Grand Prairie, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Unified Development Code Section 13.1.1 bars any person from erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting or demolishing a building or structure, or permitting the same on property under their control, until a separate building permit for each building or structure, plus any other permits required by Chapter 7 (Building & Construction) of the Code of Ordinances, has been issued by the Chief Building Official or a designee. Work expressly exempted from permitting by the UDC or Chapter 7 does not need one. Applications go on a form furnished by the Chief Building Official.

Before a permit issues, Section 13.1.3 requires the property to be platted with all necessary approvals obtained, including civil engineering plans and site plans. Under Section 13.1.4, the Chief Building Official issues the permit only after the plans, specifications and other submitted data comply with the UDC and other applicable rules, and after all fees are paid. Section 13.1.5 makes clear that issuing a permit does not stop the Chief Building Official from later requiring correction of plan errors or halting work carried out in violation of the UDC or other city ordinances, and no permit can authorize violating, cancelling or modifying any UDC requirement.

Section 13.1.6 sets the permit's shelf life: it expires if authorized work has not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for more than 180 days. The Building Official may grant a single extension of up to 180 days on a written request submitted before expiration, for good cause and for a fee referenced in Article 22's Fee Schedule; no permit may be extended more than once. Once a permit expires, no work may resume until a new permit issues, reviewed under the codes then in effect. A Chief Building Official decision to grant or deny a permit may be appealed in the manner set out in the Code of Ordinances.