Built-in outdoor kitchens in Waco require multiple permits through Planning Services: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for natural gas or stationary propane, an electrical permit, and a plumbing permit if connected to water/sewer. Structures must comply with Waco Code Chapter 28 zoning setbacks (typically 5 ft side, 10 ft rear in R districts). Properties in the Brazos River floodplain require additional review.
Outdoor kitchens in Waco are reviewed by Planning Services. A building permit is required for the masonry counter, structure, and any roof or pergola under the locally adopted International Residential Code. Separate trade permits cover gas piping (Atmos Energy or CenterPoint Energy are the natural-gas utilities depending on service territory, regulated under the locally adopted IFC), electrical wiring (Oncor connections), and plumbing for sinks/icemakers (Waco Water Utility Services for tap into existing service). Built-in gas grills, side burners, and stationary propane tanks larger than 10 gallons trigger Waco Fire Department review under IFC Chapter 61 (LP-Gas). Outdoor kitchens must comply with Waco Code Chapter 28 (Zoning) setback requirements — typically 5 ft from side property lines, 10 ft rear in most R-1A, R-1B, R-2, and R-3 districts. Covered outdoor kitchens count toward lot coverage maximums (typically 40% in R-1A, 45% in R-2). Properties in the Brazos River floodplain (including portions of central and east Waco) trigger Floodplain Administrator review requiring elevation 2 feet above base flood elevation. Plan review typically takes 2-4 weeks. Properties near Baylor University and in the Castle Heights historic area face additional design review. Self-contained portable gas grills (not built into a counter) do not require permits.
Building an outdoor kitchen without required permits is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000 per day for building code violations and $500 per day for zoning violations under Texas Local Government Code § 54.001. Gas-line work without a permit is particularly serious — Waco Fire Department can order immediate shutdown and disconnection.
Waco, TX
Waco regulates on-street parking through its traffic ordinances. Vehicles must observe posted signs, time limits, and restrictions near intersections, fire h...
Waco, TX
Waco restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Heavy trucks and commercial equipment should not be stored on residential s...
Waco, TX
Waco requires driveways to meet city standards for width, grade, and materials. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces, not on unpaved yards in residen...
Waco, TX
Waco regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential properties. These vehicles must be stored in approved loc...
Waco, TX
Waco's zoning ordinance sets maximum fence heights in residential areas. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet, while side and rear yard fences m...
Waco, TX
Texas law does not require neighbor consent before building a fence on your property, but Waco's code requires fences to be within property lines and sets st...
See how Waco's outdoor kitchen permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.