Deck permit in Midland, TX
It depends — some deck work in Midland needs a permit, some doesn't.
A small ground-level deck is exempt: it must be no more than 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the dwelling, and must not serve the required exit door. If your deck is larger than 200 square feet, higher than 30 inches, attached to the house, or serves an exit door, you need a building permit. Midland left this IRC exemption (Building subsection 10) unchanged.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 sq ft |
| Fee | The code does not print a dollar amount; fees are set in the current adopted Fee Schedule (R108.2). |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC R105.2 (Building, decks item) |
| Based on | 2018 IRC as adopted by City of Midland (Sec. 4-11-2) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Midland building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Midland's code doesn't set a specific fine for this work. In practice the department can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work tends to surface during a sale, when the buyer's inspector or the title company asks for it.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midland | — | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Abilene | 142 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Killeen | 266 mi | Yes | Plan on a building permit to build or replace a deck, att… |
| San Antonio | 277 mi | Depends | Over 300 sq ft |
| Round Rock | 282 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| New Braunfels | 286 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
Other work in Midland
Questions people ask
My deck is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Midland can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.