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

The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee structure per IBC framework; specific tiered formula in Permit Fee Schedule (contact department for current schedule). Plan check fee: Plan review fee in addition to base permit fee; specific percentage not confirmed (approximately 65% of building permit fee based on neighboring jurisdiction data, but verify with Richardson).

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

1. Determine permit type (residential or commercial) from permit type pages. 2. Ensure contractor is registered with City of Richardson (if applicable). 3. Prepare required documents per project type. 4. Submit application via email to permits@cor.gov, hand delivery, or mail. 5. For plan-required projects, email submission is preferred. 6. Await plan review; standard processing times not publicly published. 7. Express Permitting available: guarantees 3 business days for qualifying small projects. 8. Once approved, pay permit fees. 9. Post permit on site as required. 10. Schedule required inspections online or by phone.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached utility/residential accessory structures under 1,000 sq ft (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.); Residential decks without roofs, less than 30 inches above grade; Non-structural residential alterations (interior cosmetic work); Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade; Commercial painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and cabinetry (finishes only); Playground equipment for single-family and two-family homes; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches; Residential floor/ceiling coverings, painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, interior wall decorations (refreshing existing surfaces only); Lamp replacements and portable equipment connections (electrical); Portable heating and cooling appliances (HVAC); Minor appliance replacements (gas/mechanical); Leak repairs in existing plumbing systems; Clearing stoppages without rearranging fixtures (plumbing). Note: Accessory structures over 40 sq ft require building permit; structures 150 sq ft or less require site sketch; over 150 sq ft require scaled drawings. Zoning permit may still be required even if building permit not required. Consult richardsoninspectionservices.com for additional details.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Richardson, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal, Building Inspection Department. Requests submitted before 8:00 a.m.: morning window (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.); after 8:00 a.m. and before noon: afternoon window (1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.).

City Building Permits

Richardson, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Dallas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Richardson.

Department: Building Inspection Department
Address: 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 550, Richardson, TX 75082
Phone: 972-744-4180
Email: permits@cor.gov
Website: https://www.cor.net/departments/building-inspection

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Richardson Online Permitting System

Platform: City-hosted permitting system • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine permit type (residential or commercial) from permit type pages.
Ensure contractor is registered with City of Richardson (if applicable).
Prepare required documents per project type.
Submit application via email to permits@cor.gov, hand delivery, or mail.
For plan-required projects, email submission is preferred.
Await plan review; standard processing times not publicly published.
Express Permitting available: guarantees 3 business days for qualifying small projects.
Once approved, pay permit fees.
Post permit on site as required.
Schedule required inspections online or by phone.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact Plans Examiner for current estimates; Express Permitting guarantees 3 business days

Source: Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within Richardson.

Required Documents

Completed Residential Building Permit Application
Two sets of construction documents drawn to scale
Computer-generated energy code compliance report (2021 IECC)
Plot plan/site plan with distances to property lines
Three sets of floor plans with room usages and door/window schedules
For engineered foundations: signed and sealed plans from Texas-licensed Professional Engineer plus compliance letter

Permit validity: Not published in reviewed sources; consult department or Code of Ordinances
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), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), all with regional and local amendments
Owner-builder: Owner/Builder permits available; homeowners may obtain permits for owner-occupied residences in certain circumstances
Contractor requirements: All contractors must register with Building Inspection Department prior to permit issuance. Registration fee: $100. Registration certificates valid for one year. State-licensed trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) must hold applicable Texas state licenses. Contractor registration must be current before online account can be opened.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not confirmed
Plan check fee: Plan review fee in addition to base permit fee; specific percentage not confirmed (approximately 65% of building permit fee based on neighboring jurisdiction data, but verify with Richardson)
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based fee structure per IBC framework; specific tiered formula in Permit Fee Schedule (contact department for current schedule)
Trade permit fee: Applied to qualifying projects
Reinspection fee: First inspection and one reinspection included in permit fee; each subsequent inspection beyond one included reinspection: $100
Payment note: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express accepted for online purchases; confirm payment method for in-person/email submissions

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Detached utility/residential accessory structures under 1,000 sq ft (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.)
Residential decks without roofs, less than 30 inches above grade
Non-structural residential alterations (interior cosmetic work)
Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade
Commercial painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and cabinetry (finishes only)
Playground equipment for single-family and two-family homes
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Residential floor/ceiling coverings, painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, interior wall decorations (refreshing existing surfaces only)
Lamp replacements and portable equipment connections (electrical)
Portable heating and cooling appliances (HVAC)
Minor appliance replacements (gas/mechanical)
Leak repairs in existing plumbing systems
Clearing stoppages without rearranging fixtures (plumbing)

Important: Accessory structures over 40 sq ft require building permit; structures 150 sq ft or less require site sketch; over 150 sq ft require scaled drawings. Zoning permit may still be required even if building permit not required. Consult richardsoninspectionservices.com for additional details.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Online portal (online)
Building Inspection Department (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Requests submitted before 8:00 a.m.: morning window (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.); after 8:00 a.m. and before noon: afternoon window (1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday; twice-daily inspections
Time windows: Morning: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Afternoon: 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: Foundation (before pour), Rough framing/rough plumbing/rough electrical/rough mechanical (before covering walls), Insulation (before drywall), Final inspection (all systems complete). Confirm required sequence with Building Inspection at permit issuance.

Additional Resources

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), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), all with regional and local amendments
Verify contractor license: Contractor Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Development Services
Zoning Atlas (Interactive Map)
Code of Ordinances (Municode)
Express Permitting Program
Residential Permit Types
Commercial Permit Types
License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Richardson, TX?: A building permit is required for any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within Richardson.
How much does a building permit cost in Richardson, TX?: The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee structure per IBC framework; specific tiered formula in Permit Fee Schedule (contact department for current schedule). Plan check fee: Plan review fee in addition to base permit fee; specific percentage not confirmed (approximately 65% of building permit fee based on neighboring jurisdiction data, but verify with Richardson).
How do I apply for a building permit in Richardson, TX?: 1. Determine permit type (residential or commercial) from permit type pages. 2. Ensure contractor is registered with City of Richardson (if applicable). 3. Prepare required documents per project type. 4. Submit application via email to permits@cor.gov, hand delivery, or mail. 5. For plan-required projects, email submission is preferred. 6. Await plan review; standard processing times not publicly published. 7. Express Permitting available: guarantees 3 business days for qualifying small projects. 8. Once approved, pay permit fees. 9. Post permit on site as required. 10. Schedule required inspections online or by phone.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Richardson, TX?: Typical processing time is Not published; contact Plans Examiner for current estimates; Express Permitting guarantees 3 business days.
What work is exempt from building permits in Richardson, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Detached utility/residential accessory structures under 1,000 sq ft (tool sheds, playhouses, etc.); Residential decks without roofs, less than 30 inches above grade; Non-structural residential alterations (interior cosmetic work); Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade; Commercial painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, and cabinetry (finishes only); Playground equipment for single-family and two-family homes; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches; Residential floor/ceiling coverings, painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, interior wall decorations (refreshing existing surfaces only); Lamp replacements and portable equipment connections (electrical); Portable heating and cooling appliances (HVAC); Minor appliance replacements (gas/mechanical); Leak repairs in existing plumbing systems; Clearing stoppages without rearranging fixtures (plumbing). Note: Accessory structures over 40 sq ft require building permit; structures 150 sq ft or less require site sketch; over 150 sq ft require scaled drawings. Zoning permit may still be required even if building permit not required. Consult richardsoninspectionservices.com for additional details.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Richardson, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal, Building Inspection Department. Requests submitted before 8:00 a.m.: morning window (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.); after 8:00 a.m. and before noon: afternoon window (1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.).

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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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