Cisco, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Cisco.

Department

Planning, Zoning, and Permitting

Address

500 Conrad Hilton Blvd, Cisco, TX 76437

Phone

(254) 442-2111

Email

citymanager@ciscotexas.gov , citysecretary@ciscotexas.gov

Website

https://www.cityofcisco.com/planning--zoning----permitting.html

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and whether a variance, zoning change, limited use permit, or specific use permit is also needed.
2. Download the correct permit form from the city permitting page.
3. Prepare the application package. The general building and accessory-building forms require a survey of the property and plans or drawings for plan review.
4. Submit the package in person to 500 Conrad Hilton Blvd, by mail to PO Box 110, Cisco, TX 76437, or by email to citysecretary@ciscotexas.gov.
5. The Building Official reviews the submittal. The city states permits will not be approved without all required documents for plan review.
6. After approval, the city notifies the applicant that the permit is approved and states the fees due.
7. Do not start work until the approved permit is issued and all required fees are paid.
8. Call for inspections as each phase is completed. Plumbing forms expressly identify rough-in, top-out, and final inspections; electrical and mechanical forms direct the applicant to contact the inspector before continuing with work.

Typical processing time: No general processing time posted for standard building permits; Cisco does not publish a general turnaround estimate in the reviewed permit forms.

Source: Planning, Zoning, and Permitting

General Requirements

The city posts a general building permit application for commercial, manufacturing, residential, multifamily, two-family, and manufactured-mobile home projects, plus separate accessory-building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permit forms.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Survey of the property
• Plans or drawings for plan review
• Location and ownership information
• Project description and valuation
• Trade information where applicable

Permit validity

The building, accessory, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permit forms state the permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 6 months, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 1 year after commencement.

Building code

2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 Existing Building Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code and gas code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; and 2017 National Electrical Code.

Owner-builder

Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical forms allow homeowners to perform their own work if they provide proof of ownership when they do not hold the required state trade license.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing permits are issued only to licensed plumbers upon presentation of a valid master plumber's license. Electrical permits are issued only to licensed Texas electrical contractors upon presentation of a valid Texas EC contractor's license. Mechanical permits are issued only to licensed Texas air conditioner contractors upon presentation of a valid Texas AC contractor's license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30.00 plumbing; $60.00 building; $60.00 mechanical; $65.00 electrical

Plan check fee

25% of permit fee, payable upon submittal and credited up to issuance of permit

Permit fee formula

New construction and additions: $0.20 per square foot. Carports and storage buildings under 500 sq ft: $0.15 per square foot. Foundation only: $120.00. Mobile home: $120.00. Certificate of occupancy inspection: $120.00.

Trade permit fee

Plumbing $30.00 minimum; Electrical $65.00 minimum; Mechanical $60.00 minimum

Reinspection fee

Building $80.00 each; Mechanical $100.00 each; Plumbing $60.00 each; Gas $60.00 each; Electrical $60.00 each

Payment note

Plan review charge is payable upon submittal and credited to permit issuance. Permit forms state work may not begin until the permit is approved and all necessary fees are paid.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in developed height unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Prefabricated inflatable swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Certain window awnings with limited projection and no additional support
• Flatwork on private property
• Replacement of siding with similar materials, except systems such as stucco and EIFS
• Non-fixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
• Replacement or repair of roofing
• For one- and two-family structures: one-story detached accessory structures up to 100 square feet
• For one- and two-family structures: uncovered decks or patios 30 inches or less above grade, subject to setback and drainage conditions
• Additional listed electrical, plumbing, and mechanical minor work as set out in the city's Work Not Requiring a Permit document

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspector Banjo Berryman at (940) 247-9640 or City Secretary at (254) 442-2111 (phone)
• citysecretary@ciscotexas.gov (email)

Typical inspection sequence: Plumbing permits expressly identify rough-in, top-out, and final inspections. Electrical and mechanical forms direct the applicant to call for inspection when each phase of work is complete. General building forms include building plan review and public works review lines.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code; 2021 Existing Building Code; 2021 International Plumbing Code and gas code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; and 2017 National Electrical Code.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Work Not Requiring a Permit Document
• Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Cisco Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Cisco, TX?

The city posts a general building permit application for commercial, manufacturing, residential, multifamily, two-family, and manufactured-mobile home projects, plus separate accessory-building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permit forms.

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

The minimum permit fee is $30.00 plumbing; $60.00 building; $60.00 mechanical; $65.00 electrical. Fees are calculated as: New construction and additions: $0.20 per square foot. Carports and storage buildings under 500 sq ft: $0.15 per square foot. Foundation only: $120.00. Mobile home: $120.00. Certificate of occupancy inspection: $120.00.. Plan check fee: 25% of permit fee, payable upon submittal and credited up to issuance of permit.

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

1. Confirm zoning and whether a variance, zoning change, limited use permit, or specific use permit is also needed. 2. Download the correct permit form from the city permitting page. 3. Prepare the application package. The general building and accessory-building forms require a survey of the property and plans or drawings for plan review. 4. Submit the package in person to 500 Conrad Hilton Blvd, by mail to PO Box 110, Cisco, TX 76437, or by email to citysecretary@ciscotexas.gov. 5. The Building Official reviews the submittal. The city states permits will not be approved without all required documents for plan review. 6. After approval, the city notifies the applicant that the permit is approved and states the fees due. 7. Do not start work until the approved permit is issued and all required fees are paid. 8. Call for inspections as each phase is completed. Plumbing forms expressly identify rough-in, top-out, and final inspections; electrical and mechanical forms direct the applicant to contact the inspector before continuing with work.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Cisco, TX?

Typical processing time is No general processing time posted for standard building permits; Cisco does not publish a general turnaround estimate in the reviewed permit forms..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Retaining walls not more than 4 feet in developed height unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Swings and other playground equipment; Prefabricated inflatable swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Certain window awnings with limited projection and no additional support; Flatwork on private property; Replacement of siding with similar materials, except systems such as stucco and EIFS; Non-fixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Replacement or repair of roofing; For one- and two-family structures: one-story detached accessory structures up to 100 square feet; For one- and two-family structures: uncovered decks or patios 30 inches or less above grade, subject to setback and drainage conditions; Additional listed electrical, plumbing, and mechanical minor work as set out in the city's Work Not Requiring a Permit document. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspector Banjo Berryman at (940) 247-9640 or City Secretary at (254) 442-2111, citysecretary@ciscotexas.gov.

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