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Home & Property
Local Notes
Home & Property notes
Bowie County · Flood
Look up your flood zone before buying property near the Red River or Sulphur River
Bowie County has significant river flood risk along the Red River and Sulphur River, and FEMA flood maps determine whether your lender will require flood insurance.
Bowie County · Property tax
Two separate offices handle appraisal and tax collection in Bowie County
Bowie CAD handles values and exemptions; the county Tax Assessor-Collector handles registration and does not collect property taxes.
Brazoria County · Windstorm insurance
Brazoria County Properties May Need Separate Windstorm Insurance
All of Brazoria County is in TWIA's designated catastrophe area, so a property that cannot get private wind and hail coverage may qualify for the state's insurer of last resort.
Brazoria County · Environmental
Brazoria's Superfund Record Mixes Active and Former Sites
TCEQ's Brazoria County index lists eight current or former Superfund entries, but their programs and cleanup stages differ, so the individual site page matters more than the count.
Brazoria County · Flood
FEMA Maps Put Brazoria County Flood Risk on an Address
FEMA's address search shows whether a Brazoria County property sits in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area, but the map is only one part of a property's flood history and drainage picture.
Brazoria County · Septic / Water
Rural Properties in Brazoria County Need a Permit for Septic Systems
Any on-site sewage facility (septic system) in unincorporated Brazoria County requires a permit from the county's Environmental Health Department before installation or major repair.
Brazoria County · Water / Wells
The Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District Oversees Water Wells
A new Brazoria County well generally must be registered before drilling, while the need for a production permit depends on the well's use, capacity, and tract.
Brazoria County · Flood / Building
Unincorporated Brazoria Adds Two Feet in Several Inland Flood Zones
In several mapped inland flood zones, Brazoria County generally requires a new or substantially improved residential floor to sit two feet above FEMA's base flood elevation.
Brazoria County · Land use
Unincorporated Brazoria County Has No Zoning
Brazoria County does not zone unincorporated land, meaning uses that would be forbidden in a city (a salvage yard, livestock operation, or industrial storage) could legally operate next to a subdivision.
Brazos County · Special districts / Emergency services
Emergency Services Districts in Brazos County
Four Emergency Services Districts serve parts of Brazos County. The parcel boundary decides which tax and service apply.
Brazos County · Flood
Flood zones and development permits in Brazos County
Start with FEMA's flood map, then ask whether the county or a city handles permits for the exact property.
Brazos County · Water
Groundwater wells and permits in Brazos County
The Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District regulates new wells in Brazos County, and even a permit-exempt well normally needs district registration and approval before drilling.
Brazos County · Weather / Emergency
Natural hazards and severe weather in Brazos County
Brazos County's official Hazard Mitigation Plan lists floods, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, wildfire, drought, extreme heat, and severe winter storms as significant hazards.
Brazos County · Land use
No county zoning in Brazos County — but rules still apply
Unincorporated Brazos County has no general zoning code. But if your land is inside Bryan's or College Station's extraterritorial jurisdiction, city rules still apply.
Brazos County · Oil & Gas / Mineral rights
Oil, gas, and mineral rights in Brazos County
Brazos County has active oil and gas production regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, and mineral rights are commonly severed from surface ownership, so buyers should check deed records carefully.
Brazos County · Water / Septic
Septic system permits in Brazos County
Most septic work in Brazos County needs a Health District permit before the work starts.
Brazos County · Water
The Simsboro aquifer dispute and what it means for Brazos County water
A 2025 settlement ended a major Simsboro export-permit fight, while separate groundwater planning still tracks the aquifer's long-term drawdown.
Brewster County · Water / Drought
Drought is a recurring reality in Brewster County
Drought shapes everyday decisions in Brewster County, from rural water planning to fire danger on dry grass and brush.
Brewster County · Water / Wells
Private wells in Brewster County fall under a local water district
The Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District manages well permits and water use. Four aquifers supply groundwater across the county.
Briscoe County · Water / Groundwater
The Ogallala Aquifer: Briscoe County's Underground Water Supply
Briscoe County sits on the Ogallala Aquifer. Eastern Briscoe has Mesquite Groundwater Conservation District rules, while part of western Briscoe has been flagged by TCEQ as a priority area without a groundwater district.
Brooks County · Mineral rights / Oil & gas
Buying Land in Brooks County? Understand Mineral Rights First
Oil and gas was found in Brooks County in 1935. When you buy land here, someone else may already own the mineral rights underneath it.
Brooks County · Water / Groundwater
Drilling a Water Well in Brooks County: The Brush Country GCD
Brooks County sits inside the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District, which regulates water wells and draws from the Gulf Coast Aquifer.
Brown County · Flood / Safety
Flash Floods and Low Water Crossings Are a Real Risk in Brown County
Pecan Bayou and low water crossings on county roads can flood quickly during storms, and driving around barricades is both dangerous and illegal in Texas.
Brown County · Water supply
The Brown County Water Improvement District Supplies Most of the Area's Water
Lake Brownwood is the water-supply workhorse for Brownwood, Bangs, Early, Brookesmith, and nearby users.
Burleson County · Water / Groundwater
New water wells in Burleson County require a permit from the Post Oak Savannah GCD
The Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District covers all of Burleson County. It requires permits and registration for new water wells.
Burnet County · Septic / OSSF
A Burnet County septic permit starts with LCRA's address map
LCRA serves mapped lake zones and some cities; outside that jurisdiction, Burnet County generally handles the OSSF path.
Burnet County · Water & Lakes
Burnet County sits inside the working chain of Highland Lakes
LCRA operates six dams from Buchanan to Austin; the Burnet County lakes link stored regional water with smaller pass-through reservoirs.
Burnet County · Well Water
Every new Burnet County well needs CTGCD clearance before drilling
Registration comes first; the well may then be exempt, individually permitted, or covered by the district's newer permit-by-rule path.
Burnet County · Flood Insurance
Map the building, then ask about the flood policy
Homeowners coverage generally excludes flood; lender rules and NFIP waiting-period exceptions depend on the building and transaction.
Caldwell County · Flood Risk
Caldwell County has new FEMA flood maps
Caldwell County's updated FEMA flood maps took effect June 10, 2026, so buyers should check the mapped location of the building, not just the parcel outline.
Caldwell County · Septic Systems
Start a septic project with the local permitting authority
For land in Caldwell County's OSSF jurisdiction, septic work usually starts with the county packet, but Texas has narrow grandfathered and 10-acre exceptions.
Caldwell County · Groundwater
The well district changes in southeast Caldwell County
Plum Creek Conservation District covers much of Caldwell County, while Gonzales County UWCD covers a southeastern section; each has its own well paperwork.
Calhoun County · Coastal windstorm / TWIA
Coastal Properties Need Separate Windstorm Coverage
Calhoun County is one of the 14 first-tier coastal counties where standard homeowners policies typically exclude wind and hail, so most property owners need a separate TWIA policy.
Calhoun County · Flood / Hurricane
Storm Surge Can Push Into Calhoun County Bays and Towns
Harvey brought severe storm surge to Calhoun County. Check both your flood map and evacuation route before a storm threatens.
Callahan County · Water Wells
Callahan County has no groundwater conservation district
If your land here runs on a well, no local groundwater district is watching the pumping. The state's rule of capture is what governs the aquifer.
Callahan County · Mineral Rights & Oil
Oil has been produced in Callahan County since 1923
Callahan County has a long oil and gas history, and mineral rights are often severed from surface ownership, so check before you assume you own what's underground.
Cameron County · Climate / Weather
Cameron County Has a Subtropical Climate — Hot, Humid, and Hurricane-Prone
Cameron County's subtropical climate means mild winters, very hot summers, about 27 inches of rain per year, and direct exposure to Gulf of Mexico hurricanes.
Cameron County · Windstorm Insurance
Cameron County Homes May Need Special Windstorm Insurance
Cameron County is in Texas's coastal windstorm zone, so homeowners may need separate windstorm and hail coverage.
Cameron County · Flood Risk
Much of Cameron County Is in a FEMA Flood Zone
Low elevation and proximity to the Gulf mean large parts of Cameron County carry significant flood risk, so check the FEMA map before you buy.
Cameron County · Water Rights
Surface Water Rights on the Rio Grande Are Strictly Managed
The Rio Grande's water is allocated under a state-managed system — you cannot simply pump from it without a water right.
Carson County · Water Supply
Carson County Water Comes from the Ogallala Aquifer
Most water in Carson County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer underground, and a state-created district manages its use.
Carson County · Weather Hazards
Wildfire and Severe Wind Are Real Hazards in Carson County
Carson County is open High Plains grassland, so wildfire risk belongs in land, insurance, and outdoor-work planning.
Cass County · Water & Wells
Water wells in Cass County: what aquifer you are tapping
Many rural properties in Cass County use private water wells. The Queen City Aquifer is one key source to know before you buy or drill.
Castro County · Groundwater
The Ogallala Aquifer is Castro County's water source — and it is declining
Nearly all water in Castro County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, which has been dropping steadily for decades.
Chambers County · Weather hazards
Chambers County Has Been Hit by Major Hurricanes Repeatedly
Chambers County is on the upper Texas coast and sits in the path of Gulf hurricanes. Major storms hit in 1875, 1900, 1915, 1943, 1957, 1961, and 1983.
Chambers County · Coastal windstorm insurance
Most Chambers County Homes Need Windstorm Coverage
Chambers County is one of 14 Texas coastal counties where private insurers often will not write windstorm coverage, leaving the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as the backup option.
Chambers County · Flood risk
Much of Chambers County Sits in High-Risk Flood Zones
Chambers County is low and flat along the Gulf Coast. Many properties fall in FEMA high-risk flood zones, which can require flood insurance and affect what you can build.
Cherokee County · Mineral Rights
Buying Land May Not Include the Minerals Under It
In Cherokee County, oil, gas, and other mineral rights are often owned separately from the surface land, and buyers should check before assuming they own both.
Cherokee County · Parcel Check
Check a Cherokee County Parcel Before You Sign
Cherokee Central Appraisal District puts its property search and GIS map online, which gives buyers an early screen before closing on land or a house here.
Cherokee County · Subdivision Rules
Splitting Rural Land Here Now Runs Through Commissioners Court
Cherokee County adopted subdivision rules on December 23, 2025, and they reach many land splits in the unincorporated county.
Childress County · Water / Wells
Water Wells and the Mesquite Groundwater District
Only some parcels in northern Childress County are in the Mesquite Groundwater Conservation District. If yours is, you may need a permit before drilling a water well.
Clay County · Mineral rights / Oil and gas
In Clay County, the person who owns the oil may not own your land
Oil was found near Petrolia in 1901. More than a century of leasing has left many Clay County parcels with separate surface and mineral owners.
Cochran County · Oil and Gas
Oil Was Found Here in 1936 — Mineral Rights Still Matter
Cochran County has an active oil and gas history, so anyone buying land should check whether mineral rights are included.
Coke County · Groundwater & Wells
A local water district oversees wells in Coke County
The Coke County Underground Water Conservation District regulates groundwater, so if you plan to drill a water well, you will need to work with this district.
Coleman County · Mineral Rights
Oil and gas activity in Coleman County is regulated by the RRC
Coleman County has a history of oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission regulates all wells and operators here under District 7B.
Collin County · Weather Hazards
Collin County Has a Long Tornado and Large-Hail History
National Weather Service records document tornadoes and very large hail in Collin County. The county's tornado history is heaviest in spring.
Collin County · Plat Review
Dividing Land in Collin County Can Trigger Plat Review
Collin County's land-division page says dividing, recombining, or re-subdividing tracts can require review under county subdivision regulations.
Collin County · Flood Risk
FEMA Released Preliminary Flood Maps for Parts of Collin County
FEMA released preliminary maps for parts of several Collin County communities. They show possible future changes, not the flood zones in force today.
Collin County · Watering Rules
Most Collin County Lawns Follow NTMWD Watering Limits
NTMWD requires member cities and customers to follow a permanent outdoor watering schedule, but each local water supplier sets the exact days.
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.