City Building Permits
Bells, TX Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Bells, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Bells publishes a full permit page with residential and commercial building permit packets, contractor registration, certificate of occupancy forms, permit fees, adopted codes, and Bureau Veritas inspection contacts.
- Department
- City of Bells permit program
- Phone
- (903) 965-7744
- Website
- https://cityofbells.org/permits
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Review the Bells permit page and download the residential or commercial permit packet as appropriate.
- Submit the completed permit application and any needed contractor registration through City Hall.
- Pay the required permit fee before permit issuance.
- Complete plan review through Bureau Veritas where required.
- Request inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy when applicable.
Source: City of Bells permit program
General Requirements
Bells requires that no person erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install, convert, equip, use, occupy, or maintain a structure or building service equipment without first obtaining a permit from City Hall.
- Building code
- Bells adopted the 2021 International Codes and the 2023 National Electric Codes.
- Contractor requirements
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work requires inspection and contractor registration.
Fees
- Payment note
- The permit page links a permit fees/inspections PDF.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Bells permit program to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Bureau Veritas (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Permit application, plan review if required, inspections for applicable trade and building work, then certificate of occupancy where applicable.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Bells adopted the 2021 International Codes and the 2023 National Electric Codes.
- Verify contractor license: Texas TDLR License Lookup
- Permits
- 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 City of Bells permit program before applying.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Bells can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector worksOther cities in Grayson County