Pharr, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2018 International Building Code
- Governing sections
- Code 22-61, 22-62
- Permit fee, first $1,000
- $15.00
- Enforcement
- Building Safety Division
- Penalty
- $1-$1,000 per day
Summary
Pharr adopts the 2018 International Building Code and requires a permit from the Building Safety Division before you build, remodel, or add to a structure. The building official enforces it, and no building may be lawfully occupied without a certificate of occupancy.
Sec. 22-61. - City of Pharr Development and Maintenance Codes adopted. • 2018 International Building Code, excluding E, L, M ... Sec. 22-62 ... (g) Contractors responsibilities. It shall be the duty of every contractor or builder who makes contracts for the construction or repairs of buildings or structures for which a permit is required to submit to the building safety division a license and permit bond in the amount of $5,000.00 or a $100,000.00 general liability insurance and pay license fee of $50.00 annually.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Code Sec. 22-61 adopts the 2018 International Building Code (plus the 2018 IRC, IPC, IFGC, IECC and 2017 National Electrical Code), and adopted IBC Section 105 requires a permit before construction. Sec. 22-62 sets permit fees on a valuation schedule, $15.00 for the first $1,000.00 of a $1,000-$50,000 job. Contractors must be licensed, carry a $5,000.00 permit bond or $100,000.00 liability insurance, and pay a $50.00 annual fee; a commercial building permit must issue before any trade permit. It is illegal to occupy a building without a certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Building or occupying a structure without the required permit or certificate of occupancy violates Chapter 22; under Sec. 22-64 the fine runs from $1.00 to $1,000.00, and each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my Pharr home?
Which building code does Pharr enforce?
Can I move into a new house before final inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pharr
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Pharr to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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How other cities in Hidalgo County handle building permits.