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

The minimum permit fee is $40 for a fence, carport, or storage shed permit with no plumbing or electrical; $110 per trade for trade permits; $50 per building for certificate of occupancy application fee. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Commercial and multifamily use valuation bands. New residential construction uses square-foot formulas. Residential additions and remodels use $110 base fee plus $110 per trade up to a $440 maximum. Several minor permit types use flat fees.. Plan check fee: $220 per dwelling unit for new residential plan review; $165 when previously approved plans are altered enough to require another review.

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

1. Download the applicable permit and contractor registration forms from the city Forms and Documents page. 2. Prepare the submittal package with plans in triplicate drawn to scale showing lot shape and dimensions, existing buildings, and location and dimensions of the proposed building or alteration. 3. Email completed permits and contractor registrations to jason@emorytx.com. 4. Bring the project to City Hall for permit approval and payment; permits are not issued until the applicant comes to City Hall for approval and payment. 5. City staff reviews the application for zoning and permit compliance. 6. Obtain inspections and, where applicable, a certificate of occupancy.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall / Permit Contact Email.

City Building Permits

Emory, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Rains County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to the incorporated City of Emory.

Department: City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official
Address: 399 N. Texas St. (Hwy 19), PO Box 100, Emory, TX 75440
Phone: 903-473-2465
Email: jason@emorytx.com
Website: https://www.cityofemory.com/resources/permits-ordinances/

Application Process

Download the applicable permit and contractor registration forms from the city Forms and Documents page.
Prepare the submittal package with plans in triplicate drawn to scale showing lot shape and dimensions, existing buildings, and location and dimensions of the proposed building or alteration.
Email completed permits and contractor registrations to jason@emorytx.com.
Bring the project to City Hall for permit approval and payment; permits are not issued until the applicant comes to City Hall for approval and payment.
City staff reviews the application for zoning and permit compliance.
Obtain inspections and, where applicable, a certificate of occupancy.

Source: City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official

General Requirements

No building or other structure may be erected, moved, added to, enclosed, or structurally altered without a permit where applicable. The city publishes forms for residential permits, commercial permits, trade permits, fence-carport-storage shed permits, sign permits, plat applications, and certificates of occupancy.

Required Documents

Permit application form
Plans in triplicate drawn to scale
Lot dimensions and shape
Existing and proposed building locations
Copy of contractor driver license and state license

Permit validity: Building permits expire; applicants should verify the current permit expiration rule directly with City Hall.
Building code: Building codes are part of the city's regulatory framework; applicants should confirm with City Hall whether the current editions have superseded the provisions listed in the ordinance index.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be registered with the city; contractor registration form requires company information plus a copy of contractor driver license and state license for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, irrigation, and related license categories.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $40 for a fence, carport, or storage shed permit with no plumbing or electrical; $110 per trade for trade permits; $50 per building for certificate of occupancy application fee
Plan check fee: $220 per dwelling unit for new residential plan review; $165 when previously approved plans are altered enough to require another review
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Commercial and multifamily use valuation bands. New residential construction uses square-foot formulas. Residential additions and remodels use $110 base fee plus $110 per trade up to a $440 maximum. Several minor permit types use flat fees.
Penalty (no permit): Permit fees double for work performed without a permit
Payment note: All fees are billed upon issuance of the permit, except the certificate of occupancy application fee, which is payable when submitted. Applicants must come to City Hall for permit approval and payment before permits are issued.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

City Hall / Permit Contact Email (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Application, plan submission, City Hall approval, permit issuance after payment, then inspections and certificate of occupancy when applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: Building codes are part of the city's regulatory framework; applicants should confirm with City Hall whether the current editions have superseded the provisions listed in the ordinance index.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Zoning Ordinance
Contact Us
City 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 of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Emory Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Emory, TX?: No building or other structure may be erected, moved, added to, enclosed, or structurally altered without a permit where applicable. The city publishes forms for residential permits, commercial permits, trade permits, fence-carport-storage shed permits, sign permits, plat applications, and certificates of occupancy.
How much does a building permit cost in Emory, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $40 for a fence, carport, or storage shed permit with no plumbing or electrical; $110 per trade for trade permits; $50 per building for certificate of occupancy application fee. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Commercial and multifamily use valuation bands. New residential construction uses square-foot formulas. Residential additions and remodels use $110 base fee plus $110 per trade up to a $440 maximum. Several minor permit types use flat fees.. Plan check fee: $220 per dwelling unit for new residential plan review; $165 when previously approved plans are altered enough to require another review.
How do I apply for a building permit in Emory, TX?: 1. Download the applicable permit and contractor registration forms from the city Forms and Documents page. 2. Prepare the submittal package with plans in triplicate drawn to scale showing lot shape and dimensions, existing buildings, and location and dimensions of the proposed building or alteration. 3. Email completed permits and contractor registrations to jason@emorytx.com. 4. Bring the project to City Hall for permit approval and payment; permits are not issued until the applicant comes to City Hall for approval and payment. 5. City staff reviews the application for zoning and permit compliance. 6. Obtain inspections and, where applicable, a certificate of occupancy.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Emory, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall / Permit Contact Email.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Emory can be complicated.

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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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