El Paso building permits
Building permits in El Paso are issued by the City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department (One Stop Shop)1. You can apply and request inspections online through aca-prod.accela.com1.
On this page
- Building department contacts
- Building codes in force in El Paso
- El Paso building permit fees
- How to get a building permit in El Paso
- Permit expiration and extensions
- Inspections in El Paso
- Building without a permit in El Paso
- Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Texas rules that also apply in El Paso
- Sources
Building department contacts
City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department (One Stop Shop)1
Building permits
- Website
- elpasotexas.gov1
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com1
- Phone
- (915) 212-01042
- [email protected]3
- Address
- 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, Texas 799011
- Inspections
- IVR inspection line 915-313-6100 (24/7): schedule, reschedule, cancel, results2
Planning Division (Planning & Inspections Department)4
Zoning and planning
- Website
- elpasotexas.gov4
- Phone
- (915) 212-00884
To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: aca-prod.accela.com5.
Building codes in force in El Paso
These are the model codes El Paso enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Texas building codes.
| Code | Title as adopted | Model edition | Adopted by |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2021 International Building Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021 International Residential Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| Energy code, residential | 2021 International Energy Conservation Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| Energy code, commercial | 2021 International Energy Conservation Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2021 International Mechanical Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | – | 20207 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2021 International Plumbing Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2021 International Fuel Gas Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | 2021 International Existing Building Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) | 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) | 2021 International Property Maintenance Code6 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019528 (adopted August 1, 2023)8 |
| International Fire Code (IFC) | 2021 International Fire Code7 | 20217 | Ordinance No. 019521 (adopted July 5, 2023)9 |
| State code | Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)7 | – | – |
| State code | Multi-Family Adaptive Re-Use & Middle Housing Appendix A10 | – | City of El Paso (ordinance number not shown on the posted copy)1 |
El Paso building permit fees
Fees come from the FY 2027 Schedule C (Departmental Fee List), City of El Paso adopted budget11, effective 11.
How valuation is set. Residential new/addition: square footage cost per FY Schedule C6.
Each line is worded as in El Paso’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Fee (Information Technology Services, Software Maintenance Fee) | Technology surcharge | 4.5% of the application fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: additions or new single family residential construction 401-1299 sq ft | Per square foot | $0.87 per square foot plus applicable Technology Fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: additions or new single family residential construction 1300-2399 sq ft | Per square foot | $0.82 per square foot plus applicable Technology Fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: additions or new single family residential construction 2400-3399 sq ft | Per square foot | $0.81 per square foot plus applicable Technology Fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: additions or new single family residential construction 3400-4399 sq ft | Per square foot | $0.72 per square foot plus applicable Technology Fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: additions or new single family residential construction greater than 4400 sq ft | Per square foot | $0.61 per square foot plus applicable Technology Fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: for additional lines than 400 square feet | Flat fee | $307 and applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permit - Residential: Residential Permit (split of total permit cost) | Based on project valuation | Master Permit 66%; Electrical 20%; Plumbing 7%; Mechanical 7%11 |
| Building Permits: Permit which require only one inspection | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: Permit which require two inspections | Flat fee | $160 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: building /fences | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: Building/electrical fence | Flat fee | $152 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: building/residential/swimming pool, spa | Flat fee | $160 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permit: Roofing Permit | Flat fee | $118 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: Demolition Permit | Flat fee | $115 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: building/retaining walls | Flat fee | $115 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: building/siding | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: building/windows | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permit: Driveway Permit | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: Solar Shingle per 100 sq. ft. | Per square foot | $14 per sq. ft. plus base fee plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Electrical Permits: Base fee, ea. (non-refundable) | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Electrical Permits: Each Service or new/replacement of electrical panel/panel board | Flat fee | $47 based on quantity plus base fee and applicable technology fee11 |
| Electrical Permits: Solar panels, ea. | Flat fee | $14 based on quantity plus base fee and applicable technology fee11 |
| Electrical Permits: Generators | Flat fee | $51 based on quantity plus base fee and applicable technology fee11 |
| Mechanical: Base fee, ea. (non-refundable) | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Mechanical: Combination heating-cooling unit or refrigeration unit, ea. | – | $47 plus $6.35 per ton plus base fee and applicable technology fee11 |
| Plumbing: Base fee, ea. (non-refundable) | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Plumbing: electric water heater (and other listed fixtures), ea. | Flat fee | $10.59 based on quantity plus base fee and applicable technology fee11 |
| Gas: Base fee, ea. (non-refundable) | Flat fee | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Gas: Water Heater Gas Water Heater | Flat fee | $13.76 based on quantity plus base fee and applicable technology fee11 |
| Residential Permit Submittal Fee Deposit | Minimum fee | $200 plus applicable technology fee (credited to permit fee)11 |
| Plan Review - Re-Submission Fee | Plan review | $212 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: Re-Inspection Fee for all building permits and trades | Re-inspection | $100 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Expedited Review Submittal Fee - New Residential, Tenant Improvement, Commercial Alteration | Expedited review | $200 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Plan Review - Expedited Review 1 (valuation equal to or greater than $300,000) | Expedited review | $645 plus $156 per hour or portion of plan review time plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Plan Review - Expedited Review 2 (valuation less than $300,000) | Expedited review | $256 plus $94 per hour or portion of plan review time plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permit: Inspection fee-business hours | Per inspection | $110 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permit: Inspection fee-non business hours (Two hour minimum) | After-hours inspection | $127 (Two Hour Minimum) plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permit: Investigative Inspection Permit | Work started without a permit | $150 plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Building Permits: Completion Permit | Percent of the permit fee | 50% of current permit fee plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Administrative Fee (Permit Cancellation) | Percent of the permit fee | Equal to 30% of permit fee plus applicable technology fee11 |
| Contractors Registration Fee | Flat fee | $100 plus applicable technology fee11 |
How to get a building permit in El Paso
- Apply to the building official and obtain the permit before starting regulated work6
- Submit plans electronically through the Citizen Access Portal (or drop-off bins at 811 Texas Ave.)1
- Pay the submittal fee deposit at plan submittal1
- Plan review by the building official6
- Notify Texas "One Call" before excavation12
- Post the permit on site until final inspection6
- Schedule inspections (IVR 915-313-6100)2
- Apply online
- Yes1
- Over-the-counter permits
- Plumbing, electrical, mechanical and special building (incl. roofing) permits not requiring plans are submitted and paid in the department6
- Posting the permit
- Yes6
Permit expiration and extensions
- How long a permit lasts
- Expires if work not commenced within 6 months, suspended/abandoned 6 months, or no inspection for 6 months; residential roofing, window, water heater and A/C conversion permits expire 1 month after issuance; residential fence and pool permits 6 months after issuance6
- Extensions
- Up to two 180-day extensions, requested in writing before expiration, no fee; none for residential roofing/window/water heater/A-C or fence/pool permits6
Inspections in El Paso
El Paso’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).
- Inspections called by the permit holder; building official releases work or issues violation notice6
- Reroofing: final inspection after work completed6
- Retaining walls: foundation, in-progress (walls retaining over 4 ft) and final inspections6
- IVR inspection types incl. 810 Foundation, 820 In-Progress, 800 Final Building, 340 Electrical Rough, 720 Plumbing Rough-In, 610 Mechanical Rough2
- Final building inspection; certificate fees in Schedule C11
- How to schedule
- IVR inspection line 915-313-61002
- Re-inspection fee
- $100 plus applicable technology fee11
- After the final inspection
- Certificate of Occupancy (existing building C of O permit $110)11
Building without a permit in El Paso
| Consequence | Applies to | As the city states it | Way to fix it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher permit fee El Paso City Code 18.02.106.30 | Homeowner starting work without a permit on own residence6 | Double the permit fee plus applicable technology fee11 | Obtain the permit at the multiplied fee; does not bar prosecution6 |
| Higher permit fee El Paso City Code 18.02.106.29 | Contractor starting work without a permit on a residential building or system6 | Triple the permit fee plus applicable technology fee11 | – |
| Criminal penalty El Paso City Code 18.02.115 | Any person violating the Administrative Code or technical codes6 | Misdemeanor, fine not to exceed $2,000; each day a separate offense6 | – |
| Investigation fee El Paso City Code 18.02.106.26 | Special investigation inspection prior or subsequent to commencement of work6 | $150 plus applicable technology fee11 | – |
| Permit revoked El Paso City Code 18.02.105.26 | Contractors: permits revoked for work not in conformity, false statements or failure to complete; ineligibility periods follow6 | Ineligibility 3 months (1 revocation), 6 months (2), 1 year (3) within 12 months6 | – |
For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.
Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Homeowner may pull a building permit
- Yes, homestead permit for own occupied R-3 primary residence, acting as own general contractor6
- Homeowner electrical work
- No (except minor fixture/receptacle additions exempt from permit); trade work by registered licensed contractors6
- Homeowner plumbing work
- No6
- Owner and occupancy requirement
- Must be the homeowner's own currently occupied R-3 primary residence6
- Affidavit or declaration
- Homeowner & Authorization Affidavit for Building Permits (notarized e-form)13
Texas's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Texas permit guide.
Texas rules that also apply in El Paso
- Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections in Texas
- Contractor licensing in Texas
- Selling a home with unpermitted work in Texas
- Private plan review and inspections in Texas
Sources
- Planning & Inspections | City of El PasoCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Permitting IVR Inspection LineCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Homeowner and Authorization Affidavit for Building Permit - EnglishCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
- Planning & Inspections FAQsCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
- Accela Citizen Access, City of El PasoCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Ordinance 019528 adopting the 2021 International Building Codes (text as introduced; executed Aug. 1, 2023)City of El Paso, City Council (Planning & Inspections agenda item)Published June 20, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
- Currently Adopted Codes and AmendmentsCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
- Legistar file 23-897 (Ordinance 019528)City of El Paso, City Clerk (Legistar)Adopted August 1, 2023Checked November 6, 2026
- Legistar file 23-861 (Ordinance 019521, International Fire Code)City of El Paso, City Clerk (Legistar)Adopted July 5, 2023Checked November 6, 2026
- Ordinance amending Title 18 to add Multi-Family Adaptive Re-Use & Middle Housing Appendix A (unnumbered, undated copy)City of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
- City of El Paso FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget, FY 2027 Schedule C Departmental Fee ListCity of El Paso, Office of Management & BudgetAdopted August 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Building Permit ApplicationCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentRevised April 27, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
- Planning & Inspections Forms & DocsCity of El Paso, Planning & Inspections DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026