Building Permits in College Station
College Station's Planning & Development Services Building Division administers building permits. The City provides permit information and project-specific guidance online and accepts applicable applications through its permitting system.
Current adopted codes
College Station states that its current code package took effect January 1, 2026. It lists the 2024 IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IFC, IEBC and ISPSC, together with local amendments where adopted, and the 2023 National Electrical Code. The City's code page should be checked for the complete current list and amendments.
Permit scope and applications
The City publishes separate requirements for additions/remodels, accessory buildings, decks, fences, roofing, pools, foundations and other work. For example, a remodel of or addition to a single-family or duplex dwelling requires a building permit. Because exemptions and submittal requirements vary by project type, this page does not substitute a generic exemption list for the City's project-specific guidance.
Fees
College Station states that development application and permit fees are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, with annual fee increases taking effect October 1. Applicants should use the current Planning and Development fee schedule rather than a fixed generic estimate.
The City also administers water, wastewater and roadway impact fees for applicable development. Their assessment and collection are governed separately and should not be assumed to apply to every permit.
Inspections and professional requirements
Required inspections and licensed-trade requirements depend on the work. The City's residential additions/remodel guidance specifically directs applicants to applicable licensed contractors for regulated trade work. This guide does not state that every project requires architect- or engineer-sealed plans; design-professional requirements must be checked for the particular project and Texas law.
Official sources
- College Station building permits: https://www.cstx.gov/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/
- College Station building codes: https://www.cstx.gov/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-codes/
- College Station additions and remodels: https://www.cstx.gov/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/additions-and-remodels/
- College Station impact fees: https://www.cstx.gov/business-development/engineering/impact-fees/
Disclaimer: Verify the current fee schedule, local amendments and project-specific submittal requirements with College Station Planning & Development Services.