Garage permit in Richardson, TX
Yes — you need a permit for garage work in Richardson.
Only one-story detached structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses with floor area not exceeding 40 sq ft are exempt; a garage (vehicle storage) does not qualify as a similar use and is not exempt at any size
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Only one-story detached structures used as tool/storage s… |
| Fee | Per Master Fee Schedule (specific amounts not stated in code text) |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | R105.1; R105.2 Building item 1 (as amended by Sec. 6-31) |
| Based on | IRC 2021 as amended by City of Richardson (Ord. No. 4464, § 2, 4-24-23) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Richardson 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.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Richardson'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richardson | — | Yes | Only one-story detached structures used as tool/storage s… |
| Plano | 6 mi | Depends | Over 120 |
| Allen | 10 mi | Yes | Detached accessory structure exemption applies only to sh… |
| Mesquite | 16 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Denton | 30 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Killeen | 144 mi | Yes | Over 20 |
Other work in Richardson
Questions people ask
How much does a garage permit cost in Richardson?
Per Master Fee Schedule (specific amounts not stated in code text). Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Richardson 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.