Ralls, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ralls.

Department

City Hall / Building Official

Address

800 Avenue I, Ralls, TX 79357-3500

Phone

806-253-2558

Website

https://www.rallstx.org/

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Ralls city limits.
2. Contact City Hall or the building official before work starts. The zoning ordinance requires a written building permit before construction, alteration, repair, removal, or reconstruction of a structure or any part of one.
3. Apply for the building permit and, at the same time, apply for the certificate of occupancy and compliance where required.
4. Submit any plans and documents the city requires.
5. Pay the applicable permit fee to the city secretary.
6. Schedule required inspections. For electrical work, the ordinance requires the electrician to notify the electrical inspector when work is complete.
7. Obtain the certificate of occupancy and compliance before occupancy where required.

Typical processing time: Certificate of occupancy and compliance issued or refused within 5 days after written notice that the premises is ready for occupancy. Electrical inspection within 48 hours after notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Source: City Hall / Building Official

General Requirements

A written building permit is required before construction, alteration, repair, removal, or reconstruction of any structure or part thereof within Ralls city limits. The fire-prevention article states permits are required on all buildings constructed, enlarged, or altered within city limits, except construction in zone three where total cost does not exceed $100.00. The electrical code requires a permit before installing, altering, or adding electrical equipment.

Required Documents

• Building-permit application
• Certificate-of-occupancy application

Permit validity

The written building permit is valid for one year unless otherwise noted by the building official.

Building code

International Plumbing Code, 2015 edition, with electrical code and other local amendments.

Contractor requirements

State trade licensing applies for regulated trades such as plumbing and electrical work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$5.00

Permit fee formula

Flat building-permit fee entry of $5.00. Electrical permit fees are based upon the work to be done as provided in appendix A.

Payment note

The city site links to FastGovPay for payments, though no permit-specific online payment workflow was publicly documented.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• In zone three, construction with total cost not exceeding $100.00 (still must conform to fire-prevention article)
• Farm, ranch, and forestry dwellings, buildings, or agricultural uses on a tract of five or more acres (exempt from zoning ordinance, not building permit)

Important: Exemptions vary by zone and use. Confirm with City Hall before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Apply for permit. Complete work under permit. For electrical work, notify the electrical inspector when work is complete for inspection within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). For concealed electrical work, do not conceal it until inspected and approved or until 48 hours have elapsed after notice, excluding weekends and holidays. Obtain certificate of occupancy and compliance before occupancy where required.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Plumbing Code, 2015 edition, with electrical code and other local amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City Home Page
• City Contact Page
• TML Directory Profile
• Code Table of Contents
• Fee Schedule
• Fire-Prevention Article
• Electrical Permits and Inspections
• Plumbing Code
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Ralls Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ralls, TX?

A written building permit is required before construction, alteration, repair, removal, or reconstruction of any structure or part thereof within Ralls city limits. The fire-prevention article states permits are required on all buildings constructed, enlarged, or altered within city limits, except construction in zone three where total cost does not exceed $100.00. The electrical code requires a permit before installing, altering, or adding electrical equipment.

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

The minimum permit fee is $5.00. Fees are calculated as: Flat building-permit fee entry of $5.00. Electrical permit fees are based upon the work to be done as provided in appendix A..

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

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Ralls city limits. 2. Contact City Hall or the building official before work starts. The zoning ordinance requires a written building permit before construction, alteration, repair, removal, or reconstruction of a structure or any part of one. 3. Apply for the building permit and, at the same time, apply for the certificate of occupancy and compliance where required. 4. Submit any plans and documents the city requires. 5. Pay the applicable permit fee to the city secretary. 6. Schedule required inspections. For electrical work, the ordinance requires the electrician to notify the electrical inspector when work is complete. 7. Obtain the certificate of occupancy and compliance before occupancy where required.

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

Typical processing time is Certificate of occupancy and compliance issued or refused within 5 days after written notice that the premises is ready for occupancy. Electrical inspection within 48 hours after notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or as soon thereafter as possible..

What work is exempt from building permits in Ralls, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: In zone three, construction with total cost not exceeding $100.00 (still must conform to fire-prevention article); Farm, ranch, and forestry dwellings, buildings, or agricultural uses on a tract of five or more acres (exempt from zoning ordinance, not building permit). Note: Exemptions vary by zone and use. Confirm with City Hall before proceeding.

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