Palacios, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Palacios.

Department

Building Department / Building & Inspections

Address

311 Henderson Ave, Palacios, TX 77465

Phone

361-972-3605

Email

buildingdepartment@cityofpalacios.org

Website

https://www.cityofpalacios.org/building-inspections

Application Process

1. For development projects, submit a letter of intent first describing acreage, location, proposed use, square footage, phasing, special considerations, zoning district, and owner or agent contact information.
2. Submit engineered plans to the city and allow for plan review.
3. If the project needs zoning or variance action, follow the Planning and Zoning process and obtain final City Council approval where required.
4. Complete the correct permit form and submit the package to the Building Department by email or through City Hall.
5. Provide the required supporting documents for the permit type, including plans, windstorm engineer documents, REScheck or COMcheck, MEP plans for commercial work, ADA plan for commercial projects over $50,000, floodplain elevation certificate if applicable, and drainage and survey materials.
6. Pay the permit, inspection, and registration fees. Palacios does not accept online or phone payments for permits or registrations.
7. Call inspections in to the Building Department by 4:00 p.m. the day before the requested inspection. The city uses Bureau Veritas as its third-party inspection company.
8. After project completion, apply for a certificate of occupancy where required.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified

Source: Building Department / Building & Inspections

General Requirements

The city's published building permit form and permit pages show permits for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, moves, demolitions, signs, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. Applicants must apply for permits before proceeding with development.

Required Documents

• Completed permit form
• Contractor and owner information
• Plans appropriate to the project
• Zoning verification
• Windstorm engineering documents and inspections where applicable
• REScheck or COMcheck
• MEP plans for commercial work
• ADA plan for commercial projects over $50,000
• Asbestos survey for covered commercial demolition or renovation work
• Elevation certificate where floodplain rules apply
• Site, survey, and drainage plans where applicable

Permit validity

Every permit becomes invalid unless work is commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. The building official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each.

Building code

2012 International Building Codes, 2011 NEC, 150 mph wind design by location under ASCE 7, and 2018 Texas Building Code for Windstorm Resistant Construction

Owner-builder

The building permit application includes an owner-builder signature line.

Contractor requirements

New residential permits and certain residential remodel permits are submitted from a contractor registered with the City of Palacios.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$35.00

Plan check fee

Residential plan review only is $225 per plan or address for a new or previously reviewed plan or master plan, and $175 for an additional review after permit issuance if plans are altered; commercial and multifamily plan review is valuation-based

Permit fee formula

Mixed: commercial and multifamily construction plan review and inspection fees are valuation-based; residential dwelling new or improvement fees are square-foot based; accessory structures, demolition permits, and some other items are flat fees

Reinspection fee

$100 after first failed reinspection; $50 per mechanical permit reinspection

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fee for construction beginning without permit

Payment note

Palacios does not accept online or over-the-phone payments for permits or registrations. Payment may be made in the office by cash, card, or check, or mailed to P.O. Box 845, Palacios, Texas 77465.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department / Building & Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 361-972-3605 (phone)
• buildingdepartment@cityofpalacios.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections must be called in by 4:00 p.m. the day before for next-day inspection.

Inspection hours

Normal business hours, no holidays or weekends

Typical inspection sequence: The requirements sheet says TDI-appointed windstorm inspection uses WPI-1 at the start of construction and WPI-8 at completion. The city also requires before, during, and after inspections, and project-specific trade inspections are handled through Bureau Veritas.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2012 International Building Codes, 2011 NEC, 150 mph wind design by location under ASCE 7, and 2018 Texas Building Code for Windstorm Resistant Construction
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Zoning Board of Adjustments
• Building Requirements
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Palacios Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Palacios, TX?

The city's published building permit form and permit pages show permits for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, moves, demolitions, signs, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. Applicants must apply for permits before proceeding with development.

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

The minimum permit fee is $35.00. Fees are calculated as: Mixed: commercial and multifamily construction plan review and inspection fees are valuation-based; residential dwelling new or improvement fees are square-foot based; accessory structures, demolition permits, and some other items are flat fees. Plan check fee: Residential plan review only is $225 per plan or address for a new or previously reviewed plan or master plan, and $175 for an additional review after permit issuance if plans are altered; commercial and multifamily plan review is valuation-based.

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

1. For development projects, submit a letter of intent first describing acreage, location, proposed use, square footage, phasing, special considerations, zoning district, and owner or agent contact information. 2. Submit engineered plans to the city and allow for plan review. 3. If the project needs zoning or variance action, follow the Planning and Zoning process and obtain final City Council approval where required. 4. Complete the correct permit form and submit the package to the Building Department by email or through City Hall. 5. Provide the required supporting documents for the permit type, including plans, windstorm engineer documents, REScheck or COMcheck, MEP plans for commercial work, ADA plan for commercial projects over $50,000, floodplain elevation certificate if applicable, and drainage and survey materials. 6. Pay the permit, inspection, and registration fees. Palacios does not accept online or phone payments for permits or registrations. 7. Call inspections in to the Building Department by 4:00 p.m. the day before the requested inspection. The city uses Bureau Veritas as its third-party inspection company. 8. After project completion, apply for a certificate of occupancy where required.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Palacios, TX?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 361-972-3605, buildingdepartment@cityofpalacios.org. Inspections must be called in by 4:00 p.m. the day before for next-day inspection..

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