City Building Permits

Stephenville, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Erath County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Stephenville.

Department
Development Services Department
Address
298 W Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401
Phone
(254) 918-1220

Online Permit Portal

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether a permit is needed by contacting the Building Official or Permits Department before starting construction.
  2. Complete the permit application and submit it online through the city's iWorQ permit portal. Permit applications may also be submitted to the Permit Technician by email.
  3. The Building Official reviews the plans for compliance with city codes.
  4. If the plans comply, the city assesses fees and sends a payment link by email.
  5. After all reviews are completed, approvals are issued, and fees are paid, the permit is issued.
  6. Request inspections through the permit office by phone or email as work progresses.
  7. For certificates of occupancy, submit the CO form through the online portal or by email, complete required building and fire inspections, and wait for the Fire Marshal's load-and-occupancy approval before the CO is issued.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated for initial permit issuance. The city says inspections can be completed the same day in most cases.

Source: Development Services Department

General Requirements

The city maintains a general permit program administered by Development Services. The FAQ directs applicants to contact the Building Official before construction to determine whether a permit is required.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Project plans for review
Permit validity
Not publicly identified in the reviewed materials
Building code
The city clearly enforces adopted city codes through Development Services. Ordinances and regulations are published through Municode.
Contractor requirements
Building permits are combination permits except for sign permits and separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Trade-permit administration is confirmed.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Residential remodel minimum $100.00; accessory building permit flat fee up to 300 square feet $100.00; commercial building permit minimum $25.00 in the $501 to $2,000 valuation tier
Plan check fee
Commercial and multi-family plan review uses valuation tiers. Single-family residential plan review starts at 0 to 1,500 square feet and then prorates by square footage above 1,500 square feet.
Permit fee formula
Single-family, duplex, and townhome permits use a flat fee per dwelling unit plus additional cost per square foot. Residential remodels use a minimum plus cost per square foot. Commercial permits use valuation tiers. Accessory buildings use a flat fee up to 300 square feet plus per-square-foot adders beyond 300 square feet.
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee applies for second or more reinspections
Penalty (no permit)
Permits started before issuance are subject to doubled fees under city code when work begins before the required permit is obtained
Payment note
The city sends a payment link by email after review and fee assessment

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY 2025-2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Development Services Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (254) 918-1224 (phone)
  • permits@stephenvilletx.gov (email)
  • iWorQ portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: On-site inspections are required as the project progresses. For certificates of occupancy, building and fire inspections occur before issuance.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stephenville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Stephenville, TX?
The city maintains a general permit program administered by Development Services. The FAQ directs applicants to contact the Building Official before construction to determine whether a permit is required.
How much does a building permit cost in Stephenville, TX?
The minimum permit fee is Residential remodel minimum $100.00; accessory building permit flat fee up to 300 square feet $100.00; commercial building permit minimum $25.00 in the $501 to $2,000 valuation tier. Fees are calculated as: Single-family, duplex, and townhome permits use a flat fee per dwelling unit plus additional cost per square foot. Residential remodels use a minimum plus cost per square foot. Commercial permits use valuation tiers. Accessory buildings use a flat fee up to 300 square feet plus per-square-foot adders beyond 300 square feet.. Plan check fee: Commercial and multi-family plan review uses valuation tiers. Single-family residential plan review starts at 0 to 1,500 square feet and then prorates by square footage above 1,500 square feet..
How do I apply for a building permit in Stephenville, TX?
1. Determine whether a permit is needed by contacting the Building Official or Permits Department before starting construction. 2. Complete the permit application and submit it online through the city's iWorQ permit portal. Permit applications may also be submitted to the Permit Technician by email. 3. The Building Official reviews the plans for compliance with city codes. 4. If the plans comply, the city assesses fees and sends a payment link by email. 5. After all reviews are completed, approvals are issued, and fees are paid, the permit is issued. 6. Request inspections through the permit office by phone or email as work progresses. 7. For certificates of occupancy, submit the CO form through the online portal or by email, complete required building and fire inspections, and wait for the Fire Marshal's load-and-occupancy approval before the CO is issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Stephenville, TX?
Typical processing time is Not publicly stated for initial permit issuance. The city says inspections can be completed the same day in most cases..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Stephenville, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (254) 918-1224, permits@stephenvilletx.gov, iWorQ portal.

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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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