maintains a List of the permitting agency (Authorized Agent) for each city.  First select “Collin" from the dropdown County list.  If your city is not listed, Collin County is your Authorized Agent.
• If Collin County is your permitting authority and you are adding a new structure, altering an existing structure or building a swimming pool on a property with an existing OSSF, you are required to apply for a Review of Existing OSSF for New Construction/Improvement permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.

Where do I find a Registered Sanitarian or Professional Engineer to design a new OSSF or design a repair to an existing OSSF?

Collin County maintains a courtesy List of local individuals that have the approved, required credentials to perform OSSF design work in Collin County.  The list is provided solely for your convenience.  Collin County in no way recommends or guarantees the work of any of the individuals on the list.  You may choose any currently licensed Registered Sanitarian or Professional Engineer to perform your work.

Where do I find an Installer or Maintenance Provider for my OSSF?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) maintains a List of certified/licensed providers.

What rules do I have to follow for OSSF?

In addition to the State Rules (scroll down and choose Chapter 285) for OSSFs, Collin County has a Court Order that details additional, more stringent rules that must be followed.

Where do I file the OSSF Affidavit?

The Affidavit must be filed with the County Clerk's Office located at 2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2104, McKinney, TX.

Does my OSSF permit have an expiration date?

OSSF permits expire after 365 days of no activity (from date of issuance)

I have purchased a property that has an aerobic OSSF system.  How do I register the OSSF in my name?

Collin County requires three (3) forms when property is sold that has aerobic system:  (1) Change of Ownership (2) Aerobic Wastewater Homeowner's Information sheet (3) Maintenance contract in new owner's name (must be obtained from your licensed maintenance provider). 

If a plat is being recorded for a lot/lots that will utilize OSSFs (or have no access to a collective sewer) for sewage disposal, then an OSSF suitability review must take place, by State law. This review will determine if the proposed lot(s) will meet all current State/County regulations and be suitable for current/future OSSFs.  This review will produce the notes and the signature block that are required to be on the plat before Development Services can/will sign off on the plat. Please note that this is a completely different review than the review that takes place for an actual permit for repair or construction of an individual OSSF system and requires a specific report (not the same report that is submitted for construction of an OSSF). Your Registered Sanitarian/Professional Engineer should know what report to produce for this suitability review. 

There is already an OSSF on one of the lots.  Do I still have to have the review?

Yes - the review will determine if the new lot(s) meet current State/County regulations, including setbacks to new lot lines.  If there are existing structures and OSSFs on any of the lots, the RS/PE that prepares the report MUST include a to-scale drawing of all structures and OSSF components on a copy of the proposed plat layout.  The review will be rejected if the drawing showing all structures and OSSF components is not included. 

There is no immediate plan to put an OSSF on the lot(s).  Do I still have to have the review?

Yes – since the lot(s) will rely on OSSF for any future construction the review will determine if the new lot(s) are suitable for future OSSFs for the protection of any future buyers. 

How long does the review take? 

State law allows up to 45 days for this review.  We make every effort to get the reviews completed in a shorter timeframe but you should plan for 45 days.

How do I apply for an OSSF Suitability for Plat Review?

You will apply for an OSSF Suitability for Plat Review through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal (please note that you will need to check the map to determine if the parent tract is in unincorporated, city limits or within the ETJ of a City limits so that you choose the correct review).

What happens after I submit my OSSF Suitability for Plat review application through the CSS Portal?

Once your online OSSF Suitability application is submitted, the department staff will review all of the submitted information and documents.  If the submission is approved, the staff will then issue an invoice that will be available to you in your portal (allow 2-4 business days for intake processing and issuance of the invoice).  PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REVIEW(S) WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL ALL FEES HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL.  Once the review begins, the process can take up to 45 days.  You can follow the process in your portal account.  Once the review has been completed and approved, you will receive a letter that includes the OSSF plat notes and signature block that must be included on the final plat.  Once the plat copies are ready for final signatures, the documents can be dropped off at Development Services for signatures.

If your online application is not approved, you will find notes on your plan account that instruct you on next steps (make any required changes to the record, attach additional/updated documents, etc.).  It is important that you check in on the process in the portal often so that you do not miss any information that could result in delays.  

Collin County only performs inspections or investigations for food service complaints (including restaurants, food stores, schools, day cares, etc.) or food-related illness for the following areas:

• Unincorporated areas (outside of any city's city limits)
• Wylie city limits
• Melissa city limits
• Lowry Crossing city limits
• Weston city limits
• Josephine city limits
• Farmersville city limits

To report a complaint regarding food or unsanitary conditions for any of the above areas, you may call 972/548-5585 during business hours or send a report via email.

To report a suspected food-borne illness ("food poisoning") or unsanitary conditions involving food service for any other city within Collin County, you will need to contact that city directly to make your report.

Information for Food Service Establishments:

What rules does the county use when inspecting a food service operation (including temporary operations)?

Collin County uses the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) from Chapter 228 of the Texas Health and Safety Code - Link to TFER and Food Service Rules

Do I need to permit with the County in order to sell food?

Collin County only permits establishments for food service (including restaurants, food stores, schools, day cares, mobile vendors, temporary events, etc.) for the following areas:

• Unincorporated areas (outside of any city's city limits)
• Wylie city limits
• Melissa city limits
• Lowry Crossing city limits
• Weston city limits
• Josephine city limits
• Farmersville city limits

To permit food service for any of the above areas, you will need to apply through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal for a food establishment or mobile food establishment permit.

To permit food service in any other city within Collin County, you will need to contact that city directly to obtain your permit.

What if I only want to operate a food business on a temporary basis or for a specific event?

Collin County allows food operators to obtain a Temporary/Short-Term Event Food Permit that will allow you to operate your establishment for a period on not more than 14 days at a single location.  Your online application and payment MUST be received by Development Services five (5) business days prior to the 1^st anticipated day of operation or your request for a permit will be denied.  Apply for a temporary food establishment permit through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.

What is the cost of a food service permit?

All of our permit fees are included on our Main Page - Permit Fees

Does the county require Certified Food Management certification and /or Food Handling certification?

State law requires that "At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program" and "Except in a temporary food establishment and the certified food manager, all food employees shall successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 60 days of employment."

Collin County only permits public swimming pools in the following areas:

• Unincorporated areas (outside of any city's city limits)
• Wylie city limits
• Melissa city limits
• Lowry Crossing city limits
• Weston city limits
• Josephine city limits
• Farmersville city limits

To permit public swimming pools for any of the above areas, you will need to apply through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal for an Annual Health Permit to operate Public Pool or Spa..

To permit public swimming pools in any other city within Collin County, you will need to contact that city directly to obtain your permit.

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Collin County only performs foster care/adoption inspections for citizens residing in the following areas:

• Unincorporated areas (outside of any city's city limits)
• Wylie city limits
• Melissa city limits
• Lowry Crossing city limits
• Weston city limits
• Josephine city limits
• Farmersville city limits

To receive a foster care/adoption inspection for any of the above areas, you will need to apply for a foster care/adoption inspection through the Collin County Citizen Self-Service Portal.

To receive a foster care/adoption inspection in any other city within Collin County, you will need to contact that city directly determine if they offer the service.​