Rural Dallas County Homes May Use On-Site Septic Systems
An on-site sewage facility (OSSF) is a septic system. In unincorporated Dallas County, OSSF permits and inspections are handled by the county under authority delegated by TCEQ. You need a permit to install, repair, or replace a septic system.
If you are buying a home with a septic system outside city sewer service, have the system inspected. A failing system can be expensive to fix and may create health hazards. Contact Dallas County's Unincorporated Area Services at (214) 653-6565 or visit tceq.texas.gov for OSSF rules.
Content last revised 2026-07-11