Permitting in Denton County, Texas can be tricky, especially with multiple jurisdictions managing approvals. The County oversees permits in unincorporated areas, while cities like Denton, Lewisville, and Flower Mound each run their own departments. Knowing where (and how) to apply is the first step to keeping your project on track.
This guide walks you through the Denton County permitting process. You'll learn which projects need permits, how to apply in different jurisdictions, what it costs, and how inspections work.
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What requires a building permit in Denton County?
The Denton County Development Support Services (DSS) oversees permitting for unincorporated areas, while cities like Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco have their own permit departments.
You will need a Denton County building permit for most types of construction, including:
- Development Permit (base permit): Required for any improvement or man-made change to the property (grading, filling, paving, excavation, buildings/structures, storage of materials, etc.). Apply through the County’s Civic Access portal.
- Floodplain Development (if applicable): Extra review/permit if the site is in or near a Special Flood Hazard Area. The County’s floodplain rules govern placement of structures (incl. manufactured homes).
- On-Site Sewage Facility (septic) work: Any install, repair, extension, or alteration of an OSSF needs a permit from Denton County Public Health (Environmental Health).
- Driveway / Culvert (new or changes): Most new driveway entrances or modifications need a County culvert/driveway permit (with inspection).
- Construction stormwater (County oversight): County monitors construction activities; projects over 5 acres require permits/SWPPPs, and small projects still need a Development Permit.
- Fire & life-safety construction (some projects): Emergency Services requires a County Construction Permit for certain fire protection systems; a current Development Permit is needed before they’ll accept that application.
What doesn’t require a building permit?
The County treats “any improvement” to a property as “development,” so there isn’t a published exempt list. If your work doesn’t change the site (i.e., purely interior cosmetics), it typically won’t trigger a County Development Permit, but confirm with Development Services before you start.
Denton County building permit cost
Denton County building permit costs vary depending on project size, construction value, and location (unincorporated vs. city). Below are estimated ranges.
Inspection fees
To learn more about building permit fees, visit the Denton County permit fee schedule page.
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Denton County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Permits are required for all plumbing installations, replacements, or extensions—residential or commercial.
Electrical permits
Any panel upgrades, rewiring, or new electrical installations require a permit.
HVAC permits
HVAC work, including installations, replacements, and ductwork, requires a mechanical permit.
Special permits
Specialty permits may be required for exterior or site-specific projects.
How to get a building permit in Denton County
Step 1: Determine your jurisdiction
Denton County permits are handled by the Denton County Development Services (Planning & Development/Permitting). If you are within a city, then you follow that city’s building permit process.
Step 2: Prepare plans and documentation
For a development permit with the County you must fill out the Application for Development Permit, listing the owner, address, property description (abstract/tract/lot/block), acreage or subdivision.
Here’s a more extended list of documents:
- Planning approval comes first. You need an approved Development Permit from Planning before submitting for your construction permit.
- Prepare your drawings. Submit at least three sets of plans: two hard copies and one digital copy. Your drawings should be blue or black line prints that are clear and easy to read.
- Include a detailed site plan. You'll need three copies of your site plan showing building orientation, fire lanes, fire hydrants, and access routes.
- Add technical documentation. Submit one set of specifications or submittal books for fire alarm systems or calculations. Your plans must indicate the type of construction and occupancy classification.
- Get professional certification. All submissions require a signature from a certified design professional.
- List your subcontractors. Include a complete list of subcontractors along with copies of their licenses.
Note: If the site is in a FEMA‑designated Special Flood Hazard Area you must submit a finished floor elevation certification by a Texas Registered Professional Surveyor/Engineer/Architect.
Step 3: Submit your Denton County building permit application
Apply through their online portal (Civic Access) or via Development Services.
Step 4: Plan review and approvals
If the proposed structure complies with all applicable county regulations, a permit will be issued. If corrections are needed, you’ll be alerted and asked to correct any issues and/or resubmit the permit application.
Note: All plan reviews take up to 10 working days.
Step 5: Pay permit fees and receive issuance
The Construction Permit Application states that payment is required upon submission. After approvals, you will receive the permit (and any supporting documentation like floodplain maps, a copy of the permit, etc) from the County.
Step 6: Begin work and request inspections
For new home construction/remodels in unincorporated areas you must have at least three inspections: foundation before concrete, framing/mechanical before cover, and final completion. Also, for large/small construction sites, the County monitors stormwater, etc, during construction.
To schedule inspections, use phone (940-349-2990) or fax (940-349-2991). For fax, you should fill out the Request for Inspections application.
Denton County permitting resources
- Denton County Development Support Services
- Address: 3900 Morse Street, Denton, TX 76208
- Phone: 940-349-2990
- Fax: 940-349-2991
- Denton County permit portal
- Denton County permit search page
- Permit fee schedule
- How to create an account in Civic Access
- How to apply for permits in Civic Access
- Construction & Operational permits
- Q&A for Construction and Operational permits
- Applying for development permits
- Permit and plan review process
- Denton County building permit application
- Development services
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Denton County’s permitting process can slow down even the most organized contractors. Between different city requirements, overlapping review processes, and constant resubmittals, managing permits across the county often eats up valuable hours that could be spent on more important work.
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- Local expertise: We understand Denton County’s permitting requirements, so your applications move smoothly and stay compliant.
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