Deck permit in Waco, TX
It depends — some deck work in Waco needs a permit, some doesn't.
A deck is exempt only if it is 200 sq ft or less, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the dwelling, and does not serve a required exit door. A deck that exceeds any of those limits needs a permit. Waco adopted the 2024 IRC by reference (Sec. 6-26, 6-29) without deleting R105.2, so the model exemption governs.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 sq ft |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC R105.2 |
| Based on | IRC 2024 as adopted (Waco Code sec. 6-26, 6-29) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Waco 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
Waco'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waco | — | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Killeen | 46 mi | Yes | Plan on a building permit to build or replace a deck, att… |
| Round Rock | 77 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| College Station | 86 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Mesquite | 90 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Richardson | 102 mi | Depends | Over 2.5 ft tall |
Other work in Waco
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?
Waco 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.