On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Alice
The city publishes building permit forms for new construction, remodels, additions, roofs, demolitions, flatwork, swimming pools, accessory buildings, change of occupancy, signs, and floodplain-related review.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Owner/applicant and contractor information
- Construction address
- Legal description or subdivision information
- Description of work
- Square footage
- Valuation and fees
- Jim Wells County Appraisal District number
- Signatures
- Building code
- 2012 International Codes and 2011 National Electric Code
- Permit validity
- A building permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within six months or if construction or work is suspended or abandoned for six months after work has commenced.
- Owner-builder
- The residential form includes a line for 'Printed Name of Homeowner (If owner is builder).'
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a current City of Alice Contractors/Builders Registration (annual fee $125.00). Separate registration fees apply for mechanical contractors and house moving contractors. Owners should confirm whether a contractor is registered with the City of Alice.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the parcel is inside Alice city limits and gather the project information required by the city application, including owner, contractor, address, work description, square footage, and Jim Wells County Appraisal District number.
- 02 Submit the applicable permit application through the city process. The published residential form routes review through zoning, public works, fire prevention, engineering, building inspection, electrical inspection, health, community services, and the appraisal district as applicable.
- 03 Pay the applicable permit and plan review fees.
- 04 After permit issuance, request inspections through the city's Vertex Plans inspection portal or the published inspection request link.
- 05 Call Dig Tess before excavation as directed on the city permit form.
- 06 Obtain final approvals and, when required, a certificate of occupancy before occupancy or business opening.
Source: Building Inspection, Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2023-2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$76.92
02
Plan check fee
Residential $0.08 per square foot; Commercial 25% of permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Residential construction $0.30 per square foot; Commercial construction by square-foot brackets plus 25% plan review charge; Specific permits vary (roof, accessory buildings, additions, remodels, pools, signs, certificates of occupancy are flat or hybrid flat-plus-unit fees)
04
Trade permit fee
Residential $76.92 minimum; Commercial $125.00 minimum
05
Reinspection fee
Residential $76.92; Commercial $125.00
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double fees for building without a permit or stop work order
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2023-2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Vertex Plans portal (online)
- (361) 668-7275 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Per city business hours
Typical sequence: The city publishes inspection checklists and routes permit review through multiple city departments. Exact stage-by-stage sequences vary by permit type, but public materials show inspection activity after permit issuance and before final approval or certificate of occupancy.
Source: Building Inspection, Community Development Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Alice permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Alice, TX? ▸
The city publishes building permit forms for new construction, remodels, additions, roofs, demolitions, flatwork, swimming pools, accessory buildings, change of occupancy, signs, and floodplain-related review.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Alice, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Alice, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $76.92. Fees are calculated as: Residential construction $0.30 per square foot; Commercial construction by square-foot brackets plus 25% plan review charge; Specific permits vary (roof, accessory buildings, additions, remodels, pools, signs, certificates of occupancy are flat or hybrid flat-plus-unit fees). Plan check fee: Residential $0.08 per square foot; Commercial 25% of permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Alice, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Alice, TX, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the parcel is inside Alice city limits and gather the project information required by the city application, including owner, contractor, address, work description, square footage, and Jim Wells County Appraisal District number. 2. Submit the applicable permit application through the city process. The published residential form routes review through zoning, public works, fire prevention, engineering, building inspection, electrical inspection, health, community services, and the appraisal district as applicable. 3. Pay the applicable permit and plan review fees. 4. After permit issuance, request inspections through the city's Vertex Plans inspection portal or the published inspection request link. 5. Call Dig Tess before excavation as directed on the city permit form. 6. Obtain final approvals and, when required, a certificate of occupancy before occupancy or business opening.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Alice, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Alice, TX via: Vertex Plans portal, (361) 668-7275.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspection, Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/texas/jim-wells/alice
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspection, Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.