Rural Austin County septic systems run through county OSSF permits
Past the sewer lines, a septic system is an on-site sewage facility, or OSSF. A permit and approved plan are required to build, alter, repair, extend, and operate one.
In Austin County, start with Planning and Development at One East Main Street in Bellville. The county paperwork includes the OSSF court order, the OSSF license application, and the office phone, 979-865-5911.
A good septic plan starts with the site, not the tank. TCEQ points buyers toward a site evaluation that looks at the lot, soil, and disposal area. If someone else installs the system, licensed installer rules can apply.
The 10-acre rule can remove the permit requirement only when the tract meets several state conditions. Do not count on that shortcut until Planning and Development has looked at the tract. For an existing house, ask for the permit file and pumping history during option period.
Content last revised 2026-07-11