Tatum, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Tatum spans multiple counties (Rusk and Panola). This section addresses only the Panola County portion of Tatum. Parcel-level jurisdiction should be verified before relying on city requirements.

Department

City of Tatum permit administration through City Secretary's Office and Building Official

Address

680 Crystal Farms Rd, Tatum, TX 75691

Phone

(903) 803-3580

Email

cityoftatum@tatum.texas.gov

Website

https://tatum.texas.gov/government/formspermits/permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start on the city permit page and either use Vertex Plans for a new permit/contractor registration or obtain the city's printable permit form.
2. Submit the permit application with project, owner, contractor, and valuation information. Permit holders are responsible for compliance with city building and zoning ordinances.
3. Coordinate directly with the City Secretary's Office or the Building Official if a permit type is not visible in Vertex or if more information is needed.
4. After issuance, obtain all required inspections through Vertex Plans.
5. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the building or structure when applicable.

Source: City of Tatum permit administration through City Secretary's Office and Building Official

General Requirements

The city's posted permit system covers building and related permits. Public city materials identify contractor registration and permit access through Vertex Plans. A permit is required for the described building work before proceeding.

Required Documents

• Project address
• Owner information
• Contractor information
• Description of work
• Square footage
• Valuation
• Utilities information
• Structure/foundation/roofing details
• Subcontractor information
• Accompanying plans/specifications where applicable

Permit validity

The building permit form includes an expiration-date field, but the city does not publish a general expiration rule on the permit page.

Building code

2009 International Building Code (IBC) and 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted in the city's 2014 Revised Building Ordinance.

Owner-builder

The 2014 revised building ordinance provides an owner exemption from city contractor licensing for persons constructing or repairing buildings on their own residential homesteads or other property under their ownership, provided they first obtain the required permit and comply with other code requirements.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must obtain the appropriate contractor's license and annual fee from the City of Tatum when a permit is required. State licensees such as plumbers, electricians, irrigators, and certain HVAC licensees must register with the Building Official and provide proof of state licensing and insurance as reasonably required.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Tatum permit administration through City Secretary's Office and Building Official to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Vertex Plans inspection portal (online)
• City Secretary's Office or Building Official (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: The city does not publish a universal inspection sequence on the permit page. The posted building permit form states the permit holder is responsible for obtaining all required inspections and for obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy prior to occupancy. Permit-specific rough/final sequences should be confirmed with the Building Official.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted in the city's 2014 Revised Building Ordinance.
• Verify contractor license: Texas State License Board (TSLB)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning
• City Ordinances
• City of Tatum (TML Directory)
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Tatum Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Tatum, TX?

The city's posted permit system covers building and related permits. Public city materials identify contractor registration and permit access through Vertex Plans. A permit is required for the described building work before proceeding.

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

1. Start on the city permit page and either use Vertex Plans for a new permit/contractor registration or obtain the city's printable permit form. 2. Submit the permit application with project, owner, contractor, and valuation information. Permit holders are responsible for compliance with city building and zoning ordinances. 3. Coordinate directly with the City Secretary's Office or the Building Official if a permit type is not visible in Vertex or if more information is needed. 4. After issuance, obtain all required inspections through Vertex Plans. 5. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the building or structure when applicable.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Vertex Plans inspection portal, City Secretary's Office or Building Official.

Other cities in Panola County