Sherman, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The permit trigger is in § 3.01.002 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install or replace walls or electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems regulated by code, applies for the permit first. Residential work has its own list. Demolition on a residential property needs a permit, and so does any remodel that touches mechanical, electrical, plumbing, framing or subfloors. Interior painting, floor coverings and cabinetry without trade work need none, and neither does swapping a window or door for one of the same size; a different size that changes the framing does. Non-residential and multifamily projects need an asbestos survey from a state licensed asbestos inspector before the permit issues, and every demolition and every remodel, tenant finish out included, needs a permit.

Applications go to the development services department through the city's online permit portal under § 3.01.004. The building official keeps a building permit application checklist, and incomplete submittals are not accepted. Every building over 5,000 square feet, commercial or residential, must be designed, signed and sealed by a licensed architect or professional engineer. The permit is not issued until the building official or a designee has signed the plans, the property is platted where the subdivision regulations require it, the property is zoned for the proposed use, the planning and zoning commission has approved the site plan where the zoning ordinance requires it, and the engineering department has approved civil plans. Submittal fees are not refundable.

Once issued, the permit covers only the work described in the application. It is valid for six months and expires if no inspection has happened in that time; the building official can extend it in six month steps to a total of two years. Expired permits get no refund. No permit is granted for property in an area under study for a zoning change while the change ordinance is being passed. Contractors must be registered with the city under § 3.01.003, and registration expires each December 31st. The Appendix C fee schedule lists a $75.00 minimum for single-family permits, $0.50 per square foot for new residential and full remodels or additions, and $250.00 for a swimming pool.