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El Paso Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Apr 18, 2025
In El Paso, Texas, you need to get a building permit for most major construction projects. This guide will help you understand what is needed to get a building permit, what fees there are, and general requirements for building in El Paso are.
Want to simplify the El Paso permitting process? PermitFlow can help. Learn more here.
Who issues building permits in El Paso?
The City of El Paso’s Planning & Inspections Department is responsible for issuing building permits within the city limits. They oversee the application process, plan reviews, inspections, and code enforcement.
What requires a building permit in El Paso?
In El Paso, a building permit is mandatory for a wide range of construction and renovation activities to prove that your construction project complies with safety codes and zoning regulations. The City of El Paso's Planning & Inspections Department mandates permits for the following:
Structural and construction work
- New construction: Construction of new commercial or residential buildings
- Additions: Expansion of existing structures (e.g., adding rooms or floors)
- Alterations: Modification of structural components (e.g., load-bearing walls and foundations)
- Demolitions: Removal of entire structures or significant portions thereof
System installations and modifications
- Electrical work: Installation or upgrade of electrical systems
- Plumbing work: Plumbing systems addition or modification
- Mechanical systems: Installation of HVAC systems or other mechanical equipment
- Gas lines: Installation or altering gas piping
Site and accessory structures
- Fences: Construction of fences over 7 feet in height
- Retaining walls: Construction of walls taller than 4 feet or any wall designed to support additional weight (a surcharge)
- Accessory buildings: Construction of sheds or outbuildings over 200 square feet
- Decks and patios: Build decks or patios that are elevated or attached to the main structure
Other activities
- Change of occupancy: Altering of the use of a building (e.g., converting a residential property to commercial use)
- Temporary structures: Installation of temporary buildings or tents for events
- Signage: Signs setup or modification, especially if they’re illuminated or over a certain size
Visit the City of El Paso’s guidelines for a full list of activities that require permits.
What can a homeowner do without a permit in El Paso?
Homeowners in El Paso are allowed to make certain minor repairs and installations without a building permit, as long as the work does not involve structural changes or modifications to major systems.
Examples of permit-exempt work include:
- Cosmetic interior finishes: Painting and wallpapering
- Flooring: Carpet, tile, or hardwood flooring installation
- Cabinetry: Cabinet installation or replacement
- Fences: Building fences less than 7 feet in height
- Sheds: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet
- Retaining walls: Constructing retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Water tanks: Water tanks installation that are supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1
For a detailed list of exempted activities, refer to the City of El Paso’s Building Code.
El Paso building permit costs
Below is a detailed breakdown of permit fees and potential fines for non-compliance.
Building permit fee schedule
Commercial building permit fees
Permit fees for commercial projects in El Paso are based on the total valuation of the project. This table outlines the fee structure:
| Total valuation |
Permit fee |
| $500–$15,000 |
$160.49 plus plan review fee and applicable technology fee |
| $15,001–$100,000 |
$161.12 for the first $15,000 plus $8.48 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| $100,001–$500,000 |
$837.40 for the first $100,000 plus $6.36 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| $500,001–$1,000,000 |
$3,112.72 for the first $500,000 plus $3.28 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$4,758.34 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.12 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
Residential building permit fees
For residential projects, fees are calculated based on the square footage of the construction:
| Square footage range |
Fee |
| 3,400–4,399 sq. ft. |
$0.72 per square foot plus applicable tech fee |
| 4,400 sq. ft. and above |
$0.61 per square foot plus applicable tech fee |
The total permit cost comprises the following: Master Permit (66%), Electrical (20%), Plumbing (7%), Mechanical (7%), plus applicable technology fees.
Additional permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Plan Review – Re-Submission |
$212 |
| Plan Review – Expedited (≥ $300,000) |
$645 plus $156 per hour |
| Plan Review – Expedited (< $300,000) |
$256 plus $94 per hour |
| Pre-Inspection Fee |
$110 |
| Certificate of Occupancy |
$110 |
| Roofing Permit |
$118 |
| Sidewalk Permit |
$110 |
| Driveway Permit |
$110 |
How to get a building permit in El Paso
Getting a building permit in El Paso, TX, can be arduous. Improve your chances of a quick approval by following each step carefully and submitting all required documentation without errors.
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting your project, identify the specific permits needed based on the scope of work. This may include building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits.
Pro tip: A platform like PermitFlow can help with this. Researching permit requirements can be a drag, so let our experts lead the way. Learn more here.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather all necessary documentation, including:
- Completed Building permit application
- Construction plans and specifications
- Site plans and surveys
- Energy compliance reports, if applicable
Step 3: Submit your application
Applications can be submitted through the Citizen Access Portal or in person at the One-Stop Shop located at 811 Texas Ave, El Paso, Texas 79901.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Planning & Inspections Department will review your application and plans for compliance with building codes and regulations. Sometimes, you may be required to make revisions based on their feedback.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your building permit. Make sure that the permit is displayed clearly at the job site.
Step 6: Inspections
Schedule inspections at various stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans and codes. You can find details about inspection requirements and scheduling through the Citizen Access Portal.
El Paso permitting resources
For assistance with building permits and related inquiries in El Paso, contact the Planning & Inspections Department:
For general city information or to report issues, dial 311 or visit the City of El Paso Contact Page. For specific inquiries related to historic properties, contact the Historic Preservation Office at (915) 212-1567.
Simplify your permitting process with PermitFlow
Navigating the permitting process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you’re new to it or you’re juggling multiple projects. PermitFlow offers a streamlined solution for builders, developers, general contractors, and other construction businesses in El Paso.
Our permitting software provides contractors, builders, developers, and other construction firms:
- Expert guidance through the permitting process
- Assistance with application preparation and submission
- Tracking of permit status and inspection schedules
- Compliance support to ensure adherence to local codes
There’s no need to go through the complexities of El Paso permitting alone. Talk with our permitting experts for professional guidance tailored to your project. Contact us today to get started.
In El Paso, Texas, you need to get a building permit for most major construction projects. This guide will help you understand what is needed to get a building permit, what fees there are, and general requirements for building in El Paso are.
Want to simplify the El Paso permitting process? PermitFlow can help. Learn more here.
Who issues building permits in El Paso?
The City of El Paso’s Planning & Inspections Department is responsible for issuing building permits within the city limits. They oversee the application process, plan reviews, inspections, and code enforcement.
What requires a building permit in El Paso?
In El Paso, a building permit is mandatory for a wide range of construction and renovation activities to prove that your construction project complies with safety codes and zoning regulations. The City of El Paso's Planning & Inspections Department mandates permits for the following:
Structural and construction work
- New construction: Construction of new commercial or residential buildings
- Additions: Expansion of existing structures (e.g., adding rooms or floors)
- Alterations: Modification of structural components (e.g., load-bearing walls and foundations)
- Demolitions: Removal of entire structures or significant portions thereof
System installations and modifications
- Electrical work: Installation or upgrade of electrical systems
- Plumbing work: Plumbing systems addition or modification
- Mechanical systems: Installation of HVAC systems or other mechanical equipment
- Gas lines: Installation or altering gas piping
Site and accessory structures
- Fences: Construction of fences over 7 feet in height
- Retaining walls: Construction of walls taller than 4 feet or any wall designed to support additional weight (a surcharge)
- Accessory buildings: Construction of sheds or outbuildings over 200 square feet
- Decks and patios: Build decks or patios that are elevated or attached to the main structure
Other activities
- Change of occupancy: Altering of the use of a building (e.g., converting a residential property to commercial use)
- Temporary structures: Installation of temporary buildings or tents for events
- Signage: Signs setup or modification, especially if they’re illuminated or over a certain size
Visit the City of El Paso’s guidelines for a full list of activities that require permits.
What can a homeowner do without a permit in El Paso?
Homeowners in El Paso are allowed to make certain minor repairs and installations without a building permit, as long as the work does not involve structural changes or modifications to major systems.
Examples of permit-exempt work include:
- Cosmetic interior finishes: Painting and wallpapering
- Flooring: Carpet, tile, or hardwood flooring installation
- Cabinetry: Cabinet installation or replacement
- Fences: Building fences less than 7 feet in height
- Sheds: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet
- Retaining walls: Constructing retaining walls not over 4 feet in height, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Water tanks: Water tanks installation that are supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1
For a detailed list of exempted activities, refer to the City of El Paso’s Building Code.
El Paso building permit costs
Below is a detailed breakdown of permit fees and potential fines for non-compliance.
Building permit fee schedule
Commercial building permit fees
Permit fees for commercial projects in El Paso are based on the total valuation of the project. This table outlines the fee structure:
| Total valuation |
Permit fee |
| $500–$15,000 |
$160.49 plus plan review fee and applicable technology fee |
| $15,001–$100,000 |
$161.12 for the first $15,000 plus $8.48 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| $100,001–$500,000 |
$837.40 for the first $100,000 plus $6.36 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| $500,001–$1,000,000 |
$3,112.72 for the first $500,000 plus $3.28 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$4,758.34 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.12 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof |
Residential building permit fees
For residential projects, fees are calculated based on the square footage of the construction:
| Square footage range |
Fee |
| 3,400–4,399 sq. ft. |
$0.72 per square foot plus applicable tech fee |
| 4,400 sq. ft. and above |
$0.61 per square foot plus applicable tech fee |
The total permit cost comprises the following: Master Permit (66%), Electrical (20%), Plumbing (7%), Mechanical (7%), plus applicable technology fees.
Additional permit fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Plan Review – Re-Submission |
$212 |
| Plan Review – Expedited (≥ $300,000) |
$645 plus $156 per hour |
| Plan Review – Expedited (< $300,000) |
$256 plus $94 per hour |
| Pre-Inspection Fee |
$110 |
| Certificate of Occupancy |
$110 |
| Roofing Permit |
$118 |
| Sidewalk Permit |
$110 |
| Driveway Permit |
$110 |
How to get a building permit in El Paso
Getting a building permit in El Paso, TX, can be arduous. Improve your chances of a quick approval by following each step carefully and submitting all required documentation without errors.
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Before starting your project, identify the specific permits needed based on the scope of work. This may include building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits.
Pro tip: A platform like PermitFlow can help with this. Researching permit requirements can be a drag, so let our experts lead the way. Learn more here.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather all necessary documentation, including:
- Completed Building permit application
- Construction plans and specifications
- Site plans and surveys
- Energy compliance reports, if applicable
Step 3: Submit your application
Applications can be submitted through the Citizen Access Portal or in person at the One-Stop Shop located at 811 Texas Ave, El Paso, Texas 79901.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
The Planning & Inspections Department will review your application and plans for compliance with building codes and regulations. Sometimes, you may be required to make revisions based on their feedback.
Step 5: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your building permit. Make sure that the permit is displayed clearly at the job site.
Step 6: Inspections
Schedule inspections at various stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans and codes. You can find details about inspection requirements and scheduling through the Citizen Access Portal.
El Paso permitting resources
For assistance with building permits and related inquiries in El Paso, contact the Planning & Inspections Department:
For general city information or to report issues, dial 311 or visit the City of El Paso Contact Page. For specific inquiries related to historic properties, contact the Historic Preservation Office at (915) 212-1567.
Simplify your permitting process with PermitFlow
Navigating the permitting process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you’re new to it or you’re juggling multiple projects. PermitFlow offers a streamlined solution for builders, developers, general contractors, and other construction businesses in El Paso.
Our permitting software provides contractors, builders, developers, and other construction firms:
- Expert guidance through the permitting process
- Assistance with application preparation and submission
- Tracking of permit status and inspection schedules
- Compliance support to ensure adherence to local codes
There’s no need to go through the complexities of El Paso permitting alone. Talk with our permitting experts for professional guidance tailored to your project. Contact us today to get started.
