On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Palacios
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.
Note: No public exempt-work list was found in the city pages, fee schedule, or permit forms reviewed. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding.
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly specified
- 01 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.
- 02 Submit engineered plans to the city and allow for plan review.
- 03 If the project needs zoning or variance action, follow the Planning and Zoning process and obtain final City Council approval where required.
- 04 Complete the correct permit form and submit the package to the Building Department by email or through City Hall.
- 05 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.
- 06 Pay the permit, inspection, and registration fees. Palacios does not accept online or phone payments for permits or registrations.
- 07 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.
- 08 After project completion, apply for a certificate of occupancy where required.
Typical processing time: Not publicly specified
§ 04
Fee schedule
Palacios building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$35.00
02
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
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
$100 after first failed reinspection; $50 per mechanical permit reinspection
05
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fee for construction beginning without permit
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Palacios permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Palacios, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Palacios, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Palacios, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Palacios, TX, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Palacios, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in Palacios, TX typically run Not publicly specified. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Palacios, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Palacios, TX via: 361-972-3605, buildingdepartment@cityofpalacios.org. Inspections must be called in by 4:00 p.m. the day before for next-day inspection..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department / Building & Inspections ↗
entry id permits/texas/matagorda/palacios
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department / Building & Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.