Howardwick, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Howardwick. Howardwick publicly documents a real permit program for structures, moved-in structures, manufactured homes, RV permits, setbacks, zoning variances, and address assignment.

Department

City of Howardwick City Secretary / City Hall

Address

245 Rick Husband Blvd., Howardwick, TX 79226

Phone

(806) 874-2222

Email

cityofhowardwick@windstream.net

Website

https://cityofhowardwick.com/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Howardwick city limits and identify the property's zoning district and setbacks.
2. Download the city's building permit application and determine the permit type and fee category.
3. If the project is a new structure, move-in structure, manufactured home, tiny home, commercial structure, or RV placement, prepare the application and attach a drawing if available.
4. For new construction, manufactured homes, and tiny homes, obtain the required valid septic permit from TCEQ before the city will issue the building permit.
5. If the project does not comply with zoning or setback rules, submit the variance application with written explanation, pictures, and or drawings, plus the $75 variance fee; surrounding owners within 200 feet are to be notified.
6. Submit the permit application to City Hall, pay the applicable fee, and obtain permit approval from the city official.
7. Build within the permit term, obtain any required acceptable inspections, and post the assigned 911 address before occupancy or use.

Source: City of Howardwick City Secretary / City Hall

General Requirements

Howardwick's posted permit page says the city requires permits for new home placement, remodeling, storage buildings, garages, carports, commercial buildings, and RV placement. Ordinance section 9.02.153 requires permits before any new structure, move-in structure, manufactured home, or other permanent structure is placed on a lot. A valid permit is also required before installation of utility service or septic-system construction is begun. Multifamily dwellings require special exemption and permit. RV camping requires a permit from City Hall, though storage of an RV on an owner's property is exempt when a habitable permanent residence is present.

Required Documents

• Building permit application listing applicant contact information, lot and section, description of work, and drawing if available
• Septic permit from TCEQ before a building permit for new construction, manufactured homes, and tiny homes
• Variance paperwork if zoning relief is needed
• Written explanation, pictures, and or drawings for variance requests

Permit validity

Building permits are valid for six months from issuance. They may be renewed and extended for an additional six months by ruling of the planning and zoning commission. The application form says permit holders needing more time must obtain a renewal permit or may be subject to fines.

Building code

Permit application references the International Building Code. The 2023 Howardwick code publicly adopts the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code and the 2009 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. A current public ordinance page clearly naming a full adopted IBC or IRC edition for all general construction was not found.

Owner-builder

The permit information sheet states on-site sewage systems may be installed by the land owner in accordance with TCEQ permitting and inspections.

Contractor requirements

No public local contractor-registration ordinance or contractor-license page was found in the reviewed sources. State trade licensing still applies where Texas law requires it.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$10.00 commercial permit renewal

Permit fee formula

Residential structures, including tiny homes, manufactured homes, and stick-built homes: $100.00. Residential external additions including attached and free-standing garages, carports, and storage buildings: $75.00. RV parking permit: $50.00. Residential permit renewal: $50.00. Commercial structures: $200.00. Commercial permit renewal: $10.00. Variance application: $75.00.

Penalty (no permit)

Permit form warns that failure to renew an expired permit may subject the applicant to fines. Sewage violations can trigger significant penalties under state law.

Payment note

Fees appear to be paid directly through City Hall. No online permit-payment workflow was found.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• RV storage on an owner's property where a habitable permanent residence is present

Important: The only clearly published permit exemption is for RV storage on an owner's property where a habitable permanent residence is present. No broader public exempt-work list for building permits was found.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

City Hall office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Septic permit first where required. City permit issuance. Acceptable inspections before the structure can be inhabited or put into service. 911 address assigned on permit application and address posting required. If a variance is needed, City Council action follows notice to owners within 200 feet and a public hearing date.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Permit application references the International Building Code. The 2023 Howardwick code publicly adopts the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code and the 2009 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. A current public ordinance page clearly naming a full adopted IBC or IRC edition for all general construction was not found.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permits Page
• City Hall
• City Secretary
• Setbacks Summary
• 911 Addressing Summary
• Variance Application
• Code of Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Howardwick Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Howardwick, TX?

Howardwick's posted permit page says the city requires permits for new home placement, remodeling, storage buildings, garages, carports, commercial buildings, and RV placement. Ordinance section 9.02.153 requires permits before any new structure, move-in structure, manufactured home, or other permanent structure is placed on a lot. A valid permit is also required before installation of utility service or septic-system construction is begun. Multifamily dwellings require special exemption and permit. RV camping requires a permit from City Hall, though storage of an RV on an owner's property is exempt when a habitable permanent residence is present.

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

The minimum permit fee is $10.00 commercial permit renewal. Fees are calculated as: Residential structures, including tiny homes, manufactured homes, and stick-built homes: $100.00. Residential external additions including attached and free-standing garages, carports, and storage buildings: $75.00. RV parking permit: $50.00. Residential permit renewal: $50.00. Commercial structures: $200.00. Commercial permit renewal: $10.00. Variance application: $75.00..

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

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Howardwick city limits and identify the property's zoning district and setbacks. 2. Download the city's building permit application and determine the permit type and fee category. 3. If the project is a new structure, move-in structure, manufactured home, tiny home, commercial structure, or RV placement, prepare the application and attach a drawing if available. 4. For new construction, manufactured homes, and tiny homes, obtain the required valid septic permit from TCEQ before the city will issue the building permit. 5. If the project does not comply with zoning or setback rules, submit the variance application with written explanation, pictures, and or drawings, plus the $75 variance fee; surrounding owners within 200 feet are to be notified. 6. Submit the permit application to City Hall, pay the applicable fee, and obtain permit approval from the city official. 7. Build within the permit term, obtain any required acceptable inspections, and post the assigned 911 address before occupancy or use.

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

The following work is generally exempt: RV storage on an owner's property where a habitable permanent residence is present. Note: The only clearly published permit exemption is for RV storage on an owner's property where a habitable permanent residence is present. No broader public exempt-work list for building permits was found.

Other cities in Donley County