Do I Need a Permit?

Permit Type: Residential Addition permit

• Examples of residential additions include an attached awning (unless the awning does not require additional support and projects 54 inches or less from the exterior wall), attached carports, room additions, etc. Additions have the same setback requirements as a house.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Residential Addition permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Residential Addition permit

• A deck or covered porch is considered a Residential Addition and requires a permit. Raised porches and decks must comply with City ordinances and have the same setback requirements as a house.
• Concrete flatwork with no cover does not require a permit.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Residential Addition permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Alternative Power Source/SolarAPP+ permit

• Work related to Alternative Power Sources, such as generators, energy storage systems, wind, photovoltaic, and EV charging, will apply for an Alternative Power Source/SolarAPP+ permit. Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed.
• Some home backup power installations and other residential photovoltaic projects may be eligible for third-party review and/or inspection.
• Wind power generating facilities are subject to height requirements of the zoning district in which it is located and the noise levels required in Article VII, Chapter 16 of the City's Code of Ordinances.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code, National Electrical Code, and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Roofing permit

• A Roofing permit covers replacing shingles, felt flashing, and decking (32 square feet or less). Any work beyond the 32 square feet of decking requires a Repairs and Alterations permit.
• The scope of work will be provided when filling out the permit application.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Repairs & Alterations permit for work on the structure around doors and windows.

• A permit is not needed to replace doors or windowpanes. However, to replace the frame, sash, or any additional work, a Repairs and Alterations permit is required.
• All replacement windows must meet current energy code requirements, including windows that are installed in new additions that will be used as living areas. All windows must be a low "E" window with the following criteria:
  • .40 or less on the U-factor
  • .25 or less on the solar heat gain
• Do not remove energy stickers from windows until they have been inspected.
• Review the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Repairs and Alterations permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Residential Electrical permit

• Most electrical work requires a Residential Electrical permit with the work done by a licensed electrician, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property. Service change outs always require a permit.
• Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles, does not require a permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code, National Electrical Code, and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Repairs & Alterations for extensive work.

• Finish out work, such as flooring, painting, cabinets, etc., does not require a permit. See below for a more comprehensive list.
• Siding replacement of 32 square feet or less does not require a permit.
• A Repairs and Alterations permit is necessary when more extensive work is being done, including any trade work (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing).
• Trade permits (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) are pulled separately by licensed contractors, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Repairs and Alterations permit
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Gas permit

• For work on a gas service line from the meter to the house, gas piping in the house, gas connections, or similar work, apply for a gas permit. This work requires a licensed plumber, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Residential Plumbing permit

• Installing a water heater requires a Residential Plumbing permit. This permit requires a licensed plumber, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property.
• The scope of work, along with any other required information, will be provided when filling out the permit application.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Not Needed, but must comply with City Ordinances

• Fence installation or repair does not require a permit.
• Front yard fences shall not exceed four feet in height. Front yard fences may be constructed up to a maximum height of six feet, provided that they are constructed with a combination of no more than four feet in height as a solid fence, and the remainder of the fence height being no more than 50 percent solid (opaque).
• Rear and side yard fences shall not exceed six feet in height. Rear and side yard fences may be constructed up to a maximum height of eight feet if the fence is located adjacent to an alley or the fence is on a lot adjacent to a commercially zoned or commercially developed property.
• For more information, review Sec. 28-929 of the City's Code of Ordinances, including diagrams and other requirements.
• All fences shall meet the sight obstruction requirements of the City of Waco Traffic Code.

Permit Type: Residential Mechanical permit

• Heater or air conditioning unit installations or changeouts, including ductwork, exhaust fans, and other appurtenances, require a Residential Mechanical permit. This type of mechanical work requires a licensed HVAC contractor, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property.
• A Repairs and Alterations permit is necessary when more extensive work is being done, including any trade work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing).
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Residential Mechanical permit
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Residential Plumbing permit

• This includes all plumbing work performed within the property line.
• A Residential Plumbing permit is needed to address issues with the pipe system or to add new fixtures, such as adding a new sink in a laundry room. Changing out fixtures, such as replacing a toilet, does not require a permit.
• Apply for a Residential Plumbing permit, which requires a licensed plumber, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Residential Accessory Structure permit

• Accessory structures include detached structures, such as storage sheds, green houses, gazebos, garages, non-commercial workshops, storm shelters, etc. Accessory structures over 200 square feet and all detached carports require a Residential Accessory Structure permit.
• Accessory structures under 200 square feet do not require a permit.
• For zoning regulations, such as setback requirements, review Division 2 and Division 3 of Article V, Chapter 28, of the City of Waco's Code of Ordinances.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Residential Accessory Structure permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Work in the right-of-way requires a ROW permit.

• Any work in the City's right-of-way (ROW), including public access easements, such as a drive approach or sidewalk, requires a ROW permit from the City's Engineering Department.
• Flatwork on a private property, such as driveways, does not require a permit.

Permit Type: Irrigation permit

• Installing a new irrigation system and backflow in a yard or lawn requires an Irrigation permit. This permit requires a licensed irrigator, unless a homestead owner is doing the work themselves on their homesteaded property.
• Repair work on an installed irrigation system does not require a permit.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for an Irrigation permit
• For code requirements, review Sec. 6-33 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Repairs & Alterations permit

• Review the foundation requirements for residential construction.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Repairs and Alterations permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Foundation permit

• Retaining walls greater than 48 inches in height must be designed by an engineer and to apply for a Foundation permit.
• Retaining walls 48 inches or less in height do not require a permit.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Residential Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Permit Type: Residential Swimming Pool permit

• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep do not require a permit; all other inground or aboveground pools require a Residential Swimming Pool permit.
• Refer to the minimum submission requirements needed to apply for a Residential Swimming Pool permit. Note that residential swimming pools will require additional trade permits, such as electrical and plumbing.
• Building code requirements can be found in the currently adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and Chapter 6 of the City's Code of Ordinances. Be sure to review the amendment to ISPSC Section 305.2.1 Barrier height and clearances.