Texas City, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 160.111 of the Texas City Code of Ordinances governs how a permit is obtained. No permit for the erection, alteration, construction, reconstruction, use or maintenance of any building or use of any premises can issue unless the applicant first files with the Building Official a plan in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the location and actual dimensions of the lot, the dimensions and location of the building with measurements in feet and inches from all lot lines to all foundation lines, and all accessory buildings.

The applicant must also sign a written statement of the intended use. The plan must show the premises will be used in conformity with the zoning chapter, and the Building Official keeps a record of applications and plans. A permit issued on plans that are not followed is void, and the Building Official is directed to revoke it by written notice. The residential code adds to the list of permitted work. Under § 150.069(C), the exemptions in Sec. R105.2 for one-story detached accessory structures within the printed floor-area limit, and for sidewalks and driveways, are deleted from adoption.

Section 150.051(A) adds that no permit issues for a project with a trench excavation deeper than five feet unless the applicant indemnifies and holds harmless the city. Section 150.052 requires a contractor to provide liability insurance with a minimum of $300,000 with the city as certificate holder or a bond of $5,000 approved by the City Attorney. Section 150.068(A) exempts work on the property of a manufacturing or processing plant that comprises one city block or more, is bounded by city streets and retains a registered professional engineer or architect. Under § 160.112, a certificate of occupancy is applied for with the building permit, issued within ten days after completion, and carries no fee.