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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Brownwood
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.
- 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
- 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
- Permit validity
- A certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy or change of use in the circumstances stated by city ordinance.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Residential: minimum 2 days. Commercial and multifamily: minimum 1 week.
- 01 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.
- 02 Prepare the required supporting documents. Residential and commercial applications require site drawings and plans; floodplain projects require additional flood-development materials.
- 03 Submit the application package to Planning and Development for review.
- 04 Allow city review time. Residential applications require a minimum two-day review period. Commercial or multifamily applications require a minimum one-week review period.
- 05 For commercial permits, the city coordinates a pre-construction meeting with the general contractor and subs before permit issuance.
- 06 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 ↗
Fee schedule
Brownwood building permit fees
Payment may be made at City Hall or invoiced on request.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (325) 646-5331 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Brownwood permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Brownwood, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Brownwood, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Brownwood, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Brownwood, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Brownwood, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Development Department / Planning & Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.