City Building Permits

Early, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Brown County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Early.

Department
Development Services / Building Inspections
Address
960 Early Boulevard, Early, TX 76802
Phone
(325) 643-5451
Website
https://www.earlytx.net/98/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Applications (Fillable)

Platform: CivicPlus website / Document Center • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine the correct permit form from the city's Applications (Fillable) page, such as residential, commercial new, commercial existing, accessory building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, sign, ROW, or certificate of occupancy.
  2. Prepare the required plan package. A drawing or plans, estimated cost, and square footage must be submitted.
  3. Scan and email permit applications and variance requests to Garrett Wells at gwells@earlytx.net, or fax them to (325) 643-5452, or submit them at City Hall.
  4. City staff reviews the application for plan and site-plan completeness, utility review, water-account status, and other checklist items.
  5. Pay applicable fees and obtain the issued permit before work begins.
  6. Request inspections through the city.

Source: Development Services / Building Inspections

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, remodeling, or moving in a pre-built building.

Required Documents

  • Drawings or plans
  • Estimated cost
  • Square footage
  • Appropriate permit application
  • For residential: building plan, site plan, and utility review items as applicable
Building code
2020 National Electrical Code; 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Fire Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code; 2021 International Residential Code
Contractor requirements
Every contractor doing business in Early must be registered and must provide proof of insurance and copies of state licenses before work begins. Contractors cannot pull a permit or request an inspection unless license and insurance are current.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$0 for $0-$300 valuation; $15 for $301-$2,000 valuation
Permit fee formula
Valuation bands for building permits: $0-$300 no charge; $301-$2,000 is $15. Residential building permit application also states Permit fee $.12/total square footage.
Trade permit fee
$25 electrical; $50 gas test inspection; $25 mechanical; $50 plumbing; $50 sprinkler-system inspection
Reinspection fee
$10 electrical; $50 gas test; $10 mechanical; $50 plumbing; $50 sprinkler

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Development Services / Building Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (325) 643-5451 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: No public citywide inspection-sequence checklist found in reviewed permit materials.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Early Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Early, TX?
A building permit is required for new construction, remodeling, or moving in a pre-built building.
How much does a building permit cost in Early, TX?
The minimum permit fee is $0 for $0-$300 valuation; $15 for $301-$2,000 valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation bands for building permits: $0-$300 no charge; $301-$2,000 is $15. Residential building permit application also states Permit fee $.12/total square footage..
How do I apply for a building permit in Early, TX?
1. Determine the correct permit form from the city's Applications (Fillable) page, such as residential, commercial new, commercial existing, accessory building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, sign, ROW, or certificate of occupancy. 2. Prepare the required plan package. A drawing or plans, estimated cost, and square footage must be submitted. 3. Scan and email permit applications and variance requests to Garrett Wells at gwells@earlytx.net, or fax them to (325) 643-5452, or submit them at City Hall. 4. City staff reviews the application for plan and site-plan completeness, utility review, water-account status, and other checklist items. 5. Pay applicable fees and obtain the issued permit before work begins. 6. Request inspections through the city.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Early, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (325) 643-5451.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Early can be complicated.

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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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