Building Permits in Fort Worth

Fort Worth requires a building permit for most construction, alteration, and repair work affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Permits are issued by the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department, which administers plan review, inspections, and code enforcement for all development activity in the city.

Fort Worth locally adopts its own building codes based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), along with the 2021 IMC, IPC, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2015 IECC, and 2023 National Electrical Code — each with local Fort Worth amendments. Note that Texas has no statewide building code; Fort Worth enforces these codes under its own municipal authority.

When You Need a Permit

You generally need a Fort Worth building permit for:

• New construction of any structure, including additions and accessory structures
• Structural alterations, load-bearing wall changes, and foundation work
• Electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and gas line changes
• Roofing replacement and new openings in exterior walls
• Swimming pools, spas, and retaining walls above applicable thresholds
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Demolition of any habitable structure

Minor cosmetic work — painting, floor coverings, and cabinetry without plumbing or electrical changes — is typically exempt. When in doubt, contact Development Support Services at 817-392-2222 before starting work.

Accela Citizen Access — The Online Permit Portal

Fort Worth uses Accela Citizen Access as its unified online permitting platform, available at aca-prod.accela.com/CFW.

Through Accela Citizen Access you can:

• Register for a free account (click "Register for an Account" on the portal)
• Apply for residential and commercial building permits under the Development tab
• Upload plans and required documents for electronic plan review
• Pay permit fees online
• Schedule and track inspections
• View permit status and correspondence

For assistance with the portal or permit applications, contact Development Support Services at 817-392-2222 or email [email protected].

Permit Costs

Fort Worth permit fees are established in the Development Fee Schedule, updated periodically by ordinance. The current fee schedule (effective October 1, 2024, under Ordinance No. 27191-09-2024) is publicly available on the Development Services website. Fees are generally calculated based on:

• Building permit fee — scales with project valuation
• Plan review fee — based on project type and valuation; may be adjusted if a third-party plan reviewer is used
• Impact fees — for new construction adding square footage (water, sewer, transportation)
• Trade permit fees — separate permits are required for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work; the building permit must be issued before trade permits can be applied for

Always download the current Development Fee Schedule from the Fort Worth Development Services website before budgeting. Do not rely on third-party fee estimates.

Typical Timeline

Fort Worth offers an Expedited Plan Review service through its X Team program for both residential and commercial projects of any size. For current standard and expedited review turnaround times, visit the X Team page at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/XTeam or call 817-392-2222.

The Process

1. Pre-submittal: Verify zoning classification and applicable overlay districts for your parcel; confirm your proposed use is permitted
2. Plans: Prepare construction drawings stamped by a licensed Texas architect or engineer where required by code
3. Submit via Accela: Create or log in to your Accela Citizen Access account and submit your application with all required documents and fees
4. Plan review: Development Services reviewers — building, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning, fire — review submitted plans simultaneously; comments are compiled at the end of each review cycle
5. Corrections: Respond to all plan review comments and resubmit revised plans through Accela
6. Permit issuance: Pay remaining fees; permit is issued and available through the portal
7. Inspections: Schedule required inspections at each construction phase through Accela or by phone
8. Final: Pass final inspection and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) where required before occupying the structure

Inspections

Fort Worth requires inspections at key construction stages. Typical inspection types for residential projects include:

• Foundation / footings
• Underground plumbing and electrical rough-in
• Framing
• Rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical
• Insulation
• Drywall (where required)
• Final building and trade inspections

Schedule inspections through the Accela Citizen Access portal at aca-prod.accela.com/CFW, or by calling the Fort Worth IVR (Interactive Voice Response) phone system or Development Support Services at 817-392-2222.

Common Reasons for Denial or Corrections

• Plans do not meet the adopted Fort Worth building code or local amendments
• Missing structural engineering calculations or required design-professional stamps
• Zoning conflicts — setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, or use not permitted in the zoning district
• Missing trade permit applications (electrical, mechanical, plumbing permits must be applied for separately after building permit issuance)
• Incomplete submittal — missing required drawings, site plan, or supporting documents
• Impact fee or utility clearance issues
• Historic overlay or special district review not completed

Official Sources

Always verify current requirements with the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department before submitting plans or starting construction. Key resources are linked in the frontmatter sources above, including the Development Services home page, the Accela Citizen Access portal, the Development Fee Schedule, and the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances on Municode.

For general permit questions, contact Development Support Services at 817-392-2222 or visit the Development Services office in person.

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes publicly available information from official City of Fort Worth sources and is provided for general orientation only. It does not constitute legal or engineering advice. Building code and permitting requirements change — always confirm current rules with the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department before submitting plans or starting construction.