County Building Permits
Cameron County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cameron County, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated areas of Cameron County.
- Department
- Cameron County Transportation Department / Building Permits
- Address
- 1390 W. Expressway 83, San Benito, TX 78586
- Phone
- (956) 247-3500
Online Permit Portal
Platform: County Permit Office • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Complete the residential permit application packet
- Prepare site plans and construction plans
- Submit to Cameron County Building Permits office at 1390 W. Expressway 83, San Benito
- County staff reviews for code compliance and completeness
- Pay permit and inspection fees
- Obtain permit before beginning work
- Schedule required inspections with county building officials
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; verify with county office
Source: Cameron County Transportation Department / Building Permits
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Cameron County.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Proof of ownership or authorization
- Building code
- Texas Building Code (current state adopted code)
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Cameron County Transportation Department / Building Permits to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Additional Resources
- Building code: Texas Building Code (current state adopted code)
- Verify contractor license: TDLR Contractor License Lookup
- 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 Cameron County Transportation Department / Building Permits before applying.
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