On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Irving
A building permit is required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure within Irving.
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)
- Exempt Painting (interior or exterior)
- Exempt Wallpapering
- Exempt Carpet installation and vinyl/hard-surface flooring (non-structural)
- Exempt Cabinetry installation (no structural work)
- Exempt Replacing fixtures or appliances at existing connections (except water heaters)
- Exempt Weatherstripping and caulking
- Exempt Non-structural shelving and minor fixture replacement
- Exempt Fence repair/replacement under 6 feet in height (note: new fences require permit regardless of height)
- Exempt Roof repairs without structural changes (note: full reroofing requires permit)
- Exempt 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.
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)
- 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).
- Permit validity
- Not published in reviewed sources; contact department for governing provision
- 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
Source: Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Single-family homes and duplexes: approximately 3 business days; correction cycles add approximately 3 business days each
- 01 Confirm permit requirement by reviewing permit-required work list at irvingtx.gov/residential-permits.
- 02 Verify owner-builder eligibility if applicable (homestead exemption required with Dallas Central Appraisal District, except for re-roofing).
- 03 Register or log in to MGO Connect at mgoconnect.org.
- 04 Start new permit application; select permit type.
- 05 Enter project details (address, scope, valuation, contractor info).
- 06 Upload plans and supporting documents.
- 07 Pay permit fees through portal.
- 08 City reviewers conduct plan review (typically 3 business days for single-family/duplex).
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective February 2026 (FY25-26)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Approximately $1,200
02
Plan check fee
Approximately 50% of building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Residential: approximately $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation; Commercial: approximately $6.00 per $1,000 of valuation
04
Trade permit fee
Approximately $175 each (no fee to add to existing active building permit)
05
Reinspection fee
Approximately $75 per inspection
Fees paid through MGO Connect portal or in-person at Inspections Department counter
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective February 2026 (FY25-26)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- MGO Connect portal (primary) (online)
- Inspections Department (phone)
- 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 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.
Source: Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Irving permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Irving, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Irving, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Irving, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Irving, TX, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Irving, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in Irving, TX typically run Single-family homes and duplexes: approximately 3 business days; correction cycles add approximately 3 business days each. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Irving, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Irving, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Irving, TX 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.
last verified April 2026
source Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division) ↗
entry id permits/texas/dallas/irving
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspections Department (Building Inspections Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.