Travis County has no zoning authority under Texas law and does not impose building setbacks in unincorporated areas. Setbacks are governed by recorded subdivision plats and HOA CCRs. Structures within Edwards Aquifer recharge zone must meet TCEQ 30 TAC §213 buffer distances from sensitive features (300 feet from caves, sinkholes).
TX Local Government Code §232 limits counties to subdivision regulation only — not land use. Plat notes typically establish 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 20 ft rear setbacks for residential lots. Septic systems (OSSFs) require 100 ft setback from wells and 10 ft from property lines under TCEQ Ch. 285. Contact Travis County at (512) 854-4260 for enforcement.
Plat setback violations: civil action by neighbors or HOA. OSSF setback violations: $500-5,000 TCEQ plus mandatory relocation.
Travis County, TX
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See how Travis County's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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