City Building Permits

Hico, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Erath County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within Hico city limits in Erath County. Hico is partly in Erath County and partly outside it; parcel-level verification is advisable before relying on city jurisdiction.

Department
City Hall; Permits and Inspections
Address
120 W 1st Street, Hico, TX 76457
Phone
(254) 796-4620
Website
https://www.hico-tx.com/permits-and-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Open City website

Platform: City website resources page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Contact City Hall through the Permits and Inspections page to determine the needed permit/registration.
  2. If the project involves HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work, confirm whether the work will be done by a licensed contractor or by a qualifying homeowner on a homestead under the city's published owner-occupant exception.
  3. If claiming the homeowner homestead exception for HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work, file a notarized affidavit of ownership and occupancy with the city.
  4. Submit the permit/registration through City Hall. The public page confirms the work must still be permitted and inspected.
  5. Pay the permit/registration charges at City Hall or through the city's online payment system.
  6. Complete inspections before closing out the work.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: City Hall; Permits and Inspections

General Requirements

Hico publicly states that work by A/C technicians, plumbers, and electricians must be performed by licensed and insured contractors unless a homeowner occupying the homestead uses the published owner-occupant exception. Even then, the work must still be permitted and inspected.

Required Documents

  • Notarized affidavit of ownership and occupancy (for homestead-owner work on HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems)
Permit validity
Not publicly stated
Building code
No public current code-adoption page or ordinance text was located during this review
Owner-builder
The city recognizes state-law provisions allowing a homeowner occupying a homestead to work on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems in that homestead without the usual trade license, but the owner must file a notarized affidavit of ownership and occupancy and still obtain permits and inspections.
Contractor requirements
A/C technicians, plumbers, and electricians employed in those trades must be licensed, and contractors in those fields must be licensed and insured.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Not publicly confirmed
Payment note
The city accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards. A $3.00 per $100.00 user fee applies to credit card payments. The city also links the EZ Net Pay online payment system.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City Hall; Permits and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (254) 796-4620 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: The city states covered work must be permitted and inspected, but it does not publish a step-by-step inspection sequence on the reviewed pages

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City Hall; Permits and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hico Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hico, TX?
Hico publicly states that work by A/C technicians, plumbers, and electricians must be performed by licensed and insured contractors unless a homeowner occupying the homestead uses the published owner-occupant exception. Even then, the work must still be permitted and inspected.
How much does a building permit cost in Hico, TX?
Fees are calculated as: Not publicly confirmed.
How do I apply for a building permit in Hico, TX?
1. Contact City Hall through the Permits and Inspections page to determine the needed permit/registration. 2. If the project involves HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work, confirm whether the work will be done by a licensed contractor or by a qualifying homeowner on a homestead under the city's published owner-occupant exception. 3. If claiming the homeowner homestead exception for HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work, file a notarized affidavit of ownership and occupancy with the city. 4. Submit the permit/registration through City Hall. The public page confirms the work must still be permitted and inspected. 5. Pay the permit/registration charges at City Hall or through the city's online payment system. 6. Complete inspections before closing out the work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Hico, TX?
Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Hico, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (254) 796-4620.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Hico can be complicated.

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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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