City of Mesquite

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, remodels, and any work affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or energy systems within Mesquite.

• Exempt Fences 2 feet in height or less
• Exempt Ordinary cosmetic repairs and maintenance not affecting structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or energy systems

Note: No standalone exempt-work list published. Applicants must contact Building Inspection at 972-216-6212 before starting any work to confirm permit requirements. Accessory storage buildings of any size appear to require minimum $50 permit.

Building code

2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (2018 IECC), 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), with local amendments

Permit validity

Applications expire 45 days after filing (when fee is paid). Extensions up to 10 calendar days granted in writing for fee payment; other extensions require director approval.

Owner-builder

Homeowner may pull permits if they own property, live as primary residence, and homestead through Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD). Homeowner must register in CSS and obtain professional license.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold valid Texas state license and register professional license in CSS before permit application. Professional license registration fee: $110.00 per license.

1. 01
   Pre-application consultation: Contact Planning and Zoning for zoning/setback questions or Building Inspection for code/permit scope questions.
2. 02
   Register for CSS account at energov.cityofmesquite.com.
3. 03
   Obtain professional license in CSS (submit state license and/or photo ID).
4. 04
   Complete and submit permit application through CSS with all required documents.
5. 05
   Pay plan review fee (25% for residential; 28% for commercial).
6. 06
   City reviews application; 45-day review period starts when fee is paid.
7. 07
   Address any issues identified; respond within required response windows.
8. 08
   Upon approval, pay building permit fee through CSS.
9. 09
   Permit is now valid; schedule required inspections through CSS or by phone.
10. 10
    Pass all required inspection phases; project closeout upon final inspections.

Typical processing time: 45-day review period governs under Texas SB 848, HB 265, HB 574; no separate expedited program identified

Source: Building Inspection Division, Planning and Development Services Department ↗

All payments through CSS portal; all fees are non-refundable. Application not filed until plan review fee paid; permit not issued until permit fee paid.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective February 2022 (Revised 02/22)) before budgeting.

• CSS portal (online)
• Building Inspection Division (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Commercial inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. working day prior to needed inspection date

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Time windows

Business-day window for both residential and commercial

Typical sequence: Six-phase residential system: Phase I (Plumbing rough-in, property strings), Phase II (Foundation slab, electrical under slab), Phase III (Structural framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing top-out, mechanical rough-in), Phase IV (Energy pre-sheetrock, windows/doors, insulation, ductwork), Phase V (Energy final, attic insulation, HVAC rating, electrical openings sealed), Phase VI (Building final, electrical final, plumbing final, mechanical final)

Source: Building Inspection Division, Planning and Development Services Department ↗