City Building Permits

Big Spring, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Howard County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies inside Big Spring city limits. Verify parcel-level jurisdiction for fringe properties and ETJ-related land use matters.

Department
Permits / Inspections, City of Big Spring
Address
217 E. 3rd St., Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone
(432) 264-2504
Website
https://www.mybigspring.com/259/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov Public Portal

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

Application Process

  1. Confirm permit scope with Permits / Inspections and review the city FAQ and checklists before starting work.
  2. Complete the city permit application and the applicable checklist package.
  3. Submit the required plans and supporting documents. Residential checklists require a completed permit application, checklist, and 3 hard-copy plan sets; commercial checklists require a permit application, checklist, 3 hard-copy sets, and 1 digital PDF set.
  4. Register all contractors with the city before permit issuance. The contractor registration form indicates there is no fee to register and that registrations may be filed by mail, email, or in person.
  5. Pay permit and plan review fees.
  6. Request required inspections during construction.
  7. Obtain finals and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not publicly documented.

Source: Permits / Inspections, City of Big Spring

General Requirements

Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or install, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems must apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit. The city also publicly confirms permits are required for carports, siding / covering eaves, reroofing, and water-heater replacement.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Applicable residential or commercial construction checklist
  • Plans and supporting documents required by the checklist package
  • Floodplain elevation certificate if the property is in the floodplain
  • Asbestos survey for commercial additions, renovations, and demolitions
  • Contractor registration materials for each contractor
Permit validity
A permit is null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
Building code
2012 International Building Code, 2012 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2012 International Gas Code, 2012 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2012 International Plumbing Code, 2012 International Residential Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code
Owner-builder
Residential plans may be prepared by a homeowner, architect, or other approved designer.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must be licensed if applicable and currently registered with the City of Big Spring. Registration requires a completed registration form, state-issued current master or equivalent license, driver's license, and proof of general liability coverage or bond. No registration fee.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$40-$170 depending on work type
Plan check fee
25% of permit fee for residential and commercial
Permit fee formula
Residential single-family dwelling: $0.25 per sq. ft.; residential alteration: $0.20 per sq. ft. minimum $80; residential addition: $0.25 per sq. ft. minimum $170; commercial construction: bracketed flat-plus-per-square-foot schedule
Reinspection fee
Applies for all reinspections and must be paid before the building final is approved. Dollar amount not publicly posted.
Payment note
No separate public permit-payment instruction sheet was found.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Permits / Inspections, City of Big Spring to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: ground works / steel reinforcement or formwork / foundation / underfloor plumbing; framing and MEP close-in; insulation; exterior and weather protection including roof or decking waterproofing and lath inspections; final electrical, final low voltage, final plumbing, final mechanical, and final occupancy inspection.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Spring Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Big Spring, TX?
Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or install, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems must apply to the Building Official and obtain the required permit. The city also publicly confirms permits are required for carports, siding / covering eaves, reroofing, and water-heater replacement.
How much does a building permit cost in Big Spring, TX?
The minimum permit fee is $40-$170 depending on work type. Fees are calculated as: Residential single-family dwelling: $0.25 per sq. ft.; residential alteration: $0.20 per sq. ft. minimum $80; residential addition: $0.25 per sq. ft. minimum $170; commercial construction: bracketed flat-plus-per-square-foot schedule. Plan check fee: 25% of permit fee for residential and commercial.
How do I apply for a building permit in Big Spring, TX?
1. Confirm permit scope with Permits / Inspections and review the city FAQ and checklists before starting work. 2. Complete the city permit application and the applicable checklist package. 3. Submit the required plans and supporting documents. Residential checklists require a completed permit application, checklist, and 3 hard-copy plan sets; commercial checklists require a permit application, checklist, 3 hard-copy sets, and 1 digital PDF set. 4. Register all contractors with the city before permit issuance. The contractor registration form indicates there is no fee to register and that registrations may be filed by mail, email, or in person. 5. Pay permit and plan review fees. 6. Request required inspections during construction. 7. Obtain finals and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Big Spring, TX?
Typical processing time is Not publicly documented..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Big Spring, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal - View applications and inspection results through My Portal, (432) 264-2504.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Big Spring 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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