On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Early
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 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.
- 02 Prepare the required plan package. A drawing or plans, estimated cost, and square footage must be submitted.
- 03 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.
- 04 City staff reviews the application for plan and site-plan completeness, utility review, water-account status, and other checklist items.
- 05 Pay applicable fees and obtain the issued permit before work begins.
- 06 Request inspections through the city.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Early building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$0 for $0-$300 valuation; $15 for $301-$2,000 valuation
02
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.
03
Trade permit fee
$25 electrical; $50 gas test inspection; $25 mechanical; $50 plumbing; $50 sprinkler-system inspection
04
Reinspection fee
$10 electrical; $50 gas test; $10 mechanical; $50 plumbing; $50 sprinkler
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (325) 643-5451 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: No public citywide inspection-sequence checklist found in reviewed permit materials.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Early permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Early, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Early, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Early, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Early, TX, follow these steps: 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.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Early, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Early, TX via: (325) 643-5451.
last verified April 2026
source Development Services / Building Inspections ↗
entry id permits/texas/brown/early
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services / Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.