Del Rio, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Del Rio. The city does not issue general building permits for Val Verde County or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) construction, except that plumbing permits are required for outside-city-limits properties connecting to city water and sewer service.

Department

Development Services Department / Code Compliance Department

Address

114 W. Martin St., Del Rio, TX 78840

Phone

(830) 774-8526

Website

https://www.cityofdelrio.com/government/departments/code-compliance

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Del Rio city limits.
2. For properties outside city limits but needing city water or sewer service, a licensed plumber must obtain a plumbing permit and the owner must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the City Planner.
3. Identify the project type and follow the appropriate submittal path: residential (pre-submittal conference with Planning/Zoning/Code Compliance, then building permit review); new commercial buildings (pre-submittal conference with multiple departments, then site plan review, then building permit review); or existing commercial occupancy changes (Certificate of Occupancy submittal path).
4. Download and complete applicable permit forms from the Development Services Forms and Applications page.
5. Submit plans and supporting documents for review.
6. Obtain permit issuance from the permit clerks.
7. Schedule and complete inspections by building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire-review staff.
8. Obtain final approval and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy from the Chief Building Official.

Source: Development Services Department / Code Compliance Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new residential houses; accessory structures such as storage buildings and carports; fences and pools that are permanent or storable in or above ground and 2 feet or more in depth; remodeling, renovations, and additions; porch and carport enclosures or extensions; reroofing or repair of more than 50% of a roof; changes to more than 50% of exterior finish; water-heater changes; electrical power connection; structural changes to commercial buildings; signs; and demolition of commercial structures.

Required Documents

• Project information and description
• Project valuation
• Owner and contractor information
• Work description
• Plan review documents
• Site plan review (for commercial work)

Building code

2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code, 2017 National Electrical Code, 2015 Property Maintenance Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2015 International Fuel and Gas Code

Owner-builder

The city publishes homeowner electrical and homeowner plumbing affidavit forms, indicating owner-side affidavit procedures exist for at least some trades.

Contractor requirements

All plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work requires a licensed plumber, mechanical technician, and electrician. The city requires contractor registration with a $150 initial fee and $75 annual renewal, plus an insurance certificate of at least $500,000 naming the City of Del Rio as additional insured.

Fees

Payment note

The city's Municipal Online portal accepts card payments. The portal also advertises IVR payment at 866-299-3771 and a 24-hour kiosk at Utility Billing, 109 W Broadway St., Del Rio, TX 78840. Public pages do not clearly explain whether all initial permit applications can be completed entirely online.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Painting or cosmetic work to the interior or exterior of structures
• Fence work limited to replacing non-structural elements such as wood planks or chain link
• Driveway construction on City of Del Rio roads

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Residential: permit review, permit issuance, building/plumbing/electrical/mechanical inspections, then Certificate of Occupancy. New commercial buildings: pre-submittal conference, site plan review, building permit review, permit issuance, inspections by building/plumbing/electrical/mechanical/fire staff, then Certificate of Occupancy. Commercial occupancy submittals: pre-submittal conference, building permit review, permit issuance, inspections, then Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code, 2017 National Electrical Code, 2015 Property Maintenance Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2015 International Fuel and Gas Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning
• Residential Submittal
• Commercial Submittal - New Building
• Commercial Certificate of Occupancy Submittal
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Del Rio Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Del Rio, TX?

Building permits are required for new residential houses; accessory structures such as storage buildings and carports; fences and pools that are permanent or storable in or above ground and 2 feet or more in depth; remodeling, renovations, and additions; porch and carport enclosures or extensions; reroofing or repair of more than 50% of a roof; changes to more than 50% of exterior finish; water-heater changes; electrical power connection; structural changes to commercial buildings; signs; and demolition of commercial structures.

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

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Del Rio city limits. 2. For properties outside city limits but needing city water or sewer service, a licensed plumber must obtain a plumbing permit and the owner must obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the City Planner. 3. Identify the project type and follow the appropriate submittal path: residential (pre-submittal conference with Planning/Zoning/Code Compliance, then building permit review); new commercial buildings (pre-submittal conference with multiple departments, then site plan review, then building permit review); or existing commercial occupancy changes (Certificate of Occupancy submittal path). 4. Download and complete applicable permit forms from the Development Services Forms and Applications page. 5. Submit plans and supporting documents for review. 6. Obtain permit issuance from the permit clerks. 7. Schedule and complete inspections by building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire-review staff. 8. Obtain final approval and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy from the Chief Building Official.

What work is exempt from building permits in Del Rio, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting or cosmetic work to the interior or exterior of structures; Fence work limited to replacing non-structural elements such as wood planks or chain link; Driveway construction on City of Del Rio roads.

Other cities in Val Verde County