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

The minimum permit fee is $225. Fees are calculated as: For residential: calculated using gross square footage multiplied by $75.00 per sq ft (valuation), then tiered formula applied. Commercial: tiered valuation-based formula. See fee schedule for exact rates.. Plan check fee: 35% of building permit fee.

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

1. Determine if your project requires a permit using the DIY guide or by contacting Planning and Development Services. 2. Register a user account on the Arlington Permits portal. 3. Start a new application and answer screening questions to identify the correct permit type. 4. Prepare and upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance forms, contractor license, proof of insurance). 5. Pay the non-refundable plan review fee (35% of building permit fee) at submittal. 6. Wait for plan review; respond to correction reports and resubmit revised plans if needed. 7. Pay the remaining permit fee upon approval. 8. Print the permit and post the permit card on-site before construction begins. 9. Schedule required inspections through the portal before 7:00 AM on the desired inspection day. 10. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if required.

What work is exempt from building permits in Arlington, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work; Single opaque door replacement up to 24 square feet; Fence repair or replacement where less than 50% of one side is being repaired at one time; Non-structural, non-fixed interior partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height; Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall with no support posts; Playground equipment on residential property; Inflatable or portable pools less than 24 inches in depth; Fences 24 inches tall or less; One-story detached accessory structures 100 square feet or less; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height not supporting a surcharge. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, setback, utility easement, or HOA requirements. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work incidental to exempt work may still require trade permits. Roof repairs over 10% of total roof surface area require a permit and are NOT exempt.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Arlington Permits portal, (817) 459-6502 or (817) 459-6504. Requests submitted before 7:00 AM are scheduled for the same business day. Requests at or after 7:00 AM are carried to the next business day..

City Building Permits

Arlington, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Tarrant County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Arlington.

Department: Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections
Address: 101 W. Abram St., 2nd Floor, Arlington, TX 76010
Phone: (817) 459-6777
Email: planningdevelopment@arlingtontx.gov
Website: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/City-Services/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Arlington Permits

Platform: e-PlanREVIEW • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine if your project requires a permit using the DIY guide or by contacting Planning and Development Services.
Register a user account on the Arlington Permits portal.
Start a new application and answer screening questions to identify the correct permit type.
Prepare and upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance forms, contractor license, proof of insurance).
Pay the non-refundable plan review fee (35% of building permit fee) at submittal.
Wait for plan review; respond to correction reports and resubmit revised plans if needed.
Pay the remaining permit fee upon approval.
Print the permit and post the permit card on-site before construction begins.
Schedule required inspections through the portal before 7:00 AM on the desired inspection day.
Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if required.

Typical processing time: Plan review typically takes 2-15 business days depending on project scope, plus 2 business days intake and 2 business days closeout.

Source: Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections

General Requirements

A permit is required for any construction, demolition, addition, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. All roofing repairs greater than 10% of the roof surface require a permit.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan or survey showing property boundaries and setbacks
Scaled construction drawings (architectural and structural as applicable)
Energy compliance forms (IECC compliance)
Contractor registration number and state license number
Proof of current liability insurance
Owner-builder affidavit if self-permitting

Permit validity: Permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended for any 180-day period after commencement. At least one approved inspection within each 180-day window resets the expiration clock.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), and 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Effective January 1, 2023.
Owner-builder: A property owner may serve as their own general contractor by completing an owner-builder affidavit. However, licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC) must be performed by state-licensed, city-registered contractors.
Contractor requirements: All general and construction contractors must be registered with the City of Arlington. State trade licenses (issued by TDLR for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) are required for trade permits. Contractors must carry current general liability insurance and provide proof of insurance with permit applications.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $225
Plan check fee: 35% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula: For residential: calculated using gross square footage multiplied by $75.00 per sq ft (valuation), then tiered formula applied. Commercial: tiered valuation-based formula. See fee schedule for exact rates.
Trade permit fee: $100 minimum for plumbing, electrical, mechanical/HVAC
Reinspection fee: $75 per reinspection
Penalty (no permit): $200 for same-day or after-hours inspections; varies for other services
Payment note: Online payment through permit portal by credit card, debit card, or eCheck. Phase II fee adjustments effective October 1, 2025.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work
Single opaque door replacement up to 24 square feet
Fence repair or replacement where less than 50% of one side is being repaired at one time
Non-structural, non-fixed interior partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height
Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall with no support posts
Playground equipment on residential property
Inflatable or portable pools less than 24 inches in depth
Fences 24 inches tall or less
One-story detached accessory structures 100 square feet or less
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height not supporting a surcharge

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, setback, utility easement, or HOA requirements. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work incidental to exempt work may still require trade permits. Roof repairs over 10% of total roof surface area require a permit and are NOT exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Arlington Permits portal (online)
(817) 459-6502 or (817) 459-6504 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Requests submitted before 7:00 AM are scheduled for the same business day. Requests at or after 7:00 AM are carried to the next business day.
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Time windows: Inspections conducted during standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/pre-pour, Framing/structural rough-in, Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, Insulation, Final building, Final trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), Certificate of Occupancy if required.

Remote video inspections are available for eligible permit types including HVAC replacements, water heaters, reroofs, under-slab repairs, and irrigation installations.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), and 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Effective January 1, 2023.
Verify contractor license: TDLR License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Zoning Map (Interactive GIS)
Pre-Application Meeting Scheduling
Tips for Choosing a Contractor
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 Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Arlington, TX?: A permit is required for any construction, demolition, addition, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. All roofing repairs greater than 10% of the roof surface require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Arlington, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $225. Fees are calculated as: For residential: calculated using gross square footage multiplied by $75.00 per sq ft (valuation), then tiered formula applied. Commercial: tiered valuation-based formula. See fee schedule for exact rates.. Plan check fee: 35% of building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Arlington, TX?: 1. Determine if your project requires a permit using the DIY guide or by contacting Planning and Development Services. 2. Register a user account on the Arlington Permits portal. 3. Start a new application and answer screening questions to identify the correct permit type. 4. Prepare and upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance forms, contractor license, proof of insurance). 5. Pay the non-refundable plan review fee (35% of building permit fee) at submittal. 6. Wait for plan review; respond to correction reports and resubmit revised plans if needed. 7. Pay the remaining permit fee upon approval. 8. Print the permit and post the permit card on-site before construction begins. 9. Schedule required inspections through the portal before 7:00 AM on the desired inspection day. 10. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Arlington, TX?: Typical processing time is Plan review typically takes 2-15 business days depending on project scope, plus 2 business days intake and 2 business days closeout..
What work is exempt from building permits in Arlington, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work; Single opaque door replacement up to 24 square feet; Fence repair or replacement where less than 50% of one side is being repaired at one time; Non-structural, non-fixed interior partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height; Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall with no support posts; Playground equipment on residential property; Inflatable or portable pools less than 24 inches in depth; Fences 24 inches tall or less; One-story detached accessory structures 100 square feet or less; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height not supporting a surcharge. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, setback, utility easement, or HOA requirements. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work incidental to exempt work may still require trade permits. Roof repairs over 10% of total roof surface area require a permit and are NOT exempt.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Arlington, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Arlington Permits portal, (817) 459-6502 or (817) 459-6504. Requests submitted before 7:00 AM are scheduled for the same business day. Requests at or after 7:00 AM are carried to the next business day..

Need help with your project?

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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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