How much does a building permit cost in El Paso, TX?

Building permit fees in El Paso, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Varies by permit type. Plan check fee: Residential Submittal Fee Deposit: $200 (credited toward permit fee); Expedited plan review: $200 for residential, tenant improvement, or commercial alteration; $400 for new commercial or shell projects.

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

To apply for a building permit in El Paso, TX, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project scope and permit type with Planning and Inspections. The city requires a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within city jurisdiction. 2. Prepare plans and supporting documents under the city's adopted codes and local amendments. 3. Submit electronically through the Citizen Access Portal or physically through the bins outside the One-Stop Shop, as directed by the department page. 4. Pay the applicable submittal fee deposit or expedited review fee at time of submittal. 5. Respond to plan-review comments and obtain permit issuance. 6. Request inspections as work progresses through the city's permit process.

How do I schedule a building inspection in El Paso, TX?

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in El Paso, TX via: Citizen Access Portal.

City Building Permits

El Paso, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas El Paso County Updated 2026-04

Quick Start

Apply for a permit

Use the jurisdiction's permit intake page to start an application or access posted permit forms.

Schedule inspection

Call: (915) 212-0104

Use the listed inspection contact method to schedule required permit inspections.

Projects that usually need a permit

A required to construct
Demolish
Or change the occupancy of a building or structure within of El Paso's jurisdiction

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of El Paso's jurisdiction.

Department: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department
Address: One-Stop Shop, 811 Texas Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79901
Phone: (915) 212-0104
Email: See department page for specific function contacts
Website: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/planning-and-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Open Citizen Access Portal

Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the project scope and permit type with Planning and Inspections. The city requires a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within city jurisdiction.
Prepare plans and supporting documents under the city's adopted codes and local amendments.
Submit electronically through the Citizen Access Portal or physically through the bins outside the One-Stop Shop, as directed by the department page.
Pay the applicable submittal fee deposit or expedited review fee at time of submittal.
Respond to plan-review comments and obtain permit issuance.
Request inspections as work progresses through the city's permit process.

Typical processing time: No universal turnaround published; varies by permit type. Confirm with the Planning and Inspections Department.

Source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department

General Requirements

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within the City of El Paso's jurisdiction.

Required Documents

Permit application
Plans and project documents required by applicable adopted codes and local amendments
Documents vary by permit type

Permit validity: Not clearly stated on city page; confirm directly with Planning and Inspections.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Texas Accessibility Standards, and related local codes and amendments.
Owner-builder: Not clearly stated on department page.
Contractor requirements: The city administers contractor or trade licensing through the Planning and Inspections Department.

Fees

Plan check fee: Residential Submittal Fee Deposit: $200 (credited toward permit fee); Expedited plan review: $200 for residential, tenant improvement, or commercial alteration; $400 for new commercial or shell projects
Permit fee formula: Varies by permit type
Payment note: Applicants can pay online through the Citizen Access Portal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Citizen Access Portal (online)

Inspection hours: See One-Stop Shop contact information on main city website

Typical inspection sequence: Depends on permit type and adopted code discipline; confirm with assigned city review and inspection staff.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2020 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Texas Accessibility Standards, and related local codes and amendments.
Adopted Codes and Amendments
When Do I Need a Permit?
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: 2026-04. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in El Paso, TX?: A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within the City of El Paso's jurisdiction.
How much does a building permit cost in El Paso, TX?: Building permit fees in El Paso, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Varies by permit type. Plan check fee: Residential Submittal Fee Deposit: $200 (credited toward permit fee); Expedited plan review: $200 for residential, tenant improvement, or commercial alteration; $400 for new commercial or shell projects.
How do I apply for a building permit in El Paso, TX?: To apply for a building permit in El Paso, TX, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project scope and permit type with Planning and Inspections. The city requires a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure within city jurisdiction. 2. Prepare plans and supporting documents under the city's adopted codes and local amendments. 3. Submit electronically through the Citizen Access Portal or physically through the bins outside the One-Stop Shop, as directed by the department page. 4. Pay the applicable submittal fee deposit or expedited review fee at time of submittal. 5. Respond to plan-review comments and obtain permit issuance. 6. Request inspections as work progresses through the city's permit process.
How long does it take to get a building permit in El Paso, TX?: Building permit processing times in El Paso, TX typically run No universal turnaround published; varies by permit type. Confirm with the Planning and Inspections Department.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
How do I schedule a building inspection in El Paso, TX?: Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in El Paso, TX via: Citizen Access Portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in El Paso can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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