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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Arlington
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.
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
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertop replacement, and similar finish work
- Exempt Single opaque door replacement up to 24 square feet
- Exempt Fence repair or replacement where less than 50% of one side is being repaired at one time
- Exempt Non-structural, non-fixed interior partitions under 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Exempt Window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches from the wall with no support posts
- Exempt Playground equipment on residential property
- Exempt Inflatable or portable pools less than 24 inches in depth
- Exempt Fences 24 inches tall or less
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 100 square feet or less
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review typically takes 2-15 business days depending on project scope, plus 2 business days intake and 2 business days closeout.
- 01 Determine if your project requires a permit using the DIY guide or by contacting Planning and Development Services.
- 02 Register a user account on the Arlington Permits portal.
- 03 Start a new application and answer screening questions to identify the correct permit type.
- 04 Prepare and upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance forms, contractor license, proof of insurance).
- 05 Pay the non-refundable plan review fee (35% of building permit fee) at submittal.
- 06 Wait for plan review; respond to correction reports and resubmit revised plans if needed.
- 07 Pay the remaining permit fee upon approval.
- 08 Print the permit and post the permit card on-site before construction begins.
- 09 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.
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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective October 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$225
02
Plan check fee
35% of building permit fee
03
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.
04
Trade permit fee
$100 minimum for plumbing, electrical, mechanical/HVAC
05
Reinspection fee
$75 per reinspection
06
Penalty (no permit)
$200 for same-day or after-hours inspections; varies for other services
Online payment through permit portal by credit card, debit card, or eCheck. Phase II fee adjustments effective October 1, 2025.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
Source: Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Arlington permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Arlington, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Arlington, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Arlington, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Arlington, TX, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Arlington, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in Arlington, TX typically run Plan review typically takes 2-15 business days depending on project scope, plus 2 business days intake and 2 business days closeout.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Arlington, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Arlington, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Arlington, TX 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..
last verified April 2026
source Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/texas/tarrant/arlington
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Development Services -- Permitting and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.