Texas permits
Do you need a permit in Texas?
Texas does not have a single statewide building code. Permits and code adoption happen at the municipal or county level, which means the rules in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio are similar but not identical, and rural counties may have minimal permitting. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbers statewide; the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates electricians. As a Texas homeowner doing work on your own homestead, you can perform electrical and plumbing work on your residence without a license under the homestead exemption, but most major jurisdictions still require a permit and inspection.
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These are statewide ranges. Get your exact Texas cost for your zip code and project size.
Can a homeowner pull the permit?
Yes, in most cases. Texas Occupations Code Section 1305.003 (electrical) and 1301.255 (plumbing) exempt homestead work. You must occupy the residence; rental and resale properties require licensed trades.
Where to file: City building department for incorporated areas, or the county for unincorporated. Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth all have online permit portals with same-day issuance for minor work. Rural counties may require an in-person visit and 1-2 week turnaround.
Permits by trade in Texas
| Trade | When required | Citation | Typical fee | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | In-wall work, water heater replacement, gas line work, new fixtures with new supply runs | Tex. Occ. Code 1301 | $50-$250 | Conditional |
| Electrical | New circuits, panel work, service upgrades, GFCI/AFCI additions | Tex. Occ. Code 1305 | $50-$200 | Conditional |
| Mechanical (HVAC) | AC change-out, furnace, ductwork modifications, refrigerant work | TDLR Air Conditioning + Refrigeration | $75-$250 | No |
| Building (structural) | Additions, structural modifications, foundation repair, decks over 30in off grade | IRC as adopted by jurisdiction | $150-$800 | Yes |
| Roofing | Re-roofs (most jurisdictions), structural deck repair, hurricane-tie additions in coastal counties | Local jurisdiction + Tex. Ins. Code 2210 for coastal | $100-$300 | Yes |
| Foundation | Pier-and-beam repair, slab leveling, drainage modifications | Local jurisdiction | $100-$400 | No |
Hover a Conditional or No entry for the homeowner rule. Always confirm with your local building department, since requirements vary by jurisdiction.
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