Residential Permit Guidelines

Building Inspections Graphic of a House
  1. Accessory buildings: A building permit is required for detached accessory buildings 120 square feet or larger.  Detached accessory buildings less than 120 square feet are subject to some regulations, but do not require a building permit. Any structure that is going to be attached to the house (main building) requires a building permit. See the Town’s Accessory Building Information Packet for additional information.
  2. Wood decks, concrete patios, and other flatwork: A permit is required prior to construction of any wood deck. Flatwork/concrete that is not structural, not attached to a driveway or house foundation, and not in the right-of-way (public sidewalks), does not require a building permit. Please contact the Building Inspections Department with questions regarding your specific project at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  3. Patio covers, arbors, porches, and awnings: A building permit is required before construction of a shade structure. See the Town’s Shade Structure Requirements for more information.
  4. Swimming pools and spas: An in-ground, or an above-ground swimming pool that is more than 24-inches deep needs a permit prior to construction/installation. Hot tubs and spas also require a permit. View the Pool Information Packet for more information.
  5. Fences: A permit is required to repair or replace a fence, unless you are only replacing pickets of the same height and material. You can find out more information about fence requirements in our Fence Information Packet. For questions regarding screening walls or retaining walls, please contact Building Inspections at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  6. Walls:  A permit is also required for screening walls and any retaining wall that is over 4-feet tall, including the footing. For questions regarding screening walls or retaining walls, please contact Building Inspections at 972.874.6355 or via email.  Note: Sometimes an unintended consequence of installing landscaping/landscape borders can be an alteration to the positive flow of drainage. This can be especially true when landscaping is installed along or near property lines. If you have any questions regarding the drainage of your property, please contact the Town's Engineering Department at 972-874-6315.
  7. Solar panels: A permit is required for the installation of solar panels. Please contact the Building Inspections Department with questions regarding your specific project at 972-874-6355 or via email.
  8. Mechanical work: Mechanical work such as installing heating and air conditioning units, relocation or installation of new duct work, or installation of new exhaust fans requires a permit. Contractors performing this work must be licensed through the State of Texas and registered with the Town of Flower Mound. View the online list of registered contractors.
  9. Plumbing: Plumbing, including water heaters, water and sewer line repairs, and more, requires a permit. Contractors performing this work must be licensed through the State of Texas and registered with the Town of Flower Mound. View the online list of registered contractors.
  10. Electrical work: Electrical work such as electric panel upgrades, relocation or installation of new outlets or fixtures, or installation of a generator requires a permit. Contractors performing this work must be licensed through the State of Texas and registered with the Town of Flower Mound. View the online list of registered contractors.
  11. Window/Door replacements: The replacement of exterior doors and windows requires a permit. Replacement doors and windows are required to meet the Town’s most currently adopted energy code. Please contact the Building Inspections Department with questions regarding your specific project at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  12. Roof replacement: To have your roof replaced, the homeowner must obtain a permit and roof replacement or recovering must comply with the Town’s currently adopted codes. Please contact the Building Inspections Department with questions regarding your specific project at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  13. Irrigation systems: An irrigation system must be designed and installed by a State-licensed irrigator. Prior to installation a permit for the system must be obtained from Building Inspections. For more information about irrigations systems please refer to the Irrigation Information Packet.
  14. Sidewalks: A permit must be obtained for the installation, extension, repair, or replacement of any public sidewalk. Please contact the Building Inspections Department with questions regarding your specific project at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  15. Driveways: A permit must be obtained for the installation, extension, repair, or replacement of any driveway or public sidewalk. Please contact the Building Inspections Department with questions regarding your specific project at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  16. Foundation repair: A homeowner must obtain a permit from Building Inspections to have their foundation repaired and the work must be designed by a State-licensed engineer. For questions regarding foundation repairs, please contact Building Inspections at 972.874.6355 or via email.
  17. Outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or fire feature: Prior to the installation of any outdoor fireplace, fire pit, other fire feature, or outdoor appliance, a homeowner must obtain a permit from Building Inspections. Please see the Fireplace/Fire pit/Outdoor Appliance Requirements for more information.
  18. Carport: A building permit is required for any carport larger than 120 square feet. When a carport is designed to be entered from the rear or side of the lot, the carport must be setback a minimum of 20 feet from that street or alley. Carports cannot be located closer to the front property line than the main structure or the required front setback, whichever is greater. See the Town’s Accessory Building Packet for more information.
Follow Your Permit

Check out the video below to learn how to follow your permit