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Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Addition & Remodel) in Fort Worth, Texas

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

When you need this permit

  • 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

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Not ready yet0 of 8 required documents checked.

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Fee schedule

Filing fee
Not published — contact the department

Review timeline

Plan reviewFort Worth’s published plan-review target
7–7 business days

How long did your Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Addition & Remodel) permit actually take in Fort Worth?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Stakeout Inspection (105)

  2. 2

    Foundation (115)

  3. 3

    Wall Sheathing (108)

  4. 4

    Framing Inspection (110)

  5. 5

    Rated Construction (155)

  6. 6

    Building Final (100)

See the full Fort Worth inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • The Expedited Plan Review (X Team) is available for commercial or residential building permits of any project size
  • Fillable application packets differ by project type: New Commercial, Additions, Remodels, Accessory Structures, and Change of Use each have their own packet

Frequently asked questions

Fort Worth requires a commercial building permit (new construction, addition & remodel) for: 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. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Fort Worth Development Services Department at 817-392-2222 before starting work.

Fort Worth's published plan-review target for a commercial building permit (new construction, addition & remodel) is 7–7 business days.

You'll need: Application; Checklist/Requirements; Use Verification Form (new construction, remodel, change of use); Remodel/Change of Use Questionnaire (remodel, change of use); Complete Set of Plans; Certified copy of Plat (new construction, additions, accessory structures); Site Plan (new construction, accessory structures, change of use); Energy Code Compliance documentation (if adding conditioned/heated space or lighting). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Fort Worth requires 6 inspection(s) for a commercial building permit (new construction, addition & remodel), in order: Stakeout Inspection (105), Foundation (115), Wall Sheathing (108), Framing Inspection (110), Rated Construction (155), Building Final (100). Schedule each through City of Fort Worth Development Services Department (817-392-2222).

Apply through City of Fort Worth Development Services Department at New City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Phone: 817-392-2222. Official information: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services.

Fort Worth, Texas has adopted: 2021 International Building Code (ICC) - effective April 1, 2022, Ordinance No. 25382-03-2022; 2021 International Residential Code (ICC) - effective April 1, 2022, Ordinance No. 25383-03-2022; 2021 International Mechanical Code (ICC) - effective April 1, 2022, Ordinance No. 25384-03-2022; 2021 International Plumbing Code and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (ICC) - effective April 1, 2022, Ordinance No. 25385-03-2022; 2021 International Existing Building Code (ICC) - effective April 1, 2022, Ordinance No. 25386-03-2022; 2021 International Fire Code (ICC) - effective April 1, 2022, Ordinance No. 25388-03-2022; Fort Worth Administrative Building Code (2021 edition) - Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022; 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (ICC) - retained; NOT updated to the 2021 edition; 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ICC) - effective September 1, 2020; 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) - effective March 1, 2023 (a 2026 NEC is proposed, targeted effective September 1, 2026, per the city's Building & Energy Codes page). Local amendments apply — see the Fort Worth overview page for the full list.

Sources & verification

Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-06.

Applications & forms

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.

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