Alcohol
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is the state agency that regulates all phases of the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas. Learn how to apply for a TABC alcohol license or permit. Zoning verification is required as part of the TABC license application process.
Apply for a Zoning Verification Letter
Farmers Market
Market Organizer Permit - within Waco City Limits
A permit is required to operate a farmers market. Farmers market means an organized reoccurring operation at a designated location used by vendors primarily for the distribution and sale of locally produced agricultural products or a limited amount of locally produced non-agricultural products. A farmers market, in and of itself, is not an event and is not a food establishment. For more information on farmers' markets, see City Code Article XI-Farmers' Markets.
Download the Market Organizer Permit Application(PDF, 1MB)
Market Vendor Permit - within McLennan County
Each farmers market vendor who sells, distributes, or prepares TCS foods on-site at a farmers market must meet specific compliance requirements and have a valid permit issued by the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. The permit must be displayed so customers can see it.
Download the Market Vendor Permit Application(PDF, 4MB)
Open Air Vending
Food trucks/Open air vending requires a permit to operate in the city limits of Waco. Open air vending means the sale, bartering or exchange of a good or service which is conducted exclusively outside of a permanent structure. For more information on open air vending, see City Code Division 2-Open Air Vending.
Download the Open Air Vending Permit Application(PDF, 939KB)
Open Air Vending Permit Renewals on your CSS account.
Night Club
An application for a night club license must be filed at the Mae Jackson Development Center in the Inspections Office. Inspection of the premises is required after application submission and payment of the appropriate fee. For more information, reference City Code Division 4-Night Clubs.
Download the Night club License Application(PDF, 3MB)
Short Term Rental Special Permit and/or License
Short-term Rental (STR) or bed and breakfast/vacation rental is the renting out of a furnished home, apartment or condominium for less than 30 consecutive days. A license is required in order to operate an STR in the city limits of Waco. In some cases, a special permit is also required prior to issuance of a license.
Details about Short Term Rentals and the application process
Vehicles for Hire
It is the policy of the city to provide for and to promote adequate and efficient vehicle for hire service in the city. Regulation of vehicles for hire are to protect the public health and safety and respect the concept of free enterprise. A person may not operate a business providing a vehicle for hire service in the city without a business permit, and all drivers for the business must have a Driver's Permit. Both permits are issued by the City Secretary's Office. See City Code Chapter 27-Vehicles for Hire for regulation information.
Activity Permit
The City of Waco is a great place to host outdoor events such as races, parades and festivals. A permit is required for events taking place on, or impacting, city property, parks, streets or rights-of-way.
Parks & Recreation Outdoor Events & Parades
New Construction & Remodeling
The Inspection Services Department issues building permits for all new construction and remodeling projects. Before building permits can be issued for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, the contractor must create an account, register their company, and show proof of state licensing. Contractors must also submit a certificate of insurance listing the City of Waco as the certificate holder. Development Services Construction Permits.
Sign Permits Illuminated and Non-Illuminated
A permit is required for the following signs: all signs having an area greater than four square feet, all signs having a height in excess of four feet, all illuminated signs, all signs with moving elements, and all signs projecting more than 18 inches from any wall, roof, parapet or eave. To find out more about sign regulations, see City Code Article VIII - Signs.
Apply Online for a Sign Permit
Disturbing Soil
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires that work site operators reduce pollutants discharged from their site to the maximum extent practicable. As the local MS4 operator, the City of Waco inspects construction sites to ensure compliance under the Construction General Permit (CGP).
Infrastructure Services Watershed
Right-of-Way Permit
Any construction or change in the City's right-of-way follow several ordinances, require permits, and may also require approved plans before any work is done.
Infrastructure Services Working within the Right of Way
Community Garden
A permit is required to operate a community garden. Community garden means a garden operated and maintained by a nonprofit organization, church, neighborhood association, school district, or government entity for the purpose of transforming vacant land into a productive and valuable community asset in the form of a community garden that will produce food, flowers, and/or other vegetation. To learn more about community gardens, see City Code Article XII-Community Gardens.
Contact Development Services: Planning Services at (254) 750-5650 or planning@wacotx.gov for how to apply.
Solicitation - Peddler & Door to Door
As of January 1, 2017, any individual, group, organization or company wishing to solicit door to door will be required to obtain a solicitor’s permit from the City of Waco. A $25 permit fee is required at the time of application submission. The solicitation permit will allow soliciting one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset (please note that religious organizations and political campaigns are exempt from this requirement); however, at no time will soliciting by any group or individual be permitted at a residential premise where a sign is displayed prohibiting home solicitations.
If an individual approaches your door for solicitation purposes, they should have a visible City of Waco issued badge displayed with their current picture. If they do not, residents may request to view the badge. If the solicitor does not present one at that time or indicates that they have left the badge in their vehicle or office, residents can contact Police dispatch at (254) 750-7500. Violation Penalty for offenses under Division I Article IX of Chapter 13 of the City Code is punishable by a fine of not more than $500.
Apply Online for a Solicitation Permit
Examples of signs that meet the City of Waco Code of Ordinances requirements:
No Soliciting Sign, Sample 1(PDF, 229KB)
No Soliciting Sign, Sample 2(PDF, 283KB)
No Soliciting Sign, Sample 3(PDF, 324KB)
Downtown Street Furnishing
A street furnishings permit is required in order to place any privately owned item, amenity, or decoration in the public right-of-way (or a pedestrian easement) for private interests. To learn more, reference the street furnishing ordinance in City Code.
Download the Street Furnishing Permit Application(PDF, 20KB)