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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Del Rio
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.
- Exempt Painting or cosmetic work to the interior or exterior of structures
- Exempt Fence work limited to replacing non-structural elements such as wood planks or chain link
- Exempt Driveway construction on City of Del Rio roads
- 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.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the parcel is inside Del Rio city limits.
- 02 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.
- 03 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).
- 04 Download and complete applicable permit forms from the Development Services Forms and Applications page.
- 05 Submit plans and supporting documents for review.
- 06 Obtain permit issuance from the permit clerks.
- 07 Schedule and complete inspections by building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire-review staff.
- 08 Obtain final approval and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy from the Chief Building Official.
Source: Development Services Department / Code Compliance Department ↗
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Del Rio permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Del Rio, TX? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Del Rio, TX? ▸
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Del Rio, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services Department / Code Compliance Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.