Texas Building Permits — Complete Guide (2026)
Find, Apply & Track Permits in Cities and Counties Across Texas
Building permit requirements and processes in Texas vary by city and county. Use the links below to apply, check status, schedule inspections and find permit information for your location.
How Building Permits Work in Texas
In Texas, most building permits are issued by cities, not counties. If your property is inside city limits, you’ll apply through the city. If you’re in an unincorporated area, you may need to apply through the county.
Learn more about Texas permit requirements →Not Sure Where to Apply?
Enter your city or address to find your correct permit office.
Permit costs by type — Texas
| Permit Type | Fee Range | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $500–$3,000+ | 3–8 weeks | City-specific; no statewide code; energy code varies by city |
| Roofing | $75–$300 | 1–3 days | Many cities offer same-day or next-day approval; insurance work common |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $75–$200 | 1–5 days | TDLR registration required; energy code varies by city |
| Electrical | $75–$250 | 1–5 days | Panel upgrades, EV chargers; TDLR licensed electricians required |
| Plumbing | $75–$200 | 1–5 days | TSBPE licensed plumbers; septic permits via county in rural areas |
| Pool / Spa | $200–$800 | 2–4 weeks | Safety barrier fence required statewide (TDLR Pool Safety); drain covers mandated |
| Room Addition | $200–$1,200 | 2–5 weeks | Most cities require structural plans; Houston has specific flood rules |
| ADU / Guest House | $200–$1,000 | 2–6 weeks | No statewide ADU mandate; Austin and Houston have streamlined programs |
| Solar Panels | $100–$350 | 1–5 days | Structural + electrical permits both required; most cities streamlined |
| Fence | $50–$150 | 1–3 days | Many cities require permit for fences over 6 ft; HOA rules also apply |
| Demolition | $100–$500 | 1–2 weeks | Asbestos survey required for pre-1978 structures; city notification required |
Texas permit portals — verified links (2026)
Most Texas building permits are issued by cities. Find your city or county below. If outside city limits, contact your county — many Texas counties have limited or no permit requirements for standard residential work.
Texas county permit guides
Click a county for its full permit guide — costs, timelines, department contacts, and city portal information.
Texas Building Code & contractor license requirements
⚡ No statewide residential building code — what this means for your project
Texas cities and counties adopt their own codes. Most follow the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) but adoption cycles and local amendments vary significantly by jurisdiction:
- No statewide residential building code: Houston has no zoning code and its own building standards. Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio are on different IRC/IBC adoption cycles. Rural areas may have no code at all.
- Electricians (TDLR): Texas requires TDLR-licensed Master Electricians to pull permits. Apprentices must work under a licensed master. Verify at tdlr.texas.gov before hiring any electrician.
- Plumbers (TSBPE): Master Plumber license required for all permit pulls. Separate license for gas work. Verify all plumbers at tsbpe.texas.gov.
- HVAC / AC (TDLR): HVAC contractor registration required statewide. EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling. No state general contractor license required.
- Pool safety (TDLR): Safety barrier fence mandated statewide for all pools regardless of depth. TDLR Pool Safety Inspector required for inspection sign-off.
- Flood zones: Houston and Gulf Coast areas have extensive FEMA flood zones. Substantial improvement rules apply in AE/VE zones. Always check FEMA flood maps before designing any additions in flood-prone areas.
How to get a building permit in Texas
Determine your jurisdiction
First check if your property is inside city limits or in an unincorporated county area. Inside city limits: apply to the city. Outside city limits: apply to the county — but many TX counties have no permit requirement at all for standard residential work. Your county appraisal district website can confirm your jurisdiction.
Find your city's permit portal
Large cities: Houston Permitting Center, BuildSA (San Antonio), Dallas Building Inspection, Fort Worth Development Services, Austin DSD. Small cities: check MyGovernmentOnline (mygovernmentonline.org) — 100+ Texas jurisdictions use it for online applications, payments, and inspection scheduling.
Plan for separate permits per trade
Like Florida, Texas typically requires separate permit applications for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC) work. Budget for multiple permit fees and separate inspection schedules. All trade permits must be finaled before the building permit can close.
Verify contractor license requirements
Texas requires TDLR-licensed electricians, TSBPE-licensed plumbers, and TDLR-registered HVAC contractors. Verify any contractor's license at tdlr.texas.gov before hiring. General contractors have no state license requirement but some cities require local registration.
Submit plans and pay fees
Simple permits (re-roof, HVAC swap, water heater) are often approved same-day or next-day online. New construction and additions require full plan sets. Most major Texas cities now accept digital plan submissions through their portals or via MGO.
Schedule inspections — including wind mitigation
Texas cities require inspections at framing, rough-in, and final stages. Houston and Dallas both have online scheduling. Gulf Coast and North Texas tornado-zone properties may require additional wind zone structural inspections. Never cover rough-in work before sign-off.
Frequently asked questions — Texas permits
Find a licensed Texas contractor
Texas requires state-licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Always verify TDLR or TSBPE license before hiring — unlicensed contractor work can create liability and permit rejection issues.
General Contractors
Find pre-screened general contractors for your Texas home project. Compare quotes, check reviews, and hire with confidence.
Find a Contractor →Licensed Electricians
Find TDLR-licensed electricians near you. Required for panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, and all permitted electrical work across Texas.
Search TDLR →Plumbers & HVAC
TSBPE-licensed plumbers and TDLR-registered HVAC contractors. Required for all permitted plumbing and mechanical work in Texas.
Verify License →Ready to get started? Browse verified, licensed contractors serving Texas homeowners and get free quotes on your project.
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