1.   Do I need a permit if I live outside the city limits?

• Yes, permits are required and have been since the late 1970s.  Please contact staff on permits needed, process & fees.

 

2.  How do I apply for a permit, and how long does it take to process or approve it?

• Permits can be applied for in person and through our online portal, MGO. Instructions can be found through our Permits page.

• Permits usually take about 5-7 business days to process and approve, depending on those in our queue.  If items are missing, that will cause delays. 

 

3.  Can I build in the floodplain?

• Yes, but it will likely require an elevation certificate and other documentation. 

• However, you cannot build in the floodway. 

• Please contact the County Engineer's Office for more details. 

 

4.  What are the fees associated with my development or permit?

• Please check out our Fee Schedule and contact staff to verify the accuracy of the fees on your submittal.

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5.  Do I need a permit for a driveway or culvert?

• Yes, permits are required for accurate sizing and placement to help minimize drainage issues.  Incorrect sizing or placement can lead to drainage problems.

 

6.  How do I get an address?

• Please contact the GIS/Addressing Division of the Engineering Department for next steps by emailing them at addressing@elliscountytx.gov.

 

7.  I received a letter stating my septic maintenance contract has lapsed. What are the next steps to bring it back into compliance?

• Contact a TCEQ Licensed Maintenance Provider to obtain a new maintenance contract.

• It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that contracts are submitted to the Department of Development.

 

8. Who do I contact to get a new septic system or repair?

• Contact a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for new septic systems.

• You may also contact a TCEQ-licensed installer, who will then contact a Registered Sanitarian (RS) or a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to complete the OSSF design. 

• Septic system repairs must be performed by a TCEQ-licensed installer or maintenance provider.

• Please be advised that most repairs may require a permit and an inspection by the Department of Development. Feel free to contact us to verify whether a permit is needed.

 

9. Who do I talk to about my taxes or appraisal on my property?

• Please contact the Ellis Central Appraisal District.  They are independent of the County and can assist with such questions.

 

10. What are the necessary steps required to bring a neighbor, who is violating our deed restrictions, back into compliance? Can the County enforce deed restrictions?

• The County does not have the authority to enforce deed restrictions as they are considered private. 

• The only way to enforce them is to file a civil lawsuit against the alleged violator but contact a land use attorney who can assist you with such a situation.

 

11. Why does the County allow incompatible land uses next to each other?

• The County does not have the authority to approve land uses similar to what cities have with their zoning powers.  When you go outside the city limits, there is no such thing as a "residential area" or "commercial area."  Once a permit meets our adopted regulations, by law, they are permitted to go on that site.  

 

12. What are the necessary steps to ensure I develop my property to meet the County's regulations?

• The easiest thing to do is to schedule a pre-development meeting with staff so we can discuss your project in detail and go over the regulations and options with you. 

• You can schedule that meeting by filling out this form.

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13.  How do I go about requesting a Certificate of Occupancy?

• For commercial uses, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office. 

• For residential uses, the County does not have the authority to issue COs, but we have provided this letter to those needing something official stating so. 

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14.  What type of maintenance do we receive in a private subdivision?

• None.  Private means there is no public maintenance of roads, drainage, or other infrastructure within the public right-of-way. 

• In these cases, the homeowners or HOA is ultimately responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the items that would typically fall under County maintenance.  

• You are still required to obtain County permits for all applicable items.