City Building Permits

Plains, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Yoakum County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Plains.

Department
Building Inspector / City Hall
Address
Plains City Hall, 1015 Avenue F, Plains, TX 79355
Phone
806-456-2288

Application Process

  1. Contact Plains City Hall to confirm the permit path. The city does not publish a modern online permit portal or downloadable building permit packet.
  2. For building permits under the zoning ordinance, submit an application accompanied by a plat in duplicate drawn to scale showing actual lot dimensions, the size of the building to be erected, and other information needed for enforcement.
  3. Apply for the certificate of occupancy and compliance at the same time as the building permit.
  4. For electrical work, submit a written permit application to the city secretary. When required by the city, include plans, specifications, and schedules needed to verify NEC compliance.
  5. If the site is in an area of special flood hazard, submit a floodplain development permit application to the floodplain administrator with plans in duplicate and required elevation and floodproofing information.
  6. Complete the work and required inspections. The zoning ordinance states certificates of occupancy and compliance are to be issued within 10 days after conforming completion of erection or structural alteration.

Typical processing time: Certificate of occupancy and compliance is to be issued within 10 days after conforming completion

Source: Building Inspector / City Hall

General Requirements

Building permits are required for buildings erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered under the zoning ordinance. A certificate of occupancy and compliance is required before use or occupancy of a newly erected or structurally altered building. Electrical permits are required before installing electrical equipment or making alterations or additions. Floodplain development permits are required in areas of special flood hazard.

Required Documents

  • For building permits: a plat in duplicate drawn to scale showing lot dimensions and building size
  • For electrical permits: a written application to the city secretary and plans/specifications when required
  • For floodplain development permits: plans in duplicate, elevations, floodproofing data for nonresidential work, and any watercourse alteration information
Building code
International Residential Code (most current edition and latest revisions); International Plumbing Code (2000 Edition and latest revisions); National Electrical Code (most current edition and latest revisions); also contains gas, mechanical, dangerous-building, and floodplain management articles
Contractor requirements
Plumbers must be licensed under the State Plumbers License Law. Electricians doing business in the city must register with the city, present a master electrician's license recognized by the city, and supervise all electrical work under a registered master electrician.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Building, plumbing, and electrical permit and inspection requirements and fees are established by city council resolution rather than by a fee table in the public code
Payment note
Contact City Hall directly for fee information. Electrician city registration fee is $10.00.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspector / City Hall to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • City Hall (in-person)
  • 806-456-2288 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Submit permit application; provide required plans/plat; complete work; obtain required inspection(s); obtain certificate of occupancy and compliance before occupancy or permanent utility connection for newly erected or structurally altered buildings.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspector / City Hall before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plains Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Plains, TX?
Building permits are required for buildings erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered under the zoning ordinance. A certificate of occupancy and compliance is required before use or occupancy of a newly erected or structurally altered building. Electrical permits are required before installing electrical equipment or making alterations or additions. Floodplain development permits are required in areas of special flood hazard.
How much does a building permit cost in Plains, TX?
Fees are calculated as: Building, plumbing, and electrical permit and inspection requirements and fees are established by city council resolution rather than by a fee table in the public code.
How do I apply for a building permit in Plains, TX?
1. Contact Plains City Hall to confirm the permit path. The city does not publish a modern online permit portal or downloadable building permit packet. 2. For building permits under the zoning ordinance, submit an application accompanied by a plat in duplicate drawn to scale showing actual lot dimensions, the size of the building to be erected, and other information needed for enforcement. 3. Apply for the certificate of occupancy and compliance at the same time as the building permit. 4. For electrical work, submit a written permit application to the city secretary. When required by the city, include plans, specifications, and schedules needed to verify NEC compliance. 5. If the site is in an area of special flood hazard, submit a floodplain development permit application to the floodplain administrator with plans in duplicate and required elevation and floodproofing information. 6. Complete the work and required inspections. The zoning ordinance states certificates of occupancy and compliance are to be issued within 10 days after conforming completion of erection or structural alteration.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Plains, TX?
Typical processing time is Certificate of occupancy and compliance is to be issued within 10 days after conforming completion.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Plains, TX?
Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall, 806-456-2288.

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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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