Building a home in Texas offers a range of opportunities depending on the location, and choosing whether to build in a rural county like Comal, Kendall, Blanco, Hays, or Burnet etc. versus more urban counties like Bexar (San Antonio) or Travis (Austin) comes with notable differences. These differences can impact everything from building codes and tax benefits to the level of restrictions on home design and construction. In this article, we’ll explore what makes building in rural counties unique and compare the process to building in more urban areas like Bexar or Travis County.
1. Building Codes and Regulations: Urban vs. Rural
One of the most significant distinctions between building in rural counties and urban counties like Bexar and Travis is the level of regulation.
- Rural Counties (Comal, Kendall, Blanco, Hays, Burnet): In more rural counties, there are generally fewer building restrictions and codes, providing more flexibility when designing and constructing your home. While these counties still enforce statewide building standards, you often have more freedom in terms of architectural style, materials, and property use. This means that if you’re looking to build a more unique or unconventional home—such as a barndominium, log cabin, or a home with alternative energy sources like solar or geothermal—you’ll face fewer limitations.
- Land Use Flexibility: In rural areas, zoning restrictions are often more lenient, allowing you to build larger homes on bigger lots or even incorporate multiple structures such as guest houses, barns, or workshops. There are also fewer restrictions on keeping livestock or running a small farm or homestead, which is attractive to those looking for a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
- County Regulations: While rural counties may have fewer restrictions, they may still require compliance with county-level permits for septic systems, wells, and other infrastructure. However, the overall process is typically faster and less bureaucratic than in urban areas.
- Urban Counties (Bexar, Travis): In urban counties like Bexar and Travis, building codes are often more stringent due to higher population density and the need for standardized construction and safety measures. Urban counties also tend to have more zoning restrictions that limit the types of homes you can build, as well as where you can build them.
- City-Specific Codes: Cities within these counties, such as San Antonio and Austin, have their own additional building codes and regulations that can make the process more complex. These codes often dictate minimum lot sizes, setback requirements, and restrictions on exterior materials, colors, or roof types. Urban areas are more likely to have HOAs or community guidelines, which further regulate what and how you can build.
- Permit Processes: The permit process in urban counties is typically more involved, with multiple approvals needed from city departments, such as zoning, environmental impact, and fire safety. This can add to both the cost and time needed to get construction started.
2. Tax Benefits of Building in Rural Counties
One of the key advantages of building in rural counties like Comal, Kendall, or Blanco is the potential for lower property taxes.
- Lower Tax Rates: Rural counties often have lower property tax rates compared to urban counties. For example, property taxes in Travis County (Austin) or Bexar County (San Antonio) are generally higher due to the infrastructure and public services required in more densely populated areas.
In contrast, rural counties like Comal, Kendall, Blanco, Hays, or Burnet typically have lower tax rates, making them attractive to homeowners looking to minimize long-term costs. For those building on larger lots or estates, the potential savings in property taxes can be significant.
- Agricultural Exemptions: In rural areas, you may also qualify for agricultural exemptions or wildlife management exemptions, which can further reduce your property taxes if you use your land for farming, ranching, or wildlife conservation. These exemptions can significantly reduce the taxable value of your land, making rural counties more appealing for those interested in a more agricultural or conservation-focused lifestyle.
3. Fewer Limitations and More Freedom in Rural Areas
Building in rural counties offers more freedom in terms of what you can do with your property. In contrast to urban areas, where space is limited and rules are strict, rural areas provide more flexibility.
- Larger Lots: Rural properties typically offer larger lots, providing the space for additional structures like barns, workshops, or guesthouses. You can also add features such as swimming pools, gardens, or ponds without the extensive permits and regulations required in urban areas.
- Custom Home Designs: Rural areas allow for more creativity when it comes to architectural styles and home designs. Whether you want to build a rustic ranch-style home, a modern farmhouse, or an eco-friendly house using sustainable materials, rural counties often provide the flexibility to do so without restrictions from zoning or design regulations.
- Fewer HOA Restrictions: In rural counties, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are less common than in urban areas. This means fewer restrictions on things like home appearance, exterior materials, landscaping, and even fencing or driveway types. For those who want to maintain complete control over the design and use of their property, rural counties are ideal.
4. City-Specific Codes and Processes
While rural counties offer fewer restrictions, cities within both rural and urban counties can have their own building codes and processes. This is important to consider, especially if you are building near a city or within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), where city regulations may still apply.
- City-Specific Regulations: If you are building within a city’s boundaries (or ETJ), you may still need to comply with city zoning laws, building codes, and permitting processes. These regulations can dictate the size of the home, the lot layout, and even the materials used, so it’s essential to research the city’s specific requirements early in the planning process.
- Annexation Possibilities: Some rural areas near growing cities like Austin and San Antonio face the possibility of future annexation, which could bring new regulations, higher taxes, or additional services. If you are building in an area with growth potential, consider how this might affect your property down the road.
5. Building Costs and Infrastructure Differences
Building in rural areas can sometimes lead to lower upfront costs, particularly when it comes to land prices, but there are additional factors to consider when it comes to infrastructure.
- Utilities: In rural counties, access to utilities such as water, electricity, and gas may be limited. You may need to install a well, septic system, or propane tank, adding to your initial construction costs. In urban counties, utilities are typically more readily available, but tapping into city infrastructure can come with additional connection fees and restrictions.
- Roads and Access: Rural properties may also have less developed infrastructure in terms of roads and access points. Private roads or longer driveways may need to be built, adding to the cost of construction. In urban counties, roads and access points are generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion can be a drawback.
Conclusion
Building a home in rural counties like Comal, Kendall, Blanco, Hays, or Burnet versus more urban counties like Bexar or Travis offers distinct advantages and challenges. Rural counties provide greater freedom, lower property taxes, and fewer restrictions, making them ideal for those looking to build custom homes with more space and creative control. Urban counties, while offering more amenities and infrastructure, come with higher costs, stricter regulations, and longer permitting processes. All this needs to be considered when building your dream home in central Texas.