How much does a building permit cost in Lone Star, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $25.00 (fencing permit). Fees are calculated as: Flat fees by permit type.

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

1. Determine whether the work is regulated by Ordinance 2025-63A, which covers new construction, repairs, alterations, demolition, moving structures, electrical work, plumbing work, concrete slabs or foundations, fencing, and swimming pools. 2. Obtain a permit from the City Secretary before work begins. No work shall begin until the permit has been approved. 3. Pay permit fees at the time the permit is issued. 4. Post the permit on the job site. The ordinance requires the permit to be affixed to the structure or a post in a conspicuous place, between 5 feet and 8 feet from the ground. 5. Complete inspections as required. The posted fee schedule shows separate slab, electrical, plumbing, and customer service inspection fees. 6. For electrical work, the city may require inspections from an approved third-party inspection agency when a permit has been obtained by a Texas-licensed electrician.

What work is exempt from building permits in Lone Star, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic improvements such as painting, cabinets, countertops, floor coverings, or fixtures not affecting structural integrity; Repair or replacement of existing residential fences; Appliance installation that does not require additional electrical, gas, or plumbing services; Retaining walls less than 4 feet tall; Playground equipment at a single-family dwelling; Storage sheds without electricity and water; Installation of prefab carports; Alterations or repairs costing less than $1,000.00.

City Building Permits

Lone Star, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Morris County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies inside Lone Star city limits in Morris County.

Department: City Secretary / Building Inspection Department
Address: 200 W Industrial Blvd., Lone Star, TX 75668
Phone: 903-656-2311
Website: https://www.lonestartx.net/

Application Process

Determine whether the work is regulated by Ordinance 2025-63A, which covers new construction, repairs, alterations, demolition, moving structures, electrical work, plumbing work, concrete slabs or foundations, fencing, and swimming pools.
Obtain a permit from the City Secretary before work begins. No work shall begin until the permit has been approved.
Pay permit fees at the time the permit is issued.
Post the permit on the job site. The ordinance requires the permit to be affixed to the structure or a post in a conspicuous place, between 5 feet and 8 feet from the ground.
Complete inspections as required. The posted fee schedule shows separate slab, electrical, plumbing, and customer service inspection fees.
For electrical work, the city may require inspections from an approved third-party inspection agency when a permit has been obtained by a Texas-licensed electrician.

Source: City Secretary / Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Permits are required for new buildings or structures, repair/alteration/addition to an existing structure, demolition, moving a structure into/out of/within the city, installation/modification/replacement of electrical systems, installation/modification of plumbing systems, pouring or constructing a building slab or foundation, construction/installation of fencing, and construction/installation of a swimming pool.

Required Documents

Completed permit application from City Secretary

Building code: International Building Code 2018 edition with appendix chapters G and J, International Plumbing Code 2018 edition with regional amendments, and National Electrical Code 2017 edition with annex chapters and regional amendments.
Owner-builder: No separate owner-builder rule or affidavit was found.
Contractor requirements: Electrical work under permit may be inspected through an approved third-party agency when the permit has been obtained by an electrician licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25.00 (fencing permit)
Permit fee formula: Flat fees by permit type
Penalty (no permit): Violations are punishable as misdemeanors with fines not to exceed the maximum penalty allowed by law.
Payment note: Fees are paid when the permit is issued. No online permit-payment system was identified.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Minor cosmetic improvements such as painting, cabinets, countertops, floor coverings, or fixtures not affecting structural integrity
Repair or replacement of existing residential fences
Appliance installation that does not require additional electrical, gas, or plumbing services
Retaining walls less than 4 feet tall
Playground equipment at a single-family dwelling
Storage sheds without electricity and water
Installation of prefab carports
Alterations or repairs costing less than $1,000.00

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Fee schedule confirms a concrete slab inspection, electrical inspection at rough-in and final. Ordinance 287 allows the city to require approved third-party electrical inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code 2018 edition with appendix chapters G and J, International Plumbing Code 2018 edition with regional amendments, and National Electrical Code 2017 edition with annex chapters and regional amendments.
City Ordinances
About Lone Star
Ordinance 2025-63A: Building Permits, Alterations, Moving
Ordinance 286: International Building and Plumbing Code
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 Secretary / Building Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lone Star Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Lone Star, TX?: Permits are required for new buildings or structures, repair/alteration/addition to an existing structure, demolition, moving a structure into/out of/within the city, installation/modification/replacement of electrical systems, installation/modification of plumbing systems, pouring or constructing a building slab or foundation, construction/installation of fencing, and construction/installation of a swimming pool.
How much does a building permit cost in Lone Star, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $25.00 (fencing permit). Fees are calculated as: Flat fees by permit type.
How do I apply for a building permit in Lone Star, TX?: 1. Determine whether the work is regulated by Ordinance 2025-63A, which covers new construction, repairs, alterations, demolition, moving structures, electrical work, plumbing work, concrete slabs or foundations, fencing, and swimming pools. 2. Obtain a permit from the City Secretary before work begins. No work shall begin until the permit has been approved. 3. Pay permit fees at the time the permit is issued. 4. Post the permit on the job site. The ordinance requires the permit to be affixed to the structure or a post in a conspicuous place, between 5 feet and 8 feet from the ground. 5. Complete inspections as required. The posted fee schedule shows separate slab, electrical, plumbing, and customer service inspection fees. 6. For electrical work, the city may require inspections from an approved third-party inspection agency when a permit has been obtained by a Texas-licensed electrician.
What work is exempt from building permits in Lone Star, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic improvements such as painting, cabinets, countertops, floor coverings, or fixtures not affecting structural integrity; Repair or replacement of existing residential fences; Appliance installation that does not require additional electrical, gas, or plumbing services; Retaining walls less than 4 feet tall; Playground equipment at a single-family dwelling; Storage sheds without electricity and water; Installation of prefab carports; Alterations or repairs costing less than $1,000.00.

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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.

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