Conceptual rendering, not a construction photographDriftwood, TX
Custom Home Projects in
Driftwood, Texas.
ClearBuild Texas takes on custom homes, large remodels, and additions in Driftwood and the surrounding Hays County Hill Country.
Driftwood is unincorporated, so there is no town hall to issue a building permit. Hays County, the groundwater district, and state rules set most of the requirements, and some parcels also fall inside the Dripping Springs extraterritorial jurisdiction. The first step is finding out which of those apply to the property.
This page is general planning information, not a price quote or construction schedule. Call or email ClearBuild with the property location and we will talk through what applies to it.
Building here
What to plan for in Driftwood
No city building department
Hays County requires a development permit for any kind of development, including houses, pools, sheds, grading, and creek crossings. The county does not inspect single-family homes. The builder hires a third party for three inspections: foundation before concrete, framing and mechanical before drywall, and completion. A permit is good for one year to start construction.
Source: Hays County development FAQSome parcels are in the Dripping Springs ETJ
A March 2026 City of Dripping Springs staff report places land in the Driftwood Conservation District within the city's ETJ. In the ETJ, the city's planning director has said it can regulate impervious cover, site development, and subdivision standards, but not building height or size. Check the parcel before assuming only county rules apply.
Source: Hays Free Press, ETJ explainerWells and the drought
The Hays Trinity district's map shows Driftwood inside its boundary, with the Barton Springs/Edwards district to the east. In November 2026 it remained in Stage 4 emergency drought, when new wells are limited to replacements and exempt uses. A new well under 17.36 gallons a minute must generally sit 150 feet from existing wells and 100 feet from property lines. Lots near the boundary can use the Barton Springs district's address lookup.
Source: Hays Trinity GCD rules (amended August 6, 2026)Septic comes with a parcel review
Hays County Development Services handles septic permits, and it looks at the land as well as the design. A residential project must show a compliant parcel, a development permit, and a septic design if one applies. Every system is designed around bedrooms and square footage, so a later addition can mean an upgrade.
Source: Hays County development FAQLighting depends on the subdivision
Dripping Springs lists a Driftwood golf-and-ranch subdivision among the ETJ developments whose agreements require compliance with its lighting rules. Elsewhere in the ETJ, compliance is voluntary, and Hays County has adopted a Night Sky Resolution. Check a home's outdoor lighting plan against any deed restrictions as well.
Source: City of Dripping Springs, lighting jurisdictionPower comes after the site plan
PEC serves Hays County; confirm the provider for the parcel. PEC's process asks you to stake the home and mark the septic and drain fields, then provide a site plan, deed, 911 address, and requested amps. The owner pays the line extension cost before PEC releases the job to construction, so the house and septic locations come first.
Source: PEC, new serviceGeneral planning information, not legal or engineering advice. Requirements change; confirm with the listed agencies for a specific property.
Common questions
Do I need a building permit in Driftwood?
Driftwood has no city building department. Hays County requires a development permit for any kind of development, and new homes need three third-party inspections because the county does not inspect single-family homes.
Is there zoning in Driftwood?
Hays County does not have zoning authority outside the San Marcos Regional Airport area. Deed restrictions and, in the Dripping Springs ETJ, city site standards can still apply.
Is Driftwood in the Dripping Springs ETJ?
Parts of it are, including land in the Driftwood Conservation District. Check the specific parcel with the city, because not every property is included.
Are Hays County's development rules changing?
The county has posted draft Development Regulations dated October 15, 2026. We could not confirm whether they have been adopted, so ask Development Services which version applies before relying on a lot-size or permit rule.
Does ClearBuild Texas build in Driftwood?
Yes. Driftwood and the surrounding Hays County area are part of ClearBuild Texas's service area for custom homes, large remodels, and additions.
Project inquiries
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