Irving, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2024 International Building Code
- Governing section
- LDC § 8B-27; adoption § 8B-1
- Permit issuer
- Irving Inspections Department
- No-permit penalty
- Investigation fee equals permit fee
- Max fine
- $500 (up to $2,000)
Summary
Irving requires a permit before construction under its adopted 2024 International Building Code. The Inspections Department issues permits, and starting any building, electrical, gas, plumbing, or mechanical work without one triggers an investigation fee on top of the regular permit fee.
§ 8B-27. Permits; fees; registration. (b) Investigation fee. Any person who commences any work on any building or structure; or any electrical, gas, plumbing, or mechanical system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an investigation fee equal to the fee included in the permit fee schedule. The investigation fee shall be in addition to the regular permit fee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4988517; v32 updated 2026-07-30).
Full Breakdown
Irving adopted the 2024 International Building Code as its commercial building code (Land Development Code § 8B-1), alongside the 2024 IRC for one- and two-family homes. Section 8B-27 runs permits and registration through the Inspections Department: fence, sign, concrete, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, irrigation, house-moving, fuel-tank, and general contractors must register with the city to pull a permit, while a homeowner with a homestead exemption who lives in the residence may permit and do the work without registering or hiring a registered contractor. The general contractor obtains a combination permit covering all trades, with separate permits required for items like fences, signs, pools, retaining walls, and solar.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 8B is a class C misdemeanor fined up to $500: up to $2,000 for fire-safety, zoning, or public-health provisions. Starting work before permitting adds an investigation fee equal to the permit fee; each day is a separate offense (§ 8B-28).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irving
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle building permits.