Lubbock Building and Trade Permit Guide

Whether it’s a new medical complex rising near Texas Tech or a simple HVAC swap in West Lubbock, every project starts with one essential step: securing the right building permit. In Lubbock, Texas, the Building Safety Department scrutinizes plans for framing, wiring, plumbing, and more to ensure code compliance and prevent costly do-overs.

Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of which permits apply to your scope of work, the fees involved, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal — so you stay ahead of inspections, not blindsided by them.

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What requires a building permit in Lubbock?

Lubbock building permits are required for most residential and commercial construction projects, including:

• New structures, additions, demolitions
• Structural repairs or wall/roof changes
• Plumbing, HVAC, electrical installations
• Change of use or occupancy status

Note: The owner-occupant or a licensed contractor must obtain permits for structural or trade work. Non-resident homeowners may only apply for structural permits.

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What doesn’t require a building permit?

Minor repairs or cosmetic upgrades typically don’t require a permit, including:

• Cosmetic or non-structural repairs
• Minor roof/shingle work
• Small fence and accessory work

If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, check with the city or use the Lubbock permitting portal.

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Lubbock building permit cost

Lubbock building permit cost depends on the type, size, and valuation of your project. Here’s what to expect:

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Residential fees

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Commercial fees

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Additional fees

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To get more information on your specific case, refer to the city’s building permit fee schedule page.

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Lubbock trade permits

Plumbing permits

Any work involving drainage, potable water lines, water heaters, or sewer connections requires a Lubbock plumbing permit. Only licensed plumbers may apply.

Plumbing permit fees

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Electrical permits

Projects that require new wiring, panels, generator installs, or lighting must have a licensed contractor pull an electrical permit.

Electrical permit fees

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HVAC permits

Heating and air conditioning system installations, such as ductless systems and duct modifications, also require permits.

HVAC permit fees

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Roofing permits

If you’re replacing more than a certain percentage of the roof or working on the roof structure or decking, a permit is required. Simple shingle overlays might be exempt.

Roofing permit fees

Roof replacements (re-roofing) are treated like building permits. Fees vary by valuation or are 200% standard rate if started pre-permit.

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Fence permits

A fence permit may be required if:

• Fence height exceeds 6 feet
• The property lies within a regulated zone (e.g., historic or floodplain)
• The fence affects public rights-of-way

Fence permit fees

Fences generally fall under “All Others” in same-fee structure:

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Let PermitFlow handle the permitting paperwork so you can focus on the project. Learn how.

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How long do building permits last in Lubbock?

A Lubbock building permit remains valid if work begins within 180 days of permit issuance. Construction must begin within this timeframe, and the permit can expire if work stops for more than 6 months.

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How to get a building permit in Lubbock

Step 1: Prepare your documents

For commercial projects:

• Filled out Commercial Building Permit Application
• Full set of construction drawings (digital PDF):
  
  • Cover sheet with code study (heights, areas, construction type, occupancy, and fire/isolation design)
  • Scaled site plan showing property lines, easements, utilities, parking, etc.
  • Foundation plans with dimensions, soil data, reinforcing details, elevations
  • Structural framing plans and details (including truss or steel drawings)
  • Building elevations (indicating window/door placement, floor heights)
  • Roof plans (with equipment and venting layout)
  • Structural sections/details (fire-rated assemblies, cross-sections)
  • Electrical plans (fixtures, outlets, panel capacity, load analysis)
  • Environmental Health Supplement (e.g., for food service, pools, tattoo parlors)
• Texas One-Call verification before excavation (call 1-800-344-8377, or 1-800-DIG-TESS, 2 days prior to any excavation).

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For residential projects:

• Completed Residential Permit Application
• Survey Certificate (by licensed surveyor); plus Elevation Certificate if in a flood zone
• Detailed construction documents:
  
  • Floor plans (wall bracing, room layout, electrical/plumbing info)
  • Foundation plan & reinforcement details
  • Elevations (windows, doors, finished heights)
  • Wall sections (fire-resistance ratings where required)
  • Proof of Energy Code compliance (e.g., ResCheck report)
• Deferred submittals (e.g., engineered truss layouts)
• Irrigation supplement and storm shelter supplement, if applicable

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Step 2: Apply for the permit

• Create or log in to your account on the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal
• Select your permit type
• Fill out the online application
• Upload the required documents as identified in Step 1

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Step 3: Plan review

Your submission enters the plan review queue and remains pending until all review fees are paid. Commercial projects may undergo site-plan review first, especially for new buildings or major additions.

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Step 4: Pay permit fees

Once all required plan review fees are paid via the portal, formal review begins, which also means that at this stage, you have to pay fees based on your project type.

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Step 5: Post your permit and schedule inspections

After approval, your digital permit is issued. Physical posting is required as per local regulations. You should also schedule inspections by calling (806) 775‑3159 (inspector line, credit‑card payments accepted online) or via the portal if pre‑paid.

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Lubbock permitting resources

• City of Lubbock Building Safety Department:
  
  • Address: 1314 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401
  • Phone: (806) 775-2087
  • Building Safety Services
  • Permitting Portal
• Applications:
  
  • Commercial Building Permit Application
  • Residential Permit Application
• Useful pages:
  
  • Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal
  • Building permit fee schedule

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Construction professionals use PermitFlow because we offer:

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Stop letting permits slow you down. Contact PermitFlow today to make your next project run smoother and faster.