Local businesses in Lockhart

Building permit applications go in online through MGO Connect, and the city's permit applications page says review starts after payment and can take up to 10 business days. Help is at (512) 398-3461. Build that wait into any start date a contractor gives you.

Each contractor working in the city must also hold a Lockhart contractor's license, applied for through the Development Services Department with eight supporting documents and the license fee. Ask a contractor to show theirs. Properties in Lockhart's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) are subject only to the city's subdivision and signage rules.

Lockhart tree removal permits

A permit is required to remove any tree in the city. Healthy large shade trees of listed species, including pecan, hickories, black walnut and Southern magnolia, are protected and may come down only if they are hazardous, dead, dying or diseased, and a replacement tree may be required.

Lockhart Electric Utility has been a city-owned retail electric system since 1939. The Lower Colorado River Authority sells it wholesale power, and it serves 5,000 customers. Residents on its system have no retail electric choice. Addresses outside it may be served by a co-op such as Pedernales Electric Cooperative, which lists Caldwell County among its counties, so confirm the provider by address.

The city also runs the water and wastewater utility. Its schedule, as posted in October 2026, limits sprinklers to 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. on two set days a week: odd-numbered homes on Wednesday and Saturday, even-numbered homes on Thursday and Sunday, and commercial and multi-family properties on Tuesday and Friday. Hand watering is allowed any time. The city says mandatory outside restrictions take effect in May under its water plan, so check the current status before seeding a lawn.

Groundwater and flood districts for Lockhart

Plum Creek Conservation District manages groundwater and flood control in Caldwell County, with 2026-2027 rates of 0.0189 per $100 valuation for groundwater and 0.0148 for flood control. Parts of the county also fall inside the Edwards Aquifer Authority, whose Stage 2 pumping cuts for San Antonio Pool permit holders took effect October 5, 2026, and the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. Ask which district covers a well before drilling.

Lockhart had 14,379 residents in the 2020 Census. Its county, Caldwell, was split from Gonzales County in 1848. Property is appraised by the Caldwell Appraisal District, which runs an online protest portal.

Home systems in Lockhart

• AC repair and electricians on the city electric system
• Plumbers, with the city water utility
• Pest control

Outdoor work in Lockhart

• Tree service, where every removal needs a permit

Professional services in Lockhart

• Dentists and gyms
• Attorneys and realtors

Nearby, Kyle and San Marcos have their own guides, and the whole area is on the Austin area page.