Development Services: Frequently Asked Questions

ETJ (Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction) is a “zone” around a city's incorporated limits (created by the State legislature) in which the city has some additional regulatory authority. Cities are allowed to extend their subdivision regulations into this zone so if your property is located in an ETJ and you wish to permit new construction on that property, you will need to contact the city to verify that the planned construction does not trigger their subdivision regulations. Please note that ETJ properties are still in the county and all permitting will be through the county. If you are permitting through the County for new construction in the ETJ, you will be required to submit an ETJ Verification form, signed by the ETJ city, that indicates that the planned construction is in compliance with their subdivision regulations.

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.

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.

This document can be obtained from the Clerk's Deed Search page or at the Collin County Clerk's Office located at

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).

Much of the information that you are seeking is available through our permitting portal under the Search Public Records tab. Use the drop down menu and the keyword/address field to narrow your search (if you type in a portion of the address - 1234 Ma, for example, the system will bring up possible addresses from which you can select). Once you have selected the address, then you will also get an Advanced Search button that will allow you to even further narrow your search. Once you have entered all of the pertinent information, you will be presented with a listing of records that are available. Click on the links to open the records that you want to view and then explore the record, clicking on all off the available tabs in the record. We are working to move all available attachments into these records but that project is not yet complete. Please note that if no records show up under that address, that means that development services has no permit records for that address.

If there are no attachments available on the record that you have selected, then you can fill out an Open Records Request form. The Public Information Office will then review and send any available documents that can be released. Development Services is not able to release records directly if they are not available on the portal - the PIO Office will do that for you.

Collin County does not address raw land. Addresses are conferred as part of the permitting process only (this includes addressing existing buildings with no current address). To apply for a permit with no address, you will select the parcel. Once you apply for your permit, addressing will be part of the process. Please note 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).

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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 send a report via email to Environmental Health.

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

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

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.

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 1st 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.

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

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 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 fostercare/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.

If your permit was issued prior to November 1, 2023 then you will request OSSF construction inspections via email to Development Services Inspection. Make sure to include the permit number, address and inspection type on all requests or your inspections will be delayed.

If your permit record is available to you through the permitting portal (permit issued after November 1, 2023), then all swimming pool construction inspection requests will be made through the portal.

If your permit was issued prior to November 1, 2023 then you will request swimming pool construction inspections via email to Development Services. Make sure to include the permit number, address and inspection type on all requests or your inspections will be delayed.

Once you have permitted through the portal, the inspector will contact you regarding any required inspections.

State law/County Court Order requires that anyone that builds a new residential dwelling or substantially remodels/adds to an existing residential dwelling contract with a 3rd party inspector:

• a licensed engineer;
• a registered architect;
• a professional inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission;
• a plumbing inspector employed by a municipality and licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners;
• a building inspector employed by a political subdivision; or
• an individual certified as a residential combination inspector by the International Code Council

The 3rd party inspector is required to perform no less than 3 inspections during construction:

• (A) the foundation stage, before the placement of concrete;
• (B) the framing and mechanical systems stage, before covering with drywall or other interior wall covering; and
• (C) on completion of construction of the residence).

Once construction is completed, not later than the 10th day after the date of the final inspection, the builder shall submit notice of the passing inspection stating that the inspection showed compliance with the building code standards applicable to that phase of construction (final – move in ready) to Development Services via email and to the person for whom the new residential construction is being built, if different from the builder.

All meter releases are done electronically. Please fill out the template in its entirety, including the permit number and the complete address, including the city, state, and zip code. The request will be rejected if the permit number is not included or if the form is not completed in full. A third-party inspection report must be attached when submitting a meter release request.

Permit numbers issued as of November 1, 2023, will be in the following formats:

• (2010-1234)
• (2010-12345678)
• (OSSFYY-MMDD-1234)
• (PRMT-AS-1234)
• (PRMT-OS-1234)
• (PRMT-XX-1234)
• (CDPYY-MMDD-1234)
• (RDPYY-MMDD-1234)

If you have lost a copy of your permit and need to request one, please refer to "Where can I find a past permit number or get a copy of any permit documents or documents that may have been submitted with a permit (OSSF designs, etc.)" above.

• Required for T-Pole meter release: If you are requesting a T-Pole meter release, you must provide a passing third-party electrical inspection for the pole. Select “temporary power pole” as the type of release.
• Required for permanent electric release: If you are requesting permanent power, you must provide a passing third-party electrical inspection. In addition, if applicable to your project, your OSSF/septic system must be installed and have passed both the initial and final inspections. No permanent power will be released if OSSF/septic inspections have not been completed and passed. If you are unsure of the outcome of a previously scheduled inspection or need to schedule septic inspections, please email Development Services Inspections .

All meter releases will be approved or denied within three (3) business days. If your meter release is denied, you must resubmit the request after correcting the error using the Power Release Template .

Then Development Services does not perform, handle or track that inspection.

For Commercial Building inspections, contact the Fire Marshal's Office.

For Culvert/Driveway/Right of Way inspections, contact Public Works.

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, visit the civic access page.

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 .

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.

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

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.

The Affidavit must be filed with the County Clerk's Office located at

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

Collin County requires three (3) forms when property is sold that has aerobic system:

• (1) Change of Ownership, and (2) Aerobic Wastewater Homeowner's Information sheet, and
• (3) Maintenance contract in new owner's name (must be obtained from your licensed maintenance provider).

Submit the forms through our OSSF Report Portal.

New OSSF Contracts, Maintenance Reports, and Change of Ownership forms will be submitted through our OSSF Report Portal.

Any lot divided between 1983 and 2008 (contact Development Services if exact dates in 1983 or 2008 are critical to your project) must start with a minimum of 1 acre (or 1.5 acres if there is a water well on the property) and any lot divided in 2008 or later must start with 1 usable acre (1.5 acres minimum with 1 acre usable if there is a water well on the property). “Usable” means usable for OSSF components/disposal area (excluding most easements, ponds, etc.).

If the small lot existed as the same small lot prior to 1983, you will need to conduct your own research to find proof that the lot existed before that time and present the documentation to Development Services. If the designed and installed OSSF complies with all requirements set forth in the State and County OSSF regulations, it may be allowed.
Whether an OSSF can be designed and installed in compliance with all current State and County OSSF regulations for a specific lot cannot be determined until you hire a third-party Registered Sanitarian or Professional Engineer to evaluate the site and design the system.

If the property was made smaller than the required acreage after the applicable dates, the property is ineligible for an OSSF. Please note that properties affected by a government taking (for a roadway, etc.) may still be eligible for an OSSF. Contact Development Services with proof of the government taking for review.

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, visit the civic access page.

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 .

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.

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

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.

The Affidavit must be filed with the County Clerk's Office located at

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

Collin County requires three (3) forms when property is sold that has aerobic system:

• (1) Change of Ownership, and (2) Aerobic Wastewater Homeowner's Information sheet, and
• (3) Maintenance contract in new owner's name (must be obtained from your licensed maintenance provider).

Submit the forms through our OSSF Report Portal.

New OSSF Contracts, Maintenance Reports, and Change of Ownership forms will be submitted through our OSSF Report Portal.

Any lot divided between 1983 and 2008 (contact Development Services if exact dates in 1983 or 2008 are critical to your project) must start with a minimum of 1 acre (or 1.5 acres if there is a water well on the property) and any lot divided in 2008 or later must start with 1 usable acre (1.5 acres minimum with 1 acre usable if there is a water well on the property). “Usable” means usable for OSSF components/disposal area (excluding most easements, ponds, etc.).

If the small lot existed as the same small lot prior to 1983, you will need to conduct your own research to find proof that the lot existed before that time and present the documentation to Development Services. If the designed and installed OSSF complies with all requirements set forth in the State and County OSSF regulations, it may be allowed.
Whether an OSSF can be designed and installed in compliance with all current State and County OSSF regulations for a specific lot cannot be determined until you hire a third-party Registered Sanitarian or Professional Engineer to evaluate the site and design the system.

If the property was made smaller than the required acreage after the applicable dates, the property is ineligible for an OSSF. Please note that properties affected by a government taking (for a roadway, etc.) may still be eligible for an OSSF. Contact Development Services with proof of the government taking for review.

No, contractors do not need to register with Collin County to do work within the County's jurisdiction.

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.

(Examples of a "permanent, residential structure" include a house, mobile home, barn, storage building, pool, fence, etc. --- "Extensively remodeling an existing structure" is work or a project that is disturbing ground or otherwise adding a footprint, such as adding a new bedroom, creating a pond, building a fence, etc.)

• 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.
• 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.

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 New Residential Swimming Pool/Spa Construction or New Public Swimming Pool/Spa Construction (if this will be for a public/HOA/apartment, etc. pool) 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.

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.

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

• Apply for a commercial building non residential - new or commercial building non residential - existing/new tenant through the fire marshal's office (same customer service portal) if:
• You are building/adding a new non-residential/commercial structure that will house people (this includes multi-family and rental-only dwellings).
• You are constructing a parking area/surface for non-residential/commercial purposes.
• You are grading/clearing, installing utilities or other horizontal improvement for/in anticipation of a larger non-residential/commercial project.

(Important note: apply for your fire marshal permits first and development services staff will then send any other associated commercial development or ossf permits through your portal to be completed by you. Do not apply for a separate commercial development permit or ossf permit.)

Your non-residential/commercial project does not require a fire marshal's permit (as described above), then you will apply for a commercial development permit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

If the property is within any city';s ETJ (see What is the ETJ and what does that mean for my property? and/or Is my property located in an ETJ, City limits, or the floodplain? for additional information), then the city will be the platting authority so you will need to contact that city directly regarding any subpision/pision/platting questions (exception would be questions specifically regarding the On Site Sewage Facility Suitability Review for Plat).

If the property is not within any city's ETJ (see Is my property located in an ETJ, City limits, or the floodplain? for additional information), then Collin County Engineering Department will be the platting authority so you will need to contact Engineering directly regarding any subdivision/division/platting questions (exception would be questions specifically regarding the On Site Sewage Facility Suitability Review for Plat).

Collin County Development Services is unable to assist with any subpision/pision or platting questions. Development Services is only a plat reviewer when the lot(s) that are being pided/platted do not have access to collective sewer/must use OSSFs ("septic systems").