On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Plains
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.
Note: No public exempt-work list was found for general building permits in Plains.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Certificate of occupancy and compliance is to be issued within 10 days after conforming completion
- 01 Contact Plains City Hall to confirm the permit path. The city does not publish a modern online permit portal or downloadable building permit packet.
- 02 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.
- 03 Apply for the certificate of occupancy and compliance at the same time as the building permit.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 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 ↗
Fee schedule
Plains building permit fees
Contact City Hall directly for fee information. Electrician city registration fee is $10.00.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- City Hall (in-person)
- 806-456-2288 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical 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.
Source: Building Inspector / City Hall ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Plains permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Plains, TX? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Plains, TX? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Plains, TX? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Plains, TX? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Plains, TX? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspector / City Hall before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.