You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-06.
Fort Worth building permits
Fort Worth, Texas — as published 2026-09-06.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Addition & Remodel)
Covers one- and two-family detached homes, duplexes and townhouses on individually platted lots, and their accessory structures. Required for new construction and for work that changes, moves, or repairs walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, electrical, mechanical or plumbing. Not required for cosmetic remodels (floor/wall covering, cabinets, countertops, shelving) or plumbing fixture replacement. Applicant must be a registered building contractor or qualify for a homestead permit (own and occupy the property as primary residence, per a homestead exemption from the appraisal district).
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Applicant must be a registered building contractor, or qualify for a homestead permit (owner-occupied primary residence with homestead exemption)
- Complete set of construction plans
- All permits may be applied for online via Accela Citizen Access / CFW Permit Assist
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding permit application (online, Accela Citizen Access)
- RequiredComplete set of plans
- RequiredNuts & Bolts of Residential Building Permits guide (PDF, English and Spanish)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Addition & Remodel)
Required for new commercial construction, commercial accessory buildings, remodels and additions to commercial or industrial buildings (multifamily projects are treated as commercial). The building permit must be obtained and issued before a trade permit (electrical/mechanical/plumbing) can be applied for. Permits are not required for cosmetic remodels or plumbing fixture replacement.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Projects with construction costs of $50,000 or more must register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Architectural Barriers (TABS) and provide the registration number at time of application
- Building permit must be issued before trade permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) can be applied for
- Additional requirements may apply depending on property location, zoning, or area design guidelines
Required documents
- RequiredApplication
- RequiredChecklist/Requirements
- RequiredUse Verification Form (new construction, remodel, change of use)
- RequiredRemodel/Change of Use Questionnaire (remodel, change of use)
- RequiredComplete Set of Plans
- RequiredCertified copy of Plat (new construction, additions, accessory structures)
- RequiredSite Plan (new construction, accessory structures, change of use)
- RequiredEnergy Code Compliance documentation (if adding conditioned/heated space or lighting)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Electrical Permit
Required for changing, moving, or repairing electrical equipment, including electrical services, at residential or commercial properties. For new commercial construction, additions and remodels, the electrical permit is a trade permit that can only be applied for after the building permit has been issued.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit must be issued first for new commercial construction/additions/remodels before an electrical trade permit can be applied for
- Work must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) with local amendments
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Plumbing Permit
Required for changing, installing, moving or repairing plumbing, including water heaters and shower pans. New sprinkler/irrigation system installations and valve replacement also require a plumbing permit. For new commercial construction, additions and remodels, the plumbing permit is a trade permit that can only be applied for after the building permit has been issued.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit must be issued first for new commercial construction/additions/remodels before a plumbing trade permit can be applied for
- Work must comply with the 2021 International Plumbing Code with local amendments
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Mechanical Permit
Required for changing, moving, or repairing mechanical equipment such as central heating and air-conditioning systems, duct work, and exhaust fans. For new commercial construction, additions and remodels, the mechanical permit is a trade permit that can only be applied for after the building permit has been issued.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit must be issued first for new commercial construction/additions/remodels before a mechanical trade permit can be applied for
- Work must comply with the 2021 International Mechanical Code with local amendments
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Residential Re-Roof Permit
Required to re-roof and replace decking on a residential lot. Replacement of decking material, lathing boards, sheathing boards, rafters or ridge boards requires a building permit. Shingle-only replacement does not require a permit, but there is a limit on the number of shingle layers allowed.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Only triggered when decking, lathing, sheathing, rafters, or ridge boards are being replaced — shingle-only replacement is exempt
- A limit applies to the number of shingle layers allowed even when no permit is required
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing FAQs (PDF)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
Fences in the front yard and projected front yard can be no more than 4 feet tall and must be open design picket-style; chain link is prohibited in the front yard and projected front yard. A building permit is required for solid fences with a height above 7 feet and for open fences with a height above 8 feet. Retaining walls greater than 4 feet tall (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) also require a permit. Fences may require additional approval if the property is in a historic district.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit only required above height thresholds: solid fences over 7 ft, open picket-style fences over 8 ft, or retaining walls over 4 ft
- Front-yard/projected-front-yard fences limited to 4 ft, open picket-style; chain link prohibited there regardless of height
- Additional historic-district approval may apply
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Swimming Pool Permit
Swimming pools are treated as accessory structures and require a building permit. This applies to residential pools on the same lot as the house (Residential Accessory New Permit) and to commercial swimming pools on commercial/industrial sites (Commercial New Accessory Structure permit). Additional zoning requirements apply based on location, maximum height, and square footage relative to lot size. Pools must also comply with the adopted 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning requirements apply for location, maximum height, and square footage based on lot size
- Must comply with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with local amendments
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Demolition / Razing / Wrecking Permit
Demolition of interior walls or removal of a building from a property requires a permit. The Residential Razing Permit is used to completely demolish a single-family home, duplex, or townhouse on its own lot; the Commercial Razing Permit is used to completely demolish freestanding structures on a commercial or industrial site. Demolishing only a portion of a building falls under the applicable remodel building permit instead.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Complete demolition of a whole structure uses the Razing/Wrecking permit; partial demolition uses the applicable remodel building permit
Required documents
- RequiredWrecking/Razing Permit application and checklist (PDF)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Solar Panel Permit (Accessory Structure)
The city does not publish a standalone 'solar permit' page. Solar panels are named explicitly, alongside gazebos, wind turbines and radio towers, as an example of an accessory structure requiring a building permit under the Residential Permitting page's 'Pools and Other Small Structures' section. Electrical work to interconnect a solar system (e.g., new electrical service or equipment) separately requires an electrical permit.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Filed as an accessory-structure building permit (per the Residential/Commercial Accessory Structure permit categories), not a separate 'solar' permit type
- Electrical interconnection work requires a separate electrical permit
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-06.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Fort Worth building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.