How much does a building permit cost in Brownwood, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $25.00 for $0.00-$3,000.00 valuation; electrical minimum is $15.00 per permit; mechanical permit issuance fee is $15.00; plumbing permit is $15.00. Fees are calculated as: Mix of per-square-foot fees for certain residential work and valuation-based tiers for other work. Separate trade fee schedules apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits..

How do I apply for a building permit in Brownwood, TX?

1. Choose the correct permit application from the city permit page, including residential, commercial, demolition, moving permit, ROW access, or certificate of occupancy forms as applicable. 2. Prepare the required supporting documents. Residential and commercial applications require site drawings and plans; floodplain projects require additional flood-development materials. 3. Submit the application package to Planning and Development for review. 4. Allow city review time. Residential applications require a minimum two-day review period. Commercial or multifamily applications require a minimum one-week review period. 5. For commercial permits, the city coordinates a pre-construction meeting with the general contractor and subs before permit issuance. 6. After permit issuance, schedule inspections by phone and obtain a certificate of occupancy where required before occupancy or change of use.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Brownwood, TX?

Typical processing time is Residential: minimum 2 days. Commercial and multifamily: minimum 1 week..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Brownwood, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (325) 646-5331.

City Building Permits

Brownwood, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Brownwood, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Texas Brown County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Brownwood.

Department: Planning & Development Department / Planning & Development Services
Address: 501 Center Avenue, Brownwood, TX 76801
Phone: (325) 646-5331
Email: jtatum@brownwoodtexas.gov
Website: https://www.brownwoodtexas.gov/447/Permits-and-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Permits and Inspections

Platform: CivicPlus website document page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Choose the correct permit application from the city permit page, including residential, commercial, demolition, moving permit, ROW access, or certificate of occupancy forms as applicable.
Prepare the required supporting documents. Residential and commercial applications require site drawings and plans; floodplain projects require additional flood-development materials.
Submit the application package to Planning and Development for review.
Allow city review time. Residential applications require a minimum two-day review period. Commercial or multifamily applications require a minimum one-week review period.
For commercial permits, the city coordinates a pre-construction meeting with the general contractor and subs before permit issuance.
After permit issuance, schedule inspections by phone and obtain a certificate of occupancy where required before occupancy or change of use.

Typical processing time: Residential: minimum 2 days. Commercial and multifamily: minimum 1 week.

Source: Planning & Development Department / Planning & Development Services

General Requirements

Separate permits are required for site clearing and grading, work in city right of way, stormwater pollution prevention, parking lots, concrete not used to support structures, street access, signs, demolition, development within FEMA flood hazard areas, and building, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Required Documents

Site drawing
Plans and specifications required by law
Energy compliance report
Plat signed and sealed by a registered professional land surveyor when property is not previously platted or is being subdivided or combined
For residential: complete plan set including site drawing, foundation plan, floor plan, electrical plan, roof and floor framing, elevations
For commercial or multifamily: complete plan set plus PDF copy sealed by a licensed architect or engineer where required
For floodplain projects: flood-development application

Permit validity: A certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy or change of use in the circumstances stated by city ordinance.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fire Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code
Contractor requirements: Applications require listing the general contractor and trade contractors. Commercial projects over $50,000 reference a TDLR number. The city staff directory identifies a Chief Building Official / Permit Tech and building officials.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25.00 for $0.00-$3,000.00 valuation; electrical minimum is $15.00 per permit; mechanical permit issuance fee is $15.00; plumbing permit is $15.00
Permit fee formula: Mix of per-square-foot fees for certain residential work and valuation-based tiers for other work. Separate trade fee schedules apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
Trade permit fee: Electrical $15.00; Mechanical $15.00; Plumbing $15.00
Reinspection fee: Electrical reinspection $15.00 each; Plumbing reinspection $15.00 each
Payment note: Payment may be made at City Hall or invoiced on request.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning & Development Department / Planning & Development Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(325) 646-5331 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections include elevation, foundation, frame, roof deck, insulation, floodproofing, gypsum board, and final building inspections; electrical construction meter loop, underground, rough-in, meter loop, and final; plumbing underground, rough-in, stack-out, tests, and final; mechanical underground, rough-in, and final; gas rough piping, final piping, and final; plus sign and engineering inspections when applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fire Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code
Verify contractor license: Texas TDLR Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning & Development
License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning & Development Department / Planning & Development Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownwood Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Brownwood, TX?: Separate permits are required for site clearing and grading, work in city right of way, stormwater pollution prevention, parking lots, concrete not used to support structures, street access, signs, demolition, development within FEMA flood hazard areas, and building, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work.
How much does a building permit cost in Brownwood, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $25.00 for $0.00-$3,000.00 valuation; electrical minimum is $15.00 per permit; mechanical permit issuance fee is $15.00; plumbing permit is $15.00. Fees are calculated as: Mix of per-square-foot fees for certain residential work and valuation-based tiers for other work. Separate trade fee schedules apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits..
How do I apply for a building permit in Brownwood, TX?: 1. Choose the correct permit application from the city permit page, including residential, commercial, demolition, moving permit, ROW access, or certificate of occupancy forms as applicable. 2. Prepare the required supporting documents. Residential and commercial applications require site drawings and plans; floodplain projects require additional flood-development materials. 3. Submit the application package to Planning and Development for review. 4. Allow city review time. Residential applications require a minimum two-day review period. Commercial or multifamily applications require a minimum one-week review period. 5. For commercial permits, the city coordinates a pre-construction meeting with the general contractor and subs before permit issuance. 6. After permit issuance, schedule inspections by phone and obtain a certificate of occupancy where required before occupancy or change of use.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Brownwood, TX?: Typical processing time is Residential: minimum 2 days. Commercial and multifamily: minimum 1 week..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Brownwood, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (325) 646-5331.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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