City Building Permits

Fort Worth, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Tarrant County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Fort Worth.

Department
Development Services Department
Address
New City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone
(817) 392-2222
Website
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Citizen Access

Platform: Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Use the CFW Permit Assist Tool to identify required permits, estimate costs, and check zoning restrictions.
  2. Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account.
  3. Complete the online application for the applicable permit type.
  4. Upload all required documents following the Electronic Document Submittal Guide.
  5. Pay applicable permit fees online. Credit/debit cards incur a 2.27% service fee effective October 1, 2025.
  6. City staff reviews the application. Standard residential review: 7 business days.
  7. Respond to any plan review comments; revisions restart the review clock.
  8. Upon approval, permit is issued. Download or access the permit card through Accela.
  9. Post permit card at the job site and schedule required inspections through Accela or IVR.
  10. Pass all required inspections.
  11. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy where required.

Typical processing time: 7 business days for residential and commercial building permits; 3-5 business days for fire-related permits

Source: Development Services Department

General Requirements

Building permit required for new construction, additions, interior remodels affecting 16+ square feet, structural changes, electrical/mechanical/plumbing modifications, detached garages/accessory buildings, decks over 6 inches, garage enclosures, foundation repairs, roofing with decking replacement, exterior door/window replacement, fences over 7 feet (solid) or 8 feet (open), siding replacement, driveway approaches, pools/spas, security systems, demolition, and above-ground storm shelters with utility connections.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Project checklist
  • Complete set of plans
  • Certified plat copy
  • Site plan
  • Energy Code Compliance documentation
  • Urban Forestry permit if common ownership equals 1+ acres
Permit validity
Permit expires 180 days after issuance if work has not commenced. Permit also expires 180 days after the last recorded inspection if work has stopped. Building Official may grant one-time extension not to exceed 180 days.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IFC (effective April 1, 2022); 2023 NEC (effective March 1, 2024); 2015 IECC (retained); 2018 ISPSC; 2019 ASME A17.1; 2017 ICC A117.1; 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards
Owner-builder
Owner-builders must demonstrate primary residence status via homestead exemption or proof of ownership with government-issued ID. Owner must personally perform all work. May only work on portion of electrical system after first main breaker behind meter. Cannot install mechanical systems; duct work must be permitted by licensed contractor. Requires signed Homestead Permit Affidavit.
Contractor requirements
All contractors obtaining building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, or sign permits must maintain valid Contractor Registration. Annual registration fee: $168.75 (most types); $562.50 for parkway/utility contractors. State licenses required for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors. All contractors must carry liability insurance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$96.84 for first 30 square feet (residential new construction)
Plan check fee
Built into overall permit fee; third-party review discounts: 35% (both plan review and field inspections), 30% (plan review only), 45% (field inspections only)
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction: approximately $96.84 for first 30 sq ft, with incremental per-square-foot rates. Commercial: approximately $96.84 for first $2,000 of value, with incremental per-$1,000 rates. See fee schedule for exact tiers.
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
Reinspection fee
$50.00 per inspector for each failed or not-ready inspection
Penalty (no permit)
Stop-work orders may be issued. Fines: up to $500 per day for general violations; up to $2,000 per day for fire and health violations.
Payment note
Online payments through Accela portal. Effective October 1, 2025: credit/debit card payments incur 2.27% service fee. Pre-Development Conference: free (30 min) or $281.25 (1 hour). TDLR Architectural Barriers fee: $175 (state fee).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 1, 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Cosmetic remodels: flooring/wall coverings, cabinets, countertops, shelving
  • Plumbing fixture replacement in kind with no system modification
  • Shingle-only roofing replacement (no decking/rafters/sheathing replacement)
  • Freestanding above-ground storm shelters without utility connections or structural modifications
  • Fences at or below 7 feet (solid) or 8 feet (open)
  • Residential door replacement outside designated historic districts without frame opening changes
  • Painting, wallpapering, and decorative work
  • Ordinary repairs and maintenance not affecting structural elements, fire protection, or building systems

Important: Cosmetic is narrowly interpreted; any work affecting structural elements, load-bearing components, fire separation, or building systems requires a permit. Work in historic districts may have additional requirements. Exempt work does not exempt contractor from Contractor Registration requirement.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Requests submitted before 6:30 AM scheduled for same business day. Requests at or after 6:30 AM scheduled for next business day.
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Time windows
Standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence (residential new construction): Stakeout/Foundation Survey, Pre-Slab/Foundation, Framing, Rough Electrical, Rough Plumbing, Rough Mechanical, Insulation, Drywall/Cover, Electrical Pre-Final, Plumbing Final, Mechanical Final, Building Final, Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fort Worth, TX?
Building permit required for new construction, additions, interior remodels affecting 16+ square feet, structural changes, electrical/mechanical/plumbing modifications, detached garages/accessory buildings, decks over 6 inches, garage enclosures, foundation repairs, roofing with decking replacement, exterior door/window replacement, fences over 7 feet (solid) or 8 feet (open), siding replacement, driveway approaches, pools/spas, security systems, demolition, and above-ground storm shelters with utility connections.
How much does a building permit cost in Fort Worth, TX?
The minimum permit fee is $96.84 for first 30 square feet (residential new construction). Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction: approximately $96.84 for first 30 sq ft, with incremental per-square-foot rates. Commercial: approximately $96.84 for first $2,000 of value, with incremental per-$1,000 rates. See fee schedule for exact tiers.. Plan check fee: Built into overall permit fee; third-party review discounts: 35% (both plan review and field inspections), 30% (plan review only), 45% (field inspections only).
How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Worth, TX?
1. Use the CFW Permit Assist Tool to identify required permits, estimate costs, and check zoning restrictions. 2. Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account. 3. Complete the online application for the applicable permit type. 4. Upload all required documents following the Electronic Document Submittal Guide. 5. Pay applicable permit fees online. Credit/debit cards incur a 2.27% service fee effective October 1, 2025. 6. City staff reviews the application. Standard residential review: 7 business days. 7. Respond to any plan review comments; revisions restart the review clock. 8. Upon approval, permit is issued. Download or access the permit card through Accela. 9. Post permit card at the job site and schedule required inspections through Accela or IVR. 10. Pass all required inspections. 11. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy where required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Worth, TX?
Typical processing time is 7 business days for residential and commercial building permits; 3-5 business days for fire-related permits.
What work is exempt from building permits in Fort Worth, TX?
The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic remodels: flooring/wall coverings, cabinets, countertops, shelving; Plumbing fixture replacement in kind with no system modification; Shingle-only roofing replacement (no decking/rafters/sheathing replacement); Freestanding above-ground storm shelters without utility connections or structural modifications; Fences at or below 7 feet (solid) or 8 feet (open); Residential door replacement outside designated historic districts without frame opening changes; Painting, wallpapering, and decorative work; Ordinary repairs and maintenance not affecting structural elements, fire protection, or building systems. Note: Cosmetic is narrowly interpreted; any work affecting structural elements, load-bearing components, fire separation, or building systems requires a permit. Work in historic districts may have additional requirements. Exempt work does not exempt contractor from Contractor Registration requirement.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Worth, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access Portal, Automated IVR (24/7). Requests submitted before 6:30 AM scheduled for same business day. Requests at or after 6:30 AM scheduled for next business day..

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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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