City Building Permits

Abilene, TX Building Permit Guide

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

Texas Taylor County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Abilene.

Department: Building Inspections Division, Planning & Development Services
Address: 555 Walnut Street, Abilene, TX 79601
Phone: (325) 676-6273
Website: https://www.abilenetx.gov/428/Building-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open MyGov

Platform: MyGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Identify your project type and confirm whether a building permit is required using the city's FAQ guidance.
Create an account on the MyGov portal or contact the Building Inspections Division.
Prepare and submit your permit application with all required documentation through the MyGov portal.
Pay permit and inspection fees before permit issuance.
Obtain your building permit and proceed with construction.
Request inspections through the MyGov portal as required by the inspection sequence.

Source: Building Inspections Division, Planning & Development Services

General Requirements

Building permits are required for structural work and for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing alterations. Carports require permits. Fences over 7 feet require permits. Reroofing requires a permit if replacing more than 5 squares. Storage buildings over 200 square feet or any size with utilities require permits. Open decks at or below 30 inches without a roof do not require permits.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans
Site plan

Permit validity: Permits expire if work has not commenced within 180 days or if work is suspended more than 180 days.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code (as amended)
Contractor requirements: Contractors must comply with applicable licensing requirements.

Fees

Payment note: Permit and inspection fees must be paid before permit issuance.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Inspections

How to Schedule

MyGov portal (online)
(325) 676-6273 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00 PM for next-day scheduling (effective February 2, 2026).

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code (as amended)
Verify contractor license: Texas 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 Building Inspections Division, Planning & Development Services before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Abilene 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.

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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.

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