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

1. Confirm the parcel is inside City of Big Lake limits and contact Code Enforcement to verify the permit type and current submittal expectations. 2. Use the city's Code Enforcement page to access the applicable permit form (general building permit, mobile home/moving structure permit, or golf cart permit). 3. Complete the form with owner, contractor, site, work description, valuation, and any plan information requested. 4. Submit the application and supporting materials directly to Code Enforcement / City Hall. Commercial or industrial work requires a complete set of engineered plans. 5. Wait for city review. Code Enforcement determines approval or disapproval and issues permit number if approved. 6. Complete required inspections: Code Enforcement inspects framing, rebar, and concrete; Public Works Director handles plumbing; State Fire Marshal handles fire-safety. 7. Complete work before permit expires (six months).

What work is exempt from building permits in Big Lake, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Replacing windows with same or like materials (in most cases); Replacing roofing with same or like materials (in most cases); Replacing siding with same or like materials (in most cases); Replacing fencing with same or like materials (in most cases).

How do I schedule a building inspection in Big Lake, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (325) 884-2511 ext. 4 or (325) 812-4367, ceo@cityofbiglaketx.org.

City Building Permits

Big Lake, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Reagan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Big Lake.

Department: Code Enforcement, City of Big Lake
Address: City of Big Lake, 203 N Plaza Ave, Big Lake, TX 76932
Phone: (325) 884-2511 ext. 4
Email: ceo@cityofbiglaketx.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/cityofbiglaketx.org/cityofbiglaketx/city-offices/code-enforcement

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is inside City of Big Lake limits and contact Code Enforcement to verify the permit type and current submittal expectations.
Use the city's Code Enforcement page to access the applicable permit form (general building permit, mobile home/moving structure permit, or golf cart permit).
Complete the form with owner, contractor, site, work description, valuation, and any plan information requested.
Submit the application and supporting materials directly to Code Enforcement / City Hall. Commercial or industrial work requires a complete set of engineered plans.
Wait for city review. Code Enforcement determines approval or disapproval and issues permit number if approved.
Complete required inspections: Code Enforcement inspects framing, rebar, and concrete; Public Works Director handles plumbing; State Fire Marshal handles fire-safety.
Complete work before permit expires (six months).

Source: Code Enforcement, City of Big Lake

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Big Lake. Exceptions include replacing windows, roof, siding, or fence with the same or like materials in most cases.

Required Documents

Building permit application form
Owner name and address
Contractor information
Job address and subdivision/block/lot
Building use and class of work
Description of work
Estimated cost
Square footage
Construction type
Plan-submission status and complete engineered plans for commercial/industrial projects

Permit validity: Building permits last six months. Permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within six months, or if work is suspended or abandoned for six months after commencement.
Building code: Life and Safety Code, 2009 Edition International Codes (IFC, IBC, IRC) and NFPA 2008
Owner-builder: The building permit form includes an owner signature line if builder. No separate owner-builder policy published.
Contractor requirements: The building permit requires contractor name, address, and phone information when a contractor is used.

Fees

Payment note: No public permit-payment workflow identified. Confirm payment method directly with City Hall / Code Enforcement.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Replacing windows with same or like materials (in most cases)
Replacing roofing with same or like materials (in most cases)
Replacing siding with same or like materials (in most cases)
Replacing fencing with same or like materials (in most cases)

Inspections

How to Schedule

(325) 884-2511 ext. 4 or (325) 812-4367 (phone)
ceo@cityofbiglaketx.org (email)

Inspection hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (except 1st-10th of month)

Typical inspection sequence: Code Enforcement inspects framing, rebar, and concrete. Public Works Director handles plumbing inspections. State Fire Marshal handles fire-safety inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Life and Safety Code, 2009 Edition International Codes (IFC, IBC, IRC) and NFPA 2008
Zoning information: View zoning info
City Home Page
City Offices
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 Code Enforcement, City of Big Lake before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Lake Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Big Lake, TX?: A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Big Lake. Exceptions include replacing windows, roof, siding, or fence with the same or like materials in most cases.
How do I apply for a building permit in Big Lake, TX?: 1. Confirm the parcel is inside City of Big Lake limits and contact Code Enforcement to verify the permit type and current submittal expectations. 2. Use the city's Code Enforcement page to access the applicable permit form (general building permit, mobile home/moving structure permit, or golf cart permit). 3. Complete the form with owner, contractor, site, work description, valuation, and any plan information requested. 4. Submit the application and supporting materials directly to Code Enforcement / City Hall. Commercial or industrial work requires a complete set of engineered plans. 5. Wait for city review. Code Enforcement determines approval or disapproval and issues permit number if approved. 6. Complete required inspections: Code Enforcement inspects framing, rebar, and concrete; Public Works Director handles plumbing; State Fire Marshal handles fire-safety. 7. Complete work before permit expires (six months).
What work is exempt from building permits in Big Lake, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Replacing windows with same or like materials (in most cases); Replacing roofing with same or like materials (in most cases); Replacing siding with same or like materials (in most cases); Replacing fencing with same or like materials (in most cases).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Big Lake, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (325) 884-2511 ext. 4 or (325) 812-4367, ceo@cityofbiglaketx.org.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Big Lake can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Reagan County

Unincorporated Area

View all Reagan County jurisdictions →