Before You Build in Little Elm, TX: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Little Elm requires permits for retaining walls over 4 ft or those supporting surcharges. Engineered drawings from a TX-licensed PE required. Drainage must not redirect to neighbors.

TX Property Code Ch. 26 governs boundary fences statewide. Cost-sharing is customary but not required. Little Elm has no local ordinance beyond state law. Civil mediation recommended.

Little Elm requires a building permit for all fence construction through the Building Safety Division. A site plan showing property lines and fence location is required with the application.

Little Elm Ch. 106 limits front yard fences to 4 ft and side/rear to 6-8 ft by zoning district. Corner lots require 18-ft setback from side street curb for visibility.

Little Elm requires 48-inch non-climbable pool barriers per 2018 IRC Appendix G AG105. Chain link prohibited for new enclosures. Self-closing, self-latching gates mandatory.

Residential pools require VGB Act-compliant drain covers, GFCI protection within 20 feet, and building inspection before use per TX H&S Code Ch. 757.

Pool barriers must be 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per the 2018 IRC Appendix G and TX Health and Safety Code Ch. 757.

Above-ground pools need a building permit and 48-inch barriers per the 2018 IRC. Pool walls may count if non-climbable. Most HOAs prohibit them.

Hot tubs holding 18+ inches of water require a building permit and 48-inch barrier unless equipped with an ASTM F1346 locking cover.

Building permit required for all pool construction through Development Services. Plans must include barrier fencing, bonding, drainage, and setbacks. Multiple inspections before pool can be filled.

ADUs are not permitted by-right in residential zones under Chapter 106. A zoning variance or special use permit from the Town Council is required.

Garage conversions require a permit and must maintain minimum two-car enclosed parking per Chapter 106. ADU conversion is not permitted.

Carports require a building permit with a 5-foot setback from interior property lines. Maximum height is 14 feet. Most HOAs restrict carports.

No tiny home provisions exist in the zoning code. Homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot serve as permanent residences.

Sheds over 200 sq ft require a permit. All sheds need a 5-foot setback from property lines. Structures over 120 sq ft must match the primary dwelling.

Little Elm regulates fire pits under the 2018 International Fire Code adopted with local amendments in Sec. 50-108. Portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed at one- and two-family dwellings on non-combustible surfaces like concrete pads or maintained lawns. Permanent fire pits must maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from any structure or combustible material. Recreational fires must be constantly attended.

Little Elm requires a $25 annual burn permit from the Fire Department via the MyGov portal before any outdoor burning. Denton County burn bans override town permits during drought.

Year-round twice-weekly watering by address number per NTMWD plan. No sprinklers 10 AM-6 PM Apr-Oct. Drought stages escalate to once-weekly or total outdoor bans.

Property owners must maintain 14-foot clearance over streets and 8-foot over sidewalks. No permit needed for routine private trimming. Avoid oak pruning Feb-Jun for oak wilt prevention.

No general tree removal permit for homeowners on established lots. Development sites require tree surveys for trees 6-inch caliper or larger. HOA approval may be required.