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BlogMcKinney, TX Building Permit Guide
McKinney, TX Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Apr 26, 2025
Just 30 miles north of Dallas sits McKinney, Texas, a rapidly growing haven for families and young professionals — which has made it a hot spot for construction and development. As more and more projects pop up in McKinney, builders, contractors, and construction businesses need to understand the city's permitting process.
If you’re just starting to research how to get a McKinney building permit, this guide will provide you with all the needed info.
Simplify permitting in McKinney with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in McKinney?
In McKinney, you’ll need a building permit for various construction, renovation, and repair projects. Permits are required to prove that your project meets safety standards and local regulations.
The City of McKinney's Building Inspections Department regulates the permitting process, which applies to both residential and commercial properties.
The following types of projects typically require a building permit:
- New construction: Building new residential or commercial structures
- Additions and remodels: Expanding existing buildings or altering interior layouts
- Structural changes: Load-bearing walls, foundations, or roof structure modifications
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work: Work with HVAC systems, electrical wiring, or plumbing fixtures
- Accessory structures: Building detached garages, sheds, or carports exceeding 120 square feet
- Swimming pools and spas: Installing in-ground or above-ground pools and hot tubs
- Fences: Constructing new fences or replacing more than 50% of an existing fence
- Retaining walls: Regardless of height, walls over two feet require engineered plans
- Demolitions: Removing structures or significant portions thereof
- Fire protection systems: Installing or modifying fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or other fire safety equipment
Certain minor projects may not require McKinney building permits.
They include:
- Cosmetic upgrades: Painting, wallpapering, and floor coverings
- Minor repairs: Replacing faucets, light fixtures, or appliances without altering plumbing or electrical systems
- Landscaping: Planting trees, shrubs, or gardens that don't involve structural changes
- Minor electrical work: Replacing plugs, switches, or light fixtures without changing wiring
- Plumbing repairs: Fixing minor leaks without removing, replacing, or relocating piping
McKinney building permit costs
McKinney's building permit fees are based on the total valuation of the project. Below is a summary of the fee structure.
Permit Fee Table
| Total valuation |
Permit fee |
| $1 – $500 |
$23.50 |
| $501 – $2,000 |
$23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 |
| $2,001 – $25,000 |
$69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14 for each additional $1,000 |
| $25,001 – $50,000 |
$391.25 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7 for each additional $1,000 |
| $100,001 – $500,000 |
$993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 |
$3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.15 for each additional $1,000 |
Additional fees
Additional fees are often included in the fees for certifications, specific types of constructions, or work that is done on the territory.
Permit Type Fees Table
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Certificate of occupancy |
$100 |
| Mechanical, electrical, plumbing |
Varies |
| Swimming pool (in-ground) |
$325 |
| Fence permit |
$25 |
| Re-inspection fee |
$47 |
How long do building permits last in McKinney?
McKinney permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work doesn’t begin within this period, the permit may expire. You can request an extension by contacting the Building Inspections Department.
How to get a building permit in McKinney
Ready to obtain building permits in McKinney, TX? The process — like permitting in any jurisdiction — can be tedious and time-consuming. Below are the general steps to follow to get a permit.
Pro tip: Save time on permitting with permit software. PermitFlow handles the submission work for you. Learn more.
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Every jurisdiction has different permitting requirements, so make sure you know which permits you need and what those applications require. This process requires some research on your part — or alternatively, use permitting software like PermitFlow to handle that research for you.
You can also use this list to find contact information for the right sub-department for your project.
Step 2: Prepare application and plans
Gather all necessary documentation. Prepare detailed plans, including site plan, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
Step 3: Submit application
Apply for permits through the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal. Create an account, upload documents, and pay the required fees.
Step 4: Plan review
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Building Inspections Department will review your plans to see if they comply with local codes and regulations. The review process duration can vary based on the project's complexity.
- Residential projects: Typically reviewed within a few days to a couple of weeks
- Commercial projects: May take several weeks to a couple of months
Step 5: Permit issuance
After review, you’ll receive a building permit. Permit fees are based on the project's total valuation and must be paid before the permit is issued.
Step 6: Inspections
Throughout the construction process, you must schedule inspections at various stages. This is to validate that the project complies with the approved plans and permit conditions. You can request an inspection through the CSS Portal.
McKinney permitting resources
For assistance and more information, please refer to the following resources:
- Building inspections department
- Address: 401 E. Virginia St., McKinney, TX 75069
- Phone: 469-617-4800
- Email: permitapplications@mckinneytexas.org
- Hours: Monday—Friday, 8 a.m—5 p.m
- Development services
- Citizen self-service (CSS) portal
- Permit fee schedule
Streamline McKinney permitting with PermitFlow
Getting a building permit in McKinney can feel daunting, especially if your business hasn’t permitted there before.
Instead of spending hours researching permitting requirements, gathering documentation, and crafting your application, turn the permitting work over to PermitFlow.
- Expert guidance: Our team understands McKinney's specific permitting requirements, which means accurate and efficient submissions.
- Centralized management: Track and manage all your permits in one place.
- Faster approvals: You can trust our experts to craft an accurate submission from the start, which means you’ll get your permit in hand faster.
Don’t let permitting hurdles delay your project. Contact us to learn how we can assist with your next build in McKinney.
Just 30 miles north of Dallas sits McKinney, Texas, a rapidly growing haven for families and young professionals — which has made it a hot spot for construction and development. As more and more projects pop up in McKinney, builders, contractors, and construction businesses need to understand the city's permitting process.
If you’re just starting to research how to get a McKinney building permit, this guide will provide you with all the needed info.
Simplify permitting in McKinney with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in McKinney?
In McKinney, you’ll need a building permit for various construction, renovation, and repair projects. Permits are required to prove that your project meets safety standards and local regulations.
The City of McKinney's Building Inspections Department regulates the permitting process, which applies to both residential and commercial properties.
The following types of projects typically require a building permit:
- New construction: Building new residential or commercial structures
- Additions and remodels: Expanding existing buildings or altering interior layouts
- Structural changes: Load-bearing walls, foundations, or roof structure modifications
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work: Work with HVAC systems, electrical wiring, or plumbing fixtures
- Accessory structures: Building detached garages, sheds, or carports exceeding 120 square feet
- Swimming pools and spas: Installing in-ground or above-ground pools and hot tubs
- Fences: Constructing new fences or replacing more than 50% of an existing fence
- Retaining walls: Regardless of height, walls over two feet require engineered plans
- Demolitions: Removing structures or significant portions thereof
- Fire protection systems: Installing or modifying fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or other fire safety equipment
Certain minor projects may not require McKinney building permits.
They include:
- Cosmetic upgrades: Painting, wallpapering, and floor coverings
- Minor repairs: Replacing faucets, light fixtures, or appliances without altering plumbing or electrical systems
- Landscaping: Planting trees, shrubs, or gardens that don't involve structural changes
- Minor electrical work: Replacing plugs, switches, or light fixtures without changing wiring
- Plumbing repairs: Fixing minor leaks without removing, replacing, or relocating piping
McKinney building permit costs
McKinney's building permit fees are based on the total valuation of the project. Below is a summary of the fee structure.
Permit Fee Table
| Total valuation |
Permit fee |
| $1 – $500 |
$23.50 |
| $501 – $2,000 |
$23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 |
| $2,001 – $25,000 |
$69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14 for each additional $1,000 |
| $25,001 – $50,000 |
$391.25 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7 for each additional $1,000 |
| $100,001 – $500,000 |
$993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 |
$3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.15 for each additional $1,000 |
Additional fees
Additional fees are often included in the fees for certifications, specific types of constructions, or work that is done on the territory.
Permit Type Fees Table
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Certificate of occupancy |
$100 |
| Mechanical, electrical, plumbing |
Varies |
| Swimming pool (in-ground) |
$325 |
| Fence permit |
$25 |
| Re-inspection fee |
$47 |
How long do building permits last in McKinney?
McKinney permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work doesn’t begin within this period, the permit may expire. You can request an extension by contacting the Building Inspections Department.
How to get a building permit in McKinney
Ready to obtain building permits in McKinney, TX? The process — like permitting in any jurisdiction — can be tedious and time-consuming. Below are the general steps to follow to get a permit.
Pro tip: Save time on permitting with permit software. PermitFlow handles the submission work for you. Learn more.
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Every jurisdiction has different permitting requirements, so make sure you know which permits you need and what those applications require. This process requires some research on your part — or alternatively, use permitting software like PermitFlow to handle that research for you.
You can also use this list to find contact information for the right sub-department for your project.
Step 2: Prepare application and plans
Gather all necessary documentation. Prepare detailed plans, including site plan, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
Step 3: Submit application
Apply for permits through the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal. Create an account, upload documents, and pay the required fees.
Step 4: Plan review
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Building Inspections Department will review your plans to see if they comply with local codes and regulations. The review process duration can vary based on the project's complexity.
- Residential projects: Typically reviewed within a few days to a couple of weeks
- Commercial projects: May take several weeks to a couple of months
Step 5: Permit issuance
After review, you’ll receive a building permit. Permit fees are based on the project's total valuation and must be paid before the permit is issued.
Step 6: Inspections
Throughout the construction process, you must schedule inspections at various stages. This is to validate that the project complies with the approved plans and permit conditions. You can request an inspection through the CSS Portal.
McKinney permitting resources
For assistance and more information, please refer to the following resources:
- Building inspections department
- Address: 401 E. Virginia St., McKinney, TX 75069
- Phone: 469-617-4800
- Email: permitapplications@mckinneytexas.org
- Hours: Monday—Friday, 8 a.m—5 p.m
- Development services
- Citizen self-service (CSS) portal
- Permit fee schedule
Streamline McKinney permitting with PermitFlow
Getting a building permit in McKinney can feel daunting, especially if your business hasn’t permitted there before.
Instead of spending hours researching permitting requirements, gathering documentation, and crafting your application, turn the permitting work over to PermitFlow.
- Expert guidance: Our team understands McKinney's specific permitting requirements, which means accurate and efficient submissions.
- Centralized management: Track and manage all your permits in one place.
- Faster approvals: You can trust our experts to craft an accurate submission from the start, which means you’ll get your permit in hand faster.
Don’t let permitting hurdles delay your project. Contact us to learn how we can assist with your next build in McKinney.
