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.
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
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine whether a permit is needed by contacting the Building Official or Permits Department before starting construction.
- 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.
- The Building Official reviews the plans for compliance with city codes.
- If the plans comply, the city assesses fees and sends a payment link by email.
- After all reviews are completed, approvals are issued, and fees are paid, the permit is issued.
- Request inspections through the permit office by phone or email as work progresses.
- 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
- Building code: The city clearly enforces adopted city codes through Development Services. Ordinances and regulations are published through Municode.
- Verify contractor license: Texas TDLR License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Development Services
- iWorQ Permit Portal
- Code of Ordinances
- 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: 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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