City Building Permits

Center, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Shelby County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Center city limits only.

Department
Planning and Inspection Department; Community Development Department
Address
City Hall, 617 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935
Phone
(936) 598-2941
Website
https://www.centertexas.org/

Application Process

  1. Verify the parcel is inside Center city limits and determine zoning through the Planning and Zoning Department.
  2. Review the city Building Permits page and gather the required submittal materials.
  3. Complete the city Application for Zoning Certificate and Building Permit.
  4. Submit two complete sets of construction drawings and the required site/plot plan information showing legal description, property address, proof of contractor license if applicable, site plan details, drainage, setbacks, existing and proposed buildings, parking/driveways, and building-plan details.
  5. Include flood-zone information and attach the approved site plan where required.
  6. Provide state trade-license proof before inspection for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or fire sprinkler work.
  7. Submit the application and materials to the city and wait for permit issuance before starting work.

Source: Planning and Inspection Department; Community Development Department

General Requirements

All construction in Center must conform to city-adopted standards. Remodel or repair in an existing structure requires information similar to new construction.

Required Documents

  • Completed Application for Zoning Certificate and Building Permit
  • Two complete sets of construction drawings
  • Site/plot plan
  • Legal description
  • Property address or request for address assignment
  • Proof of contractor license if applicable
  • Flood-zone and site-plan information if applicable
  • Engineer or architect stamp for some non-conventional construction if required by the city
Building code
International Building, Plumbing, and Fire Codes; National Electrical Code; and local zoning ordinance.
Contractor requirements
Contractors performing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or fire sprinkler work must show proof of Texas licensure prior to any inspection.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning and Inspection Department; Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: permit application and review, permit issuance, trade-license verification before applicable inspections, final inspection before final approval.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Inspection Department; Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Center Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Center, TX?
All construction in Center must conform to city-adopted standards. Remodel or repair in an existing structure requires information similar to new construction.
How do I apply for a building permit in Center, TX?
1. Verify the parcel is inside Center city limits and determine zoning through the Planning and Zoning Department. 2. Review the city Building Permits page and gather the required submittal materials. 3. Complete the city Application for Zoning Certificate and Building Permit. 4. Submit two complete sets of construction drawings and the required site/plot plan information showing legal description, property address, proof of contractor license if applicable, site plan details, drainage, setbacks, existing and proposed buildings, parking/driveways, and building-plan details. 5. Include flood-zone information and attach the approved site plan where required. 6. Provide state trade-license proof before inspection for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or fire sprinkler work. 7. Submit the application and materials to the city and wait for permit issuance before starting work.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Center 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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