Texarkana, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 105-8, Code of Ordinances
- Covers
- Construction, alteration, demolition, electrical, plumbing
- Issuing authority
- City building official
- Max fine
- $2,000 per day (Sec. 1-5)
- Stop-work tool
- Sec. 105-9 stop-work order
Summary
Texarkana requires a building permit before any construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, or electrical or plumbing work covered by the building code, unless a specific Code exemption applies.
Unless otherwise exempted by this Code, the Land Development Code, or a technical code as adopted by reference in this Code, no person shall construct, develop, reconstruct, alter, change, restore, remove, relocate, demolish or perform any building, construction, electrical or plumbing work as covered by this chapter on any building or structure in the city without first obtaining a building permit as issued by the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 105-8 of the Code of Ordinances, no one may construct, develop, reconstruct, alter, change, restore, remove, relocate, demolish, or perform any building, construction, electrical, or plumbing work covered by Chapter 105 on a building or structure in the city without first obtaining a building permit from the city, unless the Land Development Code or another technical code adopted by reference specifically exempts the work. The chief building official enforces the requirement and, under Sec. 105-9, can issue a stop-work order the moment unpermitted or noncompliant work is found, immediately halting the job until the conditions for resuming are met. Permit fees are set by the city council from time to time and kept on file with the city secretary or on the city website.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit, or continuing work after a stop-work order, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 105-10; the Code's general-penalty section, Sec. 1-5, caps fines for building and fire-safety violations at $2,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texarkana require a permit for electrical or plumbing work, not just building?
What happens if I build without a permit in Texarkana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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