How much does a building permit cost in Jefferson, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: 0.5% of construction cost for new construction or remodels valued at $5,000 or more (example: $50,000 project = $250 permit fee).

How do I apply for a building permit in Jefferson, TX?

1. Download the City of Jefferson building permit application from City Hall or the city website. 2. Complete owner, contractor, project, valuation, utility-tap, and construction-detail fields. 3. Attach detailed plans including diagram of proposed construction, front elevation, floor plan, street or alley location, plumbing service lines and drains, and sprinkler or irrigation details if applicable. 4. Submit the completed application packet to City Hall at 305 E. Austin Street during business hours. 5. City staff reviews the application and plans under Chapter 18 and zoning code requirements. 6. Pay the permit fee at City Hall. 7. After permit issuance, contact the building official to schedule required inspections during construction. 8. Complete work within the required timeframe (work must start within 90 days and be completed within 270 days of approval unless extended).

How do I schedule a building inspection in Jefferson, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall.

City Building Permits

Jefferson, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Marion County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Jefferson.

Department: City Hall / Building Official
Address: 305 E. Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657
Phone: 903-665-3922
Email: mboyd@cityhallofjefferson.com
Website: https://www.jeffersontexas.us/

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application Form (PDF)

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the City of Jefferson building permit application from City Hall or the city website.
Complete owner, contractor, project, valuation, utility-tap, and construction-detail fields.
Attach detailed plans including diagram of proposed construction, front elevation, floor plan, street or alley location, plumbing service lines and drains, and sprinkler or irrigation details if applicable.
Submit the completed application packet to City Hall at 305 E. Austin Street during business hours.
City staff reviews the application and plans under Chapter 18 and zoning code requirements.
Pay the permit fee at City Hall.
After permit issuance, contact the building official to schedule required inspections during construction.
Complete work within the required timeframe (work must start within 90 days and be completed within 270 days of approval unless extended).

Typical processing time: Processing time estimate not publicly available; contact City Hall for specific timeline.

Source: City Hall / Building Official

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Jefferson, including erection, excavation, construction, enlargement, moving, improvement, alteration, repair, conversion, extension, or location of a use, building, or structure. A development permit is also required for work in mapped floodplain areas under Chapter 46.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Proposed construction plans and elevation drawings
Statement of materials
Building site plot plan
Valuation and contractor information
TDLR project number for nonresidential projects over $50,000
Sprinkler or irrigation details when applicable
Customer service inspection certification for city water or sewer service connections

Permit validity: Work must start within 90 days (3 months) of approval and be completed within 270 days (9 months) of approval unless extended by the city.
Building code: International Building Code, 2000 edition, with appendixes (adopted in Chapter 18). 1999 National Electrical Code also adopted in Chapter 18.
Owner-builder: The city application allows owner, representative, or contractor to submit information; no separate owner-builder disclosure required.
Contractor requirements: A master electrician's license from the City of Jefferson is required before performing electrical wiring installation inside buildings in the city ($50 fee plus $1,000 bond, one-year term). No general local contractor registration requirement found for other building trades.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50.00
Permit fee formula: 0.5% of construction cost for new construction or remodels valued at $5,000 or more (example: $50,000 project = $250 permit fee)
Payment note: City Hall accepts cash, check, money order, or cashier's check for in-person payments; debit or credit card payments available online only.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City Hall / Building Official to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

City Hall (in-person)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for lunch)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence as identified in application: plumbing rough-in, inspection before concrete pour, framing completion, inspection before interior wall closing, and final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code, 2000 edition, with appendixes (adopted in Chapter 18). 1999 National Electrical Code also adopted in Chapter 18.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Ordinances
City Code Chapter 18 (Building)
City Code Chapter 46 (Floodplain)
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 City Hall / Building Official before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Jefferson, TX?: A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Jefferson, including erection, excavation, construction, enlargement, moving, improvement, alteration, repair, conversion, extension, or location of a use, building, or structure. A development permit is also required for work in mapped floodplain areas under Chapter 46.
How much does a building permit cost in Jefferson, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: 0.5% of construction cost for new construction or remodels valued at $5,000 or more (example: $50,000 project = $250 permit fee).
How do I apply for a building permit in Jefferson, TX?: 1. Download the City of Jefferson building permit application from City Hall or the city website. 2. Complete owner, contractor, project, valuation, utility-tap, and construction-detail fields. 3. Attach detailed plans including diagram of proposed construction, front elevation, floor plan, street or alley location, plumbing service lines and drains, and sprinkler or irrigation details if applicable. 4. Submit the completed application packet to City Hall at 305 E. Austin Street during business hours. 5. City staff reviews the application and plans under Chapter 18 and zoning code requirements. 6. Pay the permit fee at City Hall. 7. After permit issuance, contact the building official to schedule required inspections during construction. 8. Complete work within the required timeframe (work must start within 90 days and be completed within 270 days of approval unless extended).
How long does it take to get a building permit in Jefferson, TX?: Typical processing time is Processing time estimate not publicly available; contact City Hall for specific timeline..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Jefferson, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall.

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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.