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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Worth
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.
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
- Exempt Cosmetic remodels: flooring/wall coverings, cabinets, countertops, shelving
- Exempt Plumbing fixture replacement in kind with no system modification
- Exempt Shingle-only roofing replacement (no decking/rafters/sheathing replacement)
- Exempt Freestanding above-ground storm shelters without utility connections or structural modifications
- Exempt Fences at or below 7 feet (solid) or 8 feet (open)
- Exempt Residential door replacement outside designated historic districts without frame opening changes
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, and decorative work
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 7 business days for residential and commercial building permits; 3-5 business days for fire-related permits
- 01 Use the CFW Permit Assist Tool to identify required permits, estimate costs, and check zoning restrictions.
- 02 Create or log in to an Accela Citizen Access account.
- 03 Complete the online application for the applicable permit type.
- 04 Upload all required documents following the Electronic Document Submittal Guide.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fees online. Credit/debit cards incur a 2.27% service fee effective October 1, 2025.
- 06 City staff reviews the application. Standard residential review: 7 business days.
- 07 Respond to any plan review comments; revisions restart the review clock.
- 08 Upon approval, permit is issued. Download or access the permit card through Accela.
- 09 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective October 1, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$96.84 for first 30 square feet (residential new construction)
02
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)
03
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.
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade permit type
05
Reinspection fee
$50.00 per inspector for each failed or not-ready inspection
06
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Accela Citizen Access Portal (online)
- Automated IVR (24/7) (phone)
- 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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fort Worth permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Worth, TX? ▸
Building permit fees in Fort Worth, TX are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Worth, TX? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fort Worth, TX, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Worth, TX? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fort Worth, TX typically run 7 business days for residential and commercial building permits; 3-5 business days for fire-related permits. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fort Worth, TX? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Worth, TX? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fort Worth, TX 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..
last verified April 2026
source Development Services Department ↗
entry id permits/texas/tarrant/fort-worth
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.