City Building Permits

Irving, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Dallas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Irving.

Department
Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division)
Address
825 W. Irving Blvd., 2nd Floor, Irving, TX 75060
Phone
(972) 721-2371
Website
https://irvingtx.gov/building-permits-licenses

Online Permit Portal

Open MGO Connect (My Government Online)

Platform: My Government Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Confirm permit requirement by reviewing permit-required work list at irvingtx.gov/residential-permits.
  2. Verify owner-builder eligibility if applicable (homestead exemption required with Dallas Central Appraisal District, except for re-roofing).
  3. Register or log in to MGO Connect at mgoconnect.org.
  4. Start new permit application; select permit type.
  5. Enter project details (address, scope, valuation, contractor info).
  6. Upload plans and supporting documents.
  7. Pay permit fees through portal.
  8. City reviewers conduct plan review (typically 3 business days for single-family/duplex).
  9. Address correction comments if issued; resubmit revised plans.
  10. Download approved permit and plans from portal.
  11. Post permit on-site before work begins.
  12. Schedule required inspections through MGO as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Single-family homes and duplexes: approximately 3 business days; correction cycles add approximately 3 business days each

Source: Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure within Irving.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan or plot plan
  • Scope of work
  • Contractor information or Homeowner's Affidavit
  • Plans showing proposed changes (not required for demolitions, electrical, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, water heater, or reroofing)
Permit validity
Not published in reviewed sources; contact department for governing provision
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). Pending 2024 I-Codes adoption (public hearing scheduled March 26, 2026; if adopted, effective May 1, 2026).
Owner-builder
Owner/Builder permits available; most permit types require licensed and registered contractor
Contractor requirements
All contractors must register with Building Inspection Department prior to permit issuance; registration is not required for homeowner-obtained permits on owner-occupied single-family residences where allowed

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Approximately $1,200
Plan check fee
Approximately 50% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Residential: approximately $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation; Commercial: approximately $6.00 per $1,000 of valuation
Trade permit fee
Approximately $175 each (no fee to add to existing active building permit)
Reinspection fee
Approximately $75 per inspection
Payment note
Fees paid through MGO Connect portal or in-person at Inspections Department counter

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective February 2026 (FY25-26)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting (interior or exterior)
  • Wallpapering
  • Carpet installation and vinyl/hard-surface flooring (non-structural)
  • Cabinetry installation (no structural work)
  • Replacing fixtures or appliances at existing connections (except water heaters)
  • Weatherstripping and caulking
  • Non-structural shelving and minor fixture replacement
  • Fence repair/replacement under 6 feet in height (note: new fences require permit regardless of height)
  • Roof repairs without structural changes (note: full reroofing requires permit)
  • HVAC replacement 'in kind' at existing location (confirm with city)

Important: Exempt work does not override zoning, HOA, or deed restriction requirements. Exempt work must still comply with all codes. When in doubt, contact irving-permits@IrvingTX.gov or (972) 721-2371. 2024 I-Code adoption (if effective May 1, 2026) may adjust exempt-work list.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Same-day inspection cutoff: 6:00 a.m. the day of desired inspection; after 6:00 a.m., earliest available is next business day
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Time windows
Field inspections during regular business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: Foundation/slab (before concrete pour), Rough framing/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical before insulation/drywall), Insulation (if required under IECC), Final building inspection (all trades signed off; Certificate of Occupancy issued for new construction). Trade inspections run in parallel and scheduled separately.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Irving, TX?
A building permit is required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure within Irving.
How much does a building permit cost in Irving, TX?
The minimum permit fee is Approximately $1,200. Fees are calculated as: Residential: approximately $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation; Commercial: approximately $6.00 per $1,000 of valuation. Plan check fee: Approximately 50% of building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Irving, TX?
1. Confirm permit requirement by reviewing permit-required work list at irvingtx.gov/residential-permits. 2. Verify owner-builder eligibility if applicable (homestead exemption required with Dallas Central Appraisal District, except for re-roofing). 3. Register or log in to MGO Connect at mgoconnect.org. 4. Start new permit application; select permit type. 5. Enter project details (address, scope, valuation, contractor info). 6. Upload plans and supporting documents. 7. Pay permit fees through portal. 8. City reviewers conduct plan review (typically 3 business days for single-family/duplex). 9. Address correction comments if issued; resubmit revised plans. 10. Download approved permit and plans from portal. 11. Post permit on-site before work begins. 12. Schedule required inspections through MGO as work progresses.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Irving, TX?
Typical processing time is Single-family homes and duplexes: approximately 3 business days; correction cycles add approximately 3 business days each.
What work is exempt from building permits in Irving, TX?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting (interior or exterior); Wallpapering; Carpet installation and vinyl/hard-surface flooring (non-structural); Cabinetry installation (no structural work); Replacing fixtures or appliances at existing connections (except water heaters); Weatherstripping and caulking; Non-structural shelving and minor fixture replacement; Fence repair/replacement under 6 feet in height (note: new fences require permit regardless of height); Roof repairs without structural changes (note: full reroofing requires permit); HVAC replacement 'in kind' at existing location (confirm with city). Note: Exempt work does not override zoning, HOA, or deed restriction requirements. Exempt work must still comply with all codes. When in doubt, contact irving-permits@IrvingTX.gov or (972) 721-2371. 2024 I-Code adoption (if effective May 1, 2026) may adjust exempt-work list.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Irving, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal (primary), Inspections Department. Same-day inspection cutoff: 6:00 a.m. the day of desired inspection; after 6:00 a.m., earliest available is next business day.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Irving 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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