Building Permits in Texas

We cover 106 cities in Texas. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

106 Cities Covered

10,702 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in Texas

Building permit requirements in Texas are enforced at the local level, each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in Texas follow the 2021 IRC, though 27 cities are still on the 2024 edition.

We cover 106 cities in Texas with 10,702 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data, not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Common Permit Exemptions in Texas

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in Texas. Keep in mind, "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Fence: Exempt in 206 of our 106 covered cities

Windows and Doors: Exempt in 164 of our 106 covered cities

Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, or Spa: Exempt in 132 of our 106 covered cities

Shed: Exempt in 112 of our 106 covered cities

Roof Replacement: Exempt in 109 of our 106 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in Texas

If you're hiring a contractor in Texas, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the Texas TDLR – Various Trades.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront, a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.