City Building Permits

Waco, TX Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Waco, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Texas McLennan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Waco.

Department: Inspection Services
Address: 401 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
Phone: 254-750-5612
Email: permits@wacotx.gov
Website: https://www.waco-texas.com/Business/Development-Guide

Online Permit Portal

Open Citizen Self Service (EnerGov CSS)

Platform: EnerGov CSS • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Development Guide

Application Process

Create an account in the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal or log in with existing credentials.
Select the appropriate permit type and complete the online application form.
Upload required construction plans, specifications, and supporting documentation to CSS.
Submit the application through CSS; the system will assign a permit number and route the application for review.
Waco Inspection Services staff review the application for completeness and code compliance.
If revisions are required, respond to comments and resubmit revised documents through CSS.
Pay permit fees through CSS once the application is approved.
Obtain the issued permit and schedule inspections through the CSS portal.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; contact Inspection Services for specific timelines.

Source: Inspection Services

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction, alterations, additions, and major repairs within the City of Waco.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans and specifications
Site plan
Property owner authorization or proof of ownership
Contractor information and credentials

Building code: Locally adopted building and trade codes; specific editions should be verified with Inspection Services.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must comply with all applicable city codes and permit requirements.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold appropriate state licenses and current City of Waco business licenses.

Fees

Payment note: Fees are paid through the CSS portal online.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Inspection Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal (online)

Additional Resources

Building code: Locally adopted building and trade codes; specific editions should be verified with Inspection Services.
Verify contractor license: TDLR 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 Inspection Services before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Waco 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 works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in McLennan County

hewitt robinson woodway bellmead lacy-lakeview mcgregor lorena west beverly-hills

View all McLennan County jurisdictions →