How much does a building permit cost in Brenham, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $25 base permit fee for all permits; $100 minimum for commercial permits. Fees are calculated as: Commercial permits are valuation-based. Residential fees are mostly flat or square-foot based. New residential construction is $0.65 per square foot; additions and remodels are $500; residential trade permits are $100 total; pools are $350..

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

1. Confirm the project requires a permit by reviewing the city building page and permit-required list. 2. Prepare the application and plans. The city requires permit applications plus a set of plans for projects within the city. 3. Submit through the online permit portal or with Development Services. The city publishes commercial and residential plan review checklists. 4. If the project needs utility service, complete the utility deposit and utility tap applications with the related city departments. 5. Wait for plan review. The city processes plan review within ten business days unless special circumstances or delays extend review. 6. Pay permit fees after approval and pull the permit. No work may be performed until a permit has been issued and fees received. 7. Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance through the online permit portal, by email, or by phone. 8. Pass all required inspections, including final inspection, before occupancy or project closeout.

What work is exempt from building permits in Brenham, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Wallpapering; Carpeting; Flooring; Cabinets; Countertops.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Brenham, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online permit portal, Development Services email, 979-337-7220. Inspections must be scheduled one business day in advance..

City Building Permits

Brenham, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Brenham city limits. Verify parcel location if a tract is near the city boundary or in ETJ.

Department: Development Services Department - Building
Address: 200 W. Vulcan, 2nd Floor, Brenham, TX 77833
Phone: 979-337-7220
Email: shill@cityofbrenham.org
Website: https://docs.cityofbrenham.org/city_government/departments/development_services/building_permits___inspections.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Citizen Access

Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the project requires a permit by reviewing the city building page and permit-required list.
Prepare the application and plans. The city requires permit applications plus a set of plans for projects within the city.
Submit through the online permit portal or with Development Services. The city publishes commercial and residential plan review checklists.
If the project needs utility service, complete the utility deposit and utility tap applications with the related city departments.
Wait for plan review. The city processes plan review within ten business days unless special circumstances or delays extend review.
Pay permit fees after approval and pull the permit. No work may be performed until a permit has been issued and fees received.
Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance through the online permit portal, by email, or by phone.
Pass all required inspections, including final inspection, before occupancy or project closeout.

Typical processing time: Ten business days for plan review unless special circumstances or delays occur.

Source: Development Services Department - Building

General Requirements

A building permit is required before any construction starts. Permit-required work includes signage, new homes or structures, foundations, decks, storage or accessory buildings, additions, interior and exterior remodeling, carports, garage enclosures, renovations, manufactured homes, prefabricated structures, temporary buildings, demolitions, driveways, commercial parking, sidewalks, water heater replacements, insulation, swimming pools, retaining walls, sprinkler irrigation systems, mechanical or HVAC systems, electrical systems, and plumbing systems.

Required Documents

Permit application
Set of plans
Project-specific checklist materials
Full-size drawings for utility work
One complete electronic plan set for commercial review
Utility tap sizing on drawings when utilities are involved

Permit validity: No public Brenham permit-expiration rule was clearly posted in the reviewed sources.
Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IPMC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IRC, and 2021 IEBC, with local amendments in Chapter 6 of the code of ordinances.
Owner-builder: No Brenham owner-builder handout was found in the sources reviewed.
Contractor requirements: Commercial and residential general contractors and subcontractors must provide general liability insurance with the City of Brenham as certificate holder. Contractors licensed by the state must provide a copy of the current license and driver's license. A master may authorize a journeyman to work under that license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 base permit fee for all permits; $100 minimum for commercial permits
Permit fee formula: Commercial permits are valuation-based. Residential fees are mostly flat or square-foot based. New residential construction is $0.65 per square foot; additions and remodels are $500; residential trade permits are $100 total; pools are $350.
Trade permit fee: $100
Reinspection fee: $100
Penalty (no permit): Double the total permitting fee for work started before permit issuance
Payment note: Permit fees are paid after city review and approval and before permit issuance. Utility deposits and tap fees are paid through the related city departments when applicable.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting
Wallpapering
Carpeting
Flooring
Cabinets
Countertops

Inspections

How to Schedule

Online permit portal (online)
Development Services email (email)
979-337-7220 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Inspections must be scheduled one business day in advance.
Inspection hours: No public inspection-hour window was found in the reviewed materials.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: temporary pole, plumbing rough-in or underground, sewer yard line and water service line, slab and flatwork, combined FMEP cover inspection, electric underground if applicable, insulation, electric service or meter loop, and combined finals.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IPMC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IRC, and 2021 IEBC, with local amendments in Chapter 6 of the code of ordinances.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Ordinance Chapter 6 - Building Code
Residential Inspection Guide
When is a Permit Required
2021 IBC Significant Changes
License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brenham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Brenham, TX?: A building permit is required before any construction starts. Permit-required work includes signage, new homes or structures, foundations, decks, storage or accessory buildings, additions, interior and exterior remodeling, carports, garage enclosures, renovations, manufactured homes, prefabricated structures, temporary buildings, demolitions, driveways, commercial parking, sidewalks, water heater replacements, insulation, swimming pools, retaining walls, sprinkler irrigation systems, mechanical or HVAC systems, electrical systems, and plumbing systems.
How much does a building permit cost in Brenham, TX?: The minimum permit fee is $25 base permit fee for all permits; $100 minimum for commercial permits. Fees are calculated as: Commercial permits are valuation-based. Residential fees are mostly flat or square-foot based. New residential construction is $0.65 per square foot; additions and remodels are $500; residential trade permits are $100 total; pools are $350..
How do I apply for a building permit in Brenham, TX?: 1. Confirm the project requires a permit by reviewing the city building page and permit-required list. 2. Prepare the application and plans. The city requires permit applications plus a set of plans for projects within the city. 3. Submit through the online permit portal or with Development Services. The city publishes commercial and residential plan review checklists. 4. If the project needs utility service, complete the utility deposit and utility tap applications with the related city departments. 5. Wait for plan review. The city processes plan review within ten business days unless special circumstances or delays extend review. 6. Pay permit fees after approval and pull the permit. No work may be performed until a permit has been issued and fees received. 7. Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance through the online permit portal, by email, or by phone. 8. Pass all required inspections, including final inspection, before occupancy or project closeout.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Brenham, TX?: Typical processing time is Ten business days for plan review unless special circumstances or delays occur..
What work is exempt from building permits in Brenham, TX?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Wallpapering; Carpeting; Flooring; Cabinets; Countertops.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Brenham, TX?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online permit portal, Development Services email, 979-337-7220. Inspections must be scheduled one business day in advance..

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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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