Wichita Falls, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2015 International Building Code
- Local section
- City Code § 22-26
- Permit trigger
- Construct, enlarge, alter, move, demolish
- Enforcing office
- Building and Code Administration
- Permit before work
- Required
Summary
Wichita Falls requires a building permit before you construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a structure. City Code adopts the 2015 International Building Code, whose permit provisions apply citywide and make the permit mandatory before any work begins.
The following portions of the 2015 International Building Code, published by the International Code Council, are adopted by reference as though they were copied fully in this section: Chapters 2-35, and Appendices F, I, and J. The following is hereby adopted as Chapter 1 of the Building Code and is intended to apply to all of the technical codes.
Full Breakdown
City of Wichita Falls Code of Ordinances § 22-26 adopts the 2015 International Building Code by reference, Chapters 2-35 and Appendices F, I, and J, plus a locally worded Chapter 1 that governs administration. Under the adopted IBC, any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building must first apply to the building official and obtain a permit. The Building and Code Administration, led by the chief building official, reviews plans, issues permits, and inspects the work. Starting construction without the required permit exposes the responsible party to a stop-work order and citation.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit violates the adopted code; the chief building official can issue a stop-work order and cite the responsible party. Narrow minor-work exemptions are the only exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel in Wichita Falls?
What building code does Wichita Falls use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita Falls
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Wichita Falls to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.