Skip to main content

What is the purpose of a building permit?

A permit provides a property owner protection and assurance.  Inspections can expose issues, including building code violations or safety hazards.  Having an inspection to approve your project is the best way to ensure that it was completed properly and is up to industry standards for safety and quality.  This is beneficial because you will discover and avoid an issue before it becomes major or costly.  Having the necessary permit could also be useful during a homeowners insurance claim.

Permitting is also important for resale and/or home values.  If you are adding an addition or finishing the basement or attic, you are adding square footage to your home.  If repairs or improvements have not been permitted  and documented properly, concerns could arise during the sale or refinance of your home.

When is a building permit required?

This is not an exhaustive list, so please contact us before beginning work on your project if you have any questions.

  • Additions and structural modifications: For example, changing, moving or repairing walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, deck or patio cover, adding or modifying fencing, garage conversions
  • Demolitions
  • Electrical, mechanical or plumbing work, including replacing water heaters or adding a lawn sprinkler system
  • Adding or removing an accessory building
  • Roofs
  • Generators
  • Solar
  • New commercial, commercial remodel, commercial additions or modifications to existing buildings and or commercial property

When are building permits not required?

Please contact us before beginning work on your project if you have any questions.

Residential & Commercial Building Permits

Before a building permit will be issued, all plans and documents related to the permit application must be submitted to the City of Van Alstyne and all applicable fees paid to the City. All new construction, alterations or additions require a building permit. All applications must be legible and completely filled out, dated, signed by the builder and the builders MEP contractors. Verified address with lot, block, subdivision and phase is required on all applications.  Where circumstances of a particular job differ from these procedures, the decision of the Building Department will prevail.

All Contractors performing work within the City of Van Alstyne’s jurisdiction must be registered with the City.

Please note, commercial building permits include multifamily developments and permits.

Residential Plan Review and Inspection Information

Submit all required documents with the permit application to permits@cityofvanalstyne.us. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for the initial plan review. If additional information is required to complete the plan review, the plans examiner will contact you directly.

The City of Van Alstyne contracts with an outside consultant for building plan review and inspections. Please contact Bureau Veritas to request inspection(s). Inspections requested by 3:00pm Monday - Friday will be performed the next business day. You may contact City Hall to check on the status of your permit at 903.482.5426.

Most Building/Fire plan review and permit fees are based on the value of the work being done while others may be based on square footage or trade. All fees can be found in the fee schedule https://cityofvanalstyne.us/Feeschedule. For exact fees please contact City Hal at 903-482-5426.

PERMIT FEES MAY BE PAID ONLINE AS WELL AS VIA PHONE OR IN THE OFFICE:
*PLEASE DO NOT USE THE LINK TO PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL*

Inspections

Bureau Veritas Contact Information:

To request an inspection, call the inspection line:
817-335:8111 or 972-980-8401 / toll-free: 877-837-8775
FAX requests to: 817-335-8110 or 972-980-8400 / toll-free: 877-837-8859

- To request an inspection performed by the city inspector send an email to inspections@cityofvanalstyne.us.
- To request an inspection performed by Bureau Veritas call 817-335-8111 or email inspectionstx@bureauveritas.com


View Forms & Permits

Building Codes

All Federal, State and local requirements are applicable to projects constructed within the City’s jurisdiction whether specifically listed herein or not. The City of Van Alstyne, Texas, has adopted the following codes and North Texas Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) regional amendments regulating building construction.

  • 2015 International Building Code | 2015 International Building Code, Reg. Amend. Option B
  • 2015 Existing Building Code |  2015 Existing Building Code, Reg. Amend.
  • 2015 International Residential Code |  2015 International Residential Code, Reg. Amend.
  • 2015 International Fire Code* |  2015 International Fire Code, Reg. Amend.*
  • 2015 International Plumbing Code |  2015 International Plumbing Code
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code | 2015 International Mechanical Code
  • 2015 International Energy Conservation Code | 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2014 National Electrical Code |  2014 National Electrical Code
  • 2015 International Fire Gas Code | 2015 International Fire Gas Code

Construction or building without a permit is subject to a fine. Whenever any work for which a permit is required has been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit will be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by code. The minimum investigation fee shall be the same as the permit fee set forth in the fee schedule of the appropriate ordinance respective of the trade involved.


Effective October 1, 2026, we will be operating under the 2021 codes.  Here is a handy list:

• International Building Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Building Code – Regional Amendments

• International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Energy Conservation Code – Regional Amendments

• International Existing Building Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Existing Building Code – Regional Amendments

• International Fire Code & Appendices B, D, & L, 2021 edition | 2021 International Fire Code – Regional Amendments, Option B

• International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Fuel Gas Code – Regional Amendments

• International Mechanical Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Mechanical Code – Regional Amendments

• International Plumbing Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Plumbing Code – Regional Amendments

• International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Property Maintenance – Regional Amendments

• International Residential Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Residential Code – Regional Amendments

• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 edition | 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code – Regional Amendments

• National Electrical Code, 2020 edition | 2020 National Electrical Code – Regional Amendments


Section Tools

Hello

What is a Passkey?
Imagine signing into your account as easily as unlocking your phone—no more worrying about remembering or typing a password. A passkey is a secure digital key that uses the safety features in your device to keep your account protected. It’s designed to be both simple to use and highly secure.
Ready to experience a simpler, safer sign-in? Click the button above to create your passkey now.



Clicky

Sign Up for Notifications!

Do not show again
Fill out the following fields.

Activate notifications by clicking or tapping on the verification messages we send. Completing the verification process confirms your consent. Notification categories can be edited later from an email message footer or by replying MENU to a text message.