City of Copperas Cove (Lampasas County portion)

Permits required for remodeling and additions; plumbing work such as water heaters and water and sewer line repairs; mechanical and HVAC work; fences; irrigation; electrical work and service upgrades; demolition; siding; driveways, sidewalks, flatwork, retaining walls and patios; re-roofing over 5 percent; swimming pools, spas, and water features; sheds and accessory buildings, stables, kennels, greenhouses, cabanas, and pergolas. Certificate of occupancy required for change in tenancy of existing commercial space.

• Exempt Painting
• Exempt Wallpapering
• Exempt Floor covering
• Exempt Replacing rotten wood when less than 20 percent of exterior surfaces are involved
• Exempt Storm doors
• Exempt Cabinets
• Exempt General roof maintenance not to exceed 5 percent of total surface
• Exempt Landscaping including rock or brick work
• Exempt Connection of approved portable electrical equipment or approved permanently installed receptacles
• Exempt Portable heating, cooking, or clothes-drying appliances
• Exempt Replacement of minor parts that does not alter equipment approval or make the equipment unsafe

Building code

2024 International Building Code; 2024 International Fire Code; 2024 International Codes; 2023 National Electric Code

Owner-builder

For accessory structures and swimming pools, the building contractor, not the property owner, must register and obtain the permit, and the owner may not apply on the contractor's behalf.

Contractor requirements

Contractor must be registered with the city. Contractor registration fee is $103, with electrical and plumbing contractors exempt from the fee under state law.

1. 01
   Check zoning regulations before beginning the project.
2. 02
   Make sure the contractor is registered with the city.
3. 03
   Submit the completed permit application and required documents online through MGO Connect.
4. 04
   City inspectors review the application.
5. 05
   Watch for email notifications requesting revisions, additional documents, or payment.
6. 06
   Permit is issued after approval and payment.
7. 07
   Request inspections online through MGO Connect or customer support at 866-957-3764.
8. 08
   Complete inspections. Passed or failed results are emailed and recorded to the permit in MGO.
9. 09
   Pay the reinspection fee before scheduling any failed reinspection. Obtain certificate of occupancy before occupancy when required.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 business days if all required documents are submitted with the online application. Certificate of occupancy allows 1 to 2 business days for planning and zoning review and 7 to 10 business days after successful inspection for issuance.

Source: City of Copperas Cove Development Services, Building Department ↗

Payment notifications are sent by email through MGO Connect. The certificate of occupancy handout instructs applicants to pay the permit fee and then take the permit to Utility Administration at 305 S. Main Street.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2026) before budgeting.

• MGO Connect (online)
• Customer support (phone)

Inspection hours

Permit holders may contact inspectors during regular business hours.

Time windows

AM inspections 9:30 to 11:30 and PM inspections 1:30 to 4:30.

Typical sequence: General inspection list shows temporary pole, plumbing underground, concrete slab, wind bracing, FEMPE, batt insulation, yard line, flatwork, temp final, final, and certificate of occupancy, with other inspections as required.

Source: City of Copperas Cove Development Services, Building Department ↗