Emory, TX — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official

Street address

399 N. Texas St. (Hwy 19), PO Box 100, Emory, TX 75440

Phone

903-473-2465

jason@emorytx.com

Coverage

Applies to the incorporated City of Emory.

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Forms and Documents ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Emory

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

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are part of the city's regulatory framework; applicants should confirm with City Hall whether the current editions have superseded the provisions listed in the ordinance index.
Permit validity: Building permits expire; applicants should verify the current permit expiration rule directly with City Hall.
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.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Download the applicable permit and contractor registration forms from the city Forms and Documents page.
02

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.
03

Email completed permits and contractor registrations to jason@emorytx.com.
04

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.
05

City staff reviews the application for zoning and permit compliance.
06

Obtain inspections and, where applicable, a certificate of occupancy.

Source: City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Emory building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

City Hall / Permit Contact Email (in-person)

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Emory permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Emory, TX? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Emory, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Emory, TX, follow these steps: 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.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Emory, TX via: City Hall / Permit Contact Email.

last verified April 2026 source City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official ↗ entry id permits/texas/rains/emory

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Emory / Building Official / Administrative Official before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Emory

Other jurisdictions in Rains County.