Fair Oaks Ranch, TX Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Fair Oaks Ranch. The city spans Kendall, Bexar, and Comal Counties.

Department

Building Department / Building Codes

Address

7286 Dietz Elkhorn, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015

Phone

210-698-0900

Email

bcodes@fairoaksranchtx.org

Website

https://www.fairoaksranchtx.org/176/Permits-Process

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the permit applications page and select the appropriate form for your project type.
2. Complete the required permit application form.
3. Gather all required supporting documents and plans.
4. Register as a contractor with the city if you have not already done so.
5. Submit completed application and documents by email to bcodes@fairoaksranchtx.org.
6. Building Department reviews the application and advises when the permit is ready for pickup and payment.
7. Pick up permit and pay fees.
8. Schedule required inspections before beginning work.

Typical processing time: 5 to 7 business days for residential permits; 14 to 16 business days for commercial permits when the package is complete.

Source: Building Department / Building Codes

General Requirements

Building permits are required for commercial development, detached buildings over 100 square feet, residential new homes, residential remodels and additions, and other work as defined by the city's building code.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (specific form based on project type)
• Construction plans or drawings
• Site plan
• Project scope description

Building code

2024 International Residential Code (IRC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Contractor requirements

General contractors, electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors must be registered to do business in Fair Oaks Ranch. State-licensed contractors are deemed qualified upon providing license information.

Fees

Payment note

Inspection cost is included in the permit fee.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Painting
• Wallpapering
• Floor covering
• Countertops
• Same-material or lighter roofing
• Guttering
• Storm door and storm window replacement without size changes
• Detached buildings of 100 square feet or less without utilities
• Minor plumbing repair items
• Minor gas repair items
• Minor electrical repair items
• Minor mechanical repair items

Important: Exemptions apply only to residential work. Confirm edge cases with the Building Department before proceeding. Commercial and other project types may have different requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 210-698-0900 (phone)
• bcodes@fairoaksranchtx.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required for commercial development, detached buildings over 100 square feet, irrigation and backflow devices, residential new homes, residential remodels and additions, signs, swimming pools, solar installations, water heater replacement, and water softeners.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Verify contractor license: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License Lookup
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Kendall County