Frisco’s explosive growth has made it one of the busiest construction markets in Texas. Whether you’re breaking ground on a new subdivision, building a retail center, or handling a single-scope trade job, you’ll need the right Frisco building permit before work begins.
The City of Frisco processes thousands of permits each year across residential, commercial, and trade projects. Understanding the Frisco permitting process — requirements, forms, fees, and inspections — can save you weeks of delays and help keep projects on schedule.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about permitting in Frisco, from preparing your application to scheduling inspections.
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What requires a building permit in Frisco?
According to the City’s “Permit Applications, Plan Review & Forms” page, a permit is required for any commercial, residential, sign, fence, or miscellaneous structures that are erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished
The Building Permits & Plan Review page further clarifies that permits are required for:
- New building construction
- Additions, alterations, and repairs (e.g., re-roofing, replacing windows/doors, re-siding commercial or multifamily structures)
- Repairs, alterations, removal, or replacement of any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing system
- Change in use or occupancy of existing buildings
- Moving existing buildings
- Demolition of buildings
What doesn’t require a building permit?
The city makes some allowances for minor repairs and routine maintenance that don’t affect structural integrity, safety, or occupancy.
For example, you don’t need a Frisco building permit if you’re:
- Repairing or replacing a small section of fencing
Up to 2 sections or 16 linear feet of an existing residential fence can be replaced without filing a permit. Anything beyond that threshold will require one. - Performing basic cosmetic work
Painting, wallpapering, flooring, or other interior finish work generally doesn’t require city approval. - Minor non-structural repairs
Replacing cabinets, countertops, or fixtures that don’t involve changes to plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems can usually proceed without a permit.
Frisco building permit fees
Knowing the cost of permits upfront is key to keeping your project on budget. The Frisco building permit fee schedule is based on both the type of work and the overall value of your project, with separate calculations for residential and commercial construction.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
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Frisco trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for any new plumbing system, relocation, or backflow installation.
Electrical permits
Covers panel upgrades, circuits, EV chargers, and all new electrical work.
HVAC (mechanical) permits
Permits required for system installs, change-outs, and major ductwork changes.
Specialty permits
Additional permits are needed for outdoor improvements or structures.
How to get a building permit in Frisco, TX
Step 1: Prepare required documentation
Start by reviewing the roadmap to a permit approval.
Then, make sure you have all required documentation, including:
- A completed Frisco building permit form
- Your site plan or property survey
- Scaled construction drawings
- Contractor license and registration details
- Energy compliance forms
- Owner-Builder affidavit, if you're applying as an owner-builder
Additionally, confirm that your property is either:
- Part of a recorded plat, or
- Covered by an approved site plan
Additional info:
Note: The City of Frisco may require a pre-construction meeting before issuing your permit, particularly for larger commercial projects.
Step 2: Submit your Frisco building permit application online
Next, log in or create an account in the Frisco Plans & Permits system. Start your application and upload all required documents.
If your project qualifies as minor residential work, you can opt for the Rapid Review self-service option.
Step 3: Plan review
City staff will review your submission (building, fire, zoning) and notify you through the portal of any revisions. Use eTrakit to manage document updates and review comments.
Step 4: Pay permit fees and receive approval
Once your application is approved and any required pre-construction meeting or zoning checks are completed, you’ll be invited to pay your final permit fees. After payment, download and print your official permit and post it at the job site.
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
The permit becomes active once issued. During the building process, schedule your construction activities. Use eTrakit to schedule inspections like footing, framing, final, etc., and track their status online.
Frisco permitting resources
- Plans & permits overview
- Permit applications, plan review & forms
- eTrakit
- Phone: (972) 292-5301
- Email: buildinginspections@friscotexas.gov
- Office Address: 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Pre-submittal meeting guide
- 2025 pre-submittal schedule
- Roadmap to a permit approval
- Permit fee schedule
- Permit applications, plan review & forms
- Building permits & plan review
- Building inspections division
- Residential permits
- Commercial permits
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Builders trust PermitFlow because we deliver:
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