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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nacogdoches
All construction in Nacogdoches must conform to adopted city codes. Building permits are required for new construction, fences and decks, signs, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work, excavation, demolition, moving houses and storage buildings, storage tanks, drainage plan review, site plan review, and new water and sewer.
Oil derricks
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids
Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio is not greater than 2:1
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio is not greater than 2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All other unamended code exemptions remain unchanged.
Required documents
- Building permit application
- Legal description
- Address information
- Plot plan
- Two complete sets of plans (site, foundation, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and elevation information)
- Trade-license information as applicable
- Project-specific supporting documents such as drainage, utility, energy, asbestos-survey, or architect/engineer information where required
- Building code
- 2024 International Building Code, 2024 International Residential Code, 2024 International Plumbing Code, 2024 International Fuel Gas Code, 2024 International Mechanical Code, 2024 International Existing Building Code, 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 International Energy Conservation Code, 2024 International Fire Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code, with local amendments per Ordinance No. 2049-07-25.
- Permit validity
- A permit expires if work is not started within 180 days or if work stops for 180 days. It may be extended one time if requested in writing before expiration.
- Owner-builder
- Homestead exemption applies; refer to city documentation for owner-builder requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Nacogdoches contractor license before permit issuance, provide a $5,000.00 license and permit bond, and pay a $25.00 city license fee. State licenses are also required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Source: Inspections / Code Compliance ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 10 business days for plan review and permit issuance; up to 5 days for new structure depending on workload and completeness.
- 01 Review the official Forms and Applications page and download the applicable building packet, application, and plan-submittal instructions.
- 02 Prepare the application, legal description, address information, plot plan, and building plans. Two complete sets of plans are required.
- 03 Ensure the contractor holds a valid Nacogdoches contractor license. The city requires a $5,000.00 license and permit bond and a $25.00 city license fee.
- 04 Submit through the city's online permitting system (MGO Connect) or directly to the inspections office at City Hall.
- 05 Complete plan review. Allow 10 business days for plans to be reviewed and permit issued.
- 06 Pay the permit fee and any applicable plan review fees.
- 07 Post the permit and inspection board on site, complete required inspections, and obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.
Typical processing time: 10 business days for plan review and permit issuance; up to 5 days for new structure depending on workload and completeness.
Source: Inspections / Code Compliance ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Nacogdoches building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
Plan check fee
50% of the permit fee for commercial jobs
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Posted building permit fee table runs by project valuation, then switches to formulas over $180,000 and over $500,000.
04
Penalty (no permit)
2x permit fee if work starts before a permit is issued
After-hours or weekend inspections have additional inspection fees (specific amount not stated in public documents)
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (936) 559-2551 (phone)
- Engineering at (936) 559-2521 for driveway access inspections (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections requested before 3:00 PM are performed that day; requests after 3:00 PM may be performed the following day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for a new home: setbacks, plumbing rough-in, footings and foundation, driveway, sewer and water lines, rough electrical and mechanical and plumbing top-out, framing, insulation, and final inspection, followed by certificate of occupancy.
Source: Inspections / Code Compliance ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nacogdoches permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Nacogdoches, TX? ▸
All construction in Nacogdoches must conform to adopted city codes. Building permits are required for new construction, fences and decks, signs, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work, excavation, demolition, moving houses and storage buildings, storage tanks, drainage plan review, site plan review, and new water and sewer.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nacogdoches, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Nacogdoches, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Posted building permit fee table runs by project valuation, then switches to formulas over $180,000 and over $500,000.. Plan check fee: 50% of the permit fee for commercial jobs.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nacogdoches, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Nacogdoches, TX, follow these steps: 1. Review the official Forms and Applications page and download the applicable building packet, application, and plan-submittal instructions. 2. Prepare the application, legal description, address information, plot plan, and building plans. Two complete sets of plans are required. 3. Ensure the contractor holds a valid Nacogdoches contractor license. The city requires a $5,000.00 license and permit bond and a $25.00 city license fee. 4. Submit through the city's online permitting system (MGO Connect) or directly to the inspections office at City Hall. 5. Complete plan review. Allow 10 business days for plans to be reviewed and permit issued. 6. Pay the permit fee and any applicable plan review fees. 7. Post the permit and inspection board on site, complete required inspections, and obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy before occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Nacogdoches, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in Nacogdoches, TX typically run 10 business days for plan review and permit issuance; up to 5 days for new structure depending on workload and completeness.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Nacogdoches, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Nacogdoches, TX. The following work is generally exempt: Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding certain liquids; Water tanks supported directly on grade if capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the height-to-diameter or width ratio is not greater than 2:1; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All other unamended code exemptions remain unchanged. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nacogdoches, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Nacogdoches, TX via: (936) 559-2551, Engineering at (936) 559-2521 for driveway access inspections. Inspections requested before 3:00 PM are performed that day; requests after 3:00 PM may be performed the following day..
last verified April 2026
source Inspections / Code Compliance ↗
entry id permits/texas/nacogdoches/nacogdoches-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspections / Code Compliance before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.