Garland, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- International Building Code (§ 30.01)
- Permit rule
- Required before building work
- Who may apply
- City-registered contractors; homeowners exempt
- Enforcing office
- Garland Building Official
- Registration term
- One year, then renewed
Summary
Garland adopts the International Building Code and requires a building permit before you erect, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish any structure. Only contractors registered with the City may secure building permits, though homeowners may pull permits for a residence they own.
(A) A general contractor is any person who or that erects, constructs, enlarges, alter, repairs, moves, improves, removes, converts, or demolishes any building or structure except as specifically exempted by section 105.2 of the International Building Code as amended. ... (B) It shall be unlawful for any person who is not registered by the City as a general contractor to secure building permits as provided herein. ... Homeowners may obtain permits to perform work at a residence owned by the homeowner, without the requirement of hiring a registered general contractor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 30, Article I adopts the International Building Code as Garland's building code (§ 30.01). Under § 30.07, a general contractor is anyone who erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, converts, or demolishes any building or structure, except work exempted by International Building Code section 105.2 as amended. It is unlawful for anyone not registered with the City as a general contractor to secure building permits. Homeowners may obtain permits to work on a residence they own without hiring a registered contractor. A contractor registration expires after one year and is renewed by the Building Official.
Violations & Fines
Securing building permits without City general-contractor registration is unlawful. The Building Official administers permits, and the Unified Building Standards Commission may suspend or revoke a contractor's registration for persistent Code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit in Garland?
Can a homeowner pull their own permit?
Who can secure building permits in Garland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle building permits.