Garland is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, which means construction activity is constant — and so is the demand for permits.
Whether you’re planning a new commercial build, adding units to a multifamily property, or taking on a residential remodel, you’ll need to navigate Garland’s permitting process before work can begin.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Garland permits: which projects require approval, how fees are calculated, and the steps involved in submitting an application.
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What requires a building permit in Garland, TX?
The City of Garland Building Inspection Department requires permits for most types of construction, additions, or major system upgrades that affect safety, occupancy, or structure.
Here are some examples of work requiring a permit:
- New buildings and additions, including shell buildings and interior completions
- Remodels/alterations (residential & commercial)
- Demolition (in whole or in part)
- Accessory structures (e.g., detached garages, storage buildings, gazebos, detached patio covers/cabanas)
- Patio covers, carports, garage conversions, foundation repair, fire repair (project-specific submittals)
- Driveways and some paving work
- Re-roofing (residential)
- Swimming pools/spas (plus required barriers)
- Plumbing work, including water heater replacement, gas test/relays, sewer repairs, under-slab repairs, irrigation installation
- Electrical work/repairs/installations
- HVAC/mechanical repairs/installations (e.g., A/C)
What doesn't require a permit?
You may not need a Garland building permit for:
- Fence repair/reconstruction of an existing fence (Only if the location and height do not change, materials do not change, and no pool on site and no alley/street intersection is affected. Otherwise, a permit is required)
- Sandwich-board (A-frame) signs
Garland building permit cost
Garland building permit fees vary depending on project type and valuation. Here's a general breakdown of common permit costs:
Note: All three fee types include Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) in the building permit fee. A 25% processing fee is also required at the time of submission (not included in the formulas above).
How long do building permits last in Garland?
According to the city development code, a building permit in Garland is valid for 730 days (2 years) from issuance. If work begins during that period and inspections are passed, the permit remains active.
Garland trade permits
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are required for all new plumbing systems, major repairs, or relocation of lines.
Note: When a general contractor already has a building permit, licensed subcontractors typically validate on that permit instead of pulling a separate trade permit.
Electrical permits
Any service panel upgrades, rewiring, or new installations require an electrical permit.
HVAC permits
For installing or replacing air conditioning, heating, or ventilation systems.
Roofing, fence, and special permits
These permits apply to exterior or specialty work such as pools or signage.
PermitFlow speeds up the building permit process.
From preparing applications to tracking approvals, our platform handles every detail so your projects stay on schedule. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Garland, TX
Step 1: Prepare your application
Collect the following before you apply (per the City’s submittal list):
- Garland building permit application
- Asbestos survey for all demolition work
- TDLR/TAS accessibility confirmation showing the project was submitted to TDLR (required when valuation > $50,000)
- Energy calculation sheet(s) demonstrating compliance with the adopted IECC (COMcheck or IC3 preferred)
- Cover sheet (project ID, occupancy type & use, occupant load, code analysis)
- Approved Site Plan (approved by Engineering as part of the Site Permit)
- Complete plan set:
- structural (floor plans, details, finish schedule, door/window & hardware schedules, interior elevations)
- exterior elevations (materials with % breakdown per elevation)
- mechanical plan (incl. damper type/location if applicable)
- electrical plan (if applicable)
- plumbing plan (if applicable)
- kitchen equipment plan (if applicable)
Building plans can’t be approved until civil (site) plans are approved by Engineering; after approval and the pre-con meeting, fees for the site permit and building permit can be paid and work may begin.
Note: All documents should be submitted on a USB in PDF format.
Step 2: Apply through the Garland permit portal
Create/sign in to Garland permit portal and submit your application, upload plans, and provide valuation. You can also reach the Commercial Building & Construction Permits hub from the City site if you need forms.
Step 3: Plan review and corrections
After you submit, the city reviews your application based on permit type. If revisions are needed, you’ll get a notification in your account with details to address before the review continues.
Note: Non-residential building plans typically take about 14 business days to review, while many smaller permits can be approved on the spot. See the city’s full review timelines here.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once your application is approved, the City will notify you to pay fees. Pay them through your account to receive your permit. Remember, Garland building permit fees are valuation-based and exclude a 25% processing fee due at submittal.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
After issuance, post the permit and schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, final) from your online dashboard. Call 972-205-2300 to schedule the inspection (the line is available 24 hours).
Garland SC permitting resources
- City of Garland Building Inspection Department
- Address: 200 N. Fifth St., Garland, TX 75040
- Phone: 972-205-2300
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
- Email: garland@garlandtx.gov
- Garland SC permits portal
- Fees:
- Plan review response times
- Commercial building & construction permits
- Residential building & construction permits
Simplify permitting in Garland with PermitFlow
Garland’s permitting process can quickly become a bottleneck. Navigating multiple forms, city reviews, and requirements eats up valuable time. Every delay keeps projects off schedule and ties up your team.
PermitFlow takes that friction out of the equation.
Our AI-powered permit platform manages the entire process — from preparing applications to tracking approvals — so you’re never left guessing where things stand. With automated updates, centralized dashboards, and expert support, your team can cut down on wasted hours, reduce costly resubmittals, and keep projects on schedule.
Contractors choose PermitFlow because we deliver:
- Local expertise: We know Garland’s codes and permitting workflows, so your applications move forward without setbacks.
- Centralized control: Manage all your permits in one place with real-time updates.
- Faster approvals: Complete, accurate submissions mean fewer corrections and quicker turnaround.
- Scalable support: Whether you’re managing one project or dozens across the DFW metroplex, PermitFlow keeps your permitting process consistent and reliable.
Don’t let permits hold back your work. Talk to our team today and see how PermitFlow helps you move faster and stay ahead.
