Building Safety in Cameron County, TX (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Cameron County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Building Permits
Unincorporated Cameron County requires a building permit for any development, per the county's Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations. Applications go through the Planning and Inspections Division to the Floodplain Administrator or Building Official, who verifies flood compliance, subdivision conformity and utility service before construction starts. Base fees run from $65 up through valuation-based formulas, with temporary-structure permits available too.
Cameron County Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCameron County Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, Art. 3 § C
A Building Permit shall be required to insure conformity with the provisions of this order in connection with any development in the area governed by this order.
Electrical Permits
Cameron County requires a permit for new electrical service, upgrades, repairs or reconnects under its Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, and ties all such work to the National Electrical Code and ICC standards. Electricians must hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license and register with the county before a permit issues.
Cameron County Electrical Permits and NEC
Some RestrictionsCameron County Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, Art. 5 § I
To assure the citizens of Cameron County the reduction of loss due to flooding, high winds, and hurricanes, this order requires the structures to be in compliance with minimum requirements of the ICC Family of Codes and the National Electrical Code.
Plumbing Permits
Plumbing is one of the construction permits Cameron County requires under its Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, and every plumber on a permitted job must carry a Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners license. Contractors also register with the county's Planning and Inspections Division before the county will issue the permit.
Cameron County Plumbing Permits and Licensing
Some RestrictionsCameron County Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, Art. 4 § D.1
All contactors and professionals engaged in specialized trades, including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, must hold a valid license issued by the appropriate Texas state licensing authority. Acceptable licensing authorities include, but are not limited to: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (for plumbing contractors) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulatio...
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