Smithville, TX Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Within the incorporated City of Smithville. Smithville's own published permit info sheet states applicants must have an approved permit before beginning work within the city.

Department

City of Smithville City Hall / Building Inspector

Address

317 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957

Phone

(512) 237-3282

Website

https://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/165/General

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact City Hall at 317 Main Street or (512) 237-3282 to discuss the project and obtain the rules and ordinances that apply.
2. Prepare a to-scale drawing, preferably on a plat or survey, showing the proposed improvement, property lines, setbacks, dimensions, square footage, other structures on site, north arrow, and utility connection information where applicable.
3. Submit the plans and contact information to the city. Smithville says failure to provide clear and legible information can cause delays.
4. Wait for plan approval by the Building Official. Smithville's published info sheet says building plan review can take up to 10 complete workdays, counted from the day after submission.
5. Determine who will perform the work and whether licensed plumbing or electrical professionals are required. Smithville's published guidance distinguishes between homestead and non-homestead work and says a licensed plumber is always required for gas work.
6. Request inspections through City Hall as construction progresses, giving 24 hours notice at each inspection stage.
7. Where utility hookups are needed, coordinate with the Utility Department and pay any required deposit or tap fee.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 complete workdays for building plan review, according to the city's permit info sheet last revised October 4, 2022.

Source: City of Smithville City Hall / Building Inspector

General Requirements

Smithville's published permit sheet says permits are required for new homes, home additions, fences, decks, patios, carports, deck/patio covers, storage buildings, external garages, pools, and similar commercial and industrial construction.

Required Documents

• To-scale drawing, preferably based on a plat or survey
• Exact plans showing proposed improvements and property details
• Contact information
• Setback/location information, dimensions, square footage
• North arrow
• Utility connection description where needed
• Completed building application form

Permit validity

The reviewed public sources did not clearly state a current permit-expiration period. Confirm with City Hall before relying on an assumption.

Building code

The city adopted the 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Residential Code, 2006 International Plumbing Code, and 2006 International Mechanical Code. The electrical code division uses older local provisions. Note: These are significantly outdated (2006 cycle). Applicants should confirm current enforcement practice directly with the city if a newer update has occurred but is not yet reflected in the posted code and forms.

Owner-builder

Smithville's permit sheet states an individual may do foundation, roofing, and carpentry work themselves whether or not the property is their homestead. On a homestead, it may be possible to do most electrical and plumbing work without hiring a licensed plumber or electrician, but to do so the owner must have a signed and notarized affidavit on file at City Hall. A licensed plumber is always required for gas-related work.

Contractor requirements

If the property is not the owner's homestead, Smithville says the owner must hire a licensed plumber and/or electrician for electrical and plumbing projects. Gas work always requires a licensed plumber.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 minimum permit fee for signs, building demo, pool, and fence permits.

Plan check fee

Residential plan review is 30% of permit; commercial plan review is 0.5% of total construction.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Building permit fees at $0.45 per square foot. Residential plan review at 30% of permit. Commercial plan review at 0.5% of total construction. Separate flat fees for pools, remodels, electrical, plumbing, and related permits.

Trade permit fee

Separate flat fees for electrical, plumbing, and related permits listed in 2025 fee schedule.

Reinspection fee

$75 reinspection fee. The building code itself states a person who fails to pull a required permit is charged the permit fee plus a penalty of two times that amount, making the total three times the normal permit amount.

Penalty (no permit)

Penalty for not pulling a permit: 3 times the permit fee (permit fee + 2x penalty).

Payment note

No dedicated online building-permit payment instructions identified on reviewed pages.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Internal renovations
• Roofing
• Internal and external painting
• HVAC system installation

Important: External painting in the Historic Commercial District requires a Certificate of Appropriateness. These exemptions are significantly more permissive than most jurisdictions; confirm status with City Hall.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (512) 237-3282 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24 hours notice required

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation and framing inspection; rough-in plumbing and electrical inspection; final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city adopted the 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Residential Code, 2006 International Plumbing Code, and 2006 International Mechanical Code. The electrical code division uses older local provisions. Note: These are significantly outdated (2006 cycle). Applicants should confirm current enforcement practice directly with the city if a newer update has occurred but is not yet reflected in the posted code and forms.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• General Forms Page
• Permit Info Sheet (PDF)
• Planning and Zoning
• Online Code
• Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

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