Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing, (MEP) Permits

Email completed applications to:

Permitting Division - bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.us

Electrical Permit

Electrical Permit Application (Permits must be obtained be licensed professional)
Aplicación en español

Mechanical Permit

Mechanical Permit Application (Permits must be obtained be licensed professional)
Aplicación en español

Plumbing Permit

Plumbing Permit Application (Permits must be obtained be licensed professional)
Aplicación en español

Residential Construction

Residential

When do you need a residential permit?

A building permit allows the City of Laredo (COL) to ensure the safety of the work and compliance with zoning (land use), building & construction codes. The City follows the International Residential Code which provide the safety standards of a home. A permit becomes a written authorization issued by COL to construct a project.

Who can submit a residential permit?

The hired contractor for your project typically is the one who pulls out a permit.
The homeowner can pull out a permit but will be considered the contractor for the project.
Please note, permit such as mechanical/air condition, plumbing, electrical, irrigation and mobile home installation are permits acquired by licensed contractor for the respective field.

How long is the residential review/approval?

Building Development Service’s goal is to help process permit as efficiently possible. Ordinance allows up to 21 days. To avoid delays, assure submittal is complete and accurate on all requirements.

What do I do once I receive a permit?

Post your permit! Place permit in front of the home where visible from the street. Typically permits get placed at the front window of the house. A displayed permit allows a Building Inspector to easily locate a property for inspection. It prevents Code Enforcement from giving citations since work without permit is not allowed.

Residential Projects processed through Project Dox/Avolve:

New Home Constructions
New Duplex Structures
New Townhomes

Projects processed though email:

Porches /Palapa / Carport/ Storage
Home Remodel/Additions
Mobile Home Installation
Frame Home Installation
Block Fence
Demolitions
Irrigation

Email completed applications to:

Residential - bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.us

Plan Review Services

Plan Review Services - General Requirements

Building Permit Application

Avolve Residential

Mobile Homes

Residential Irrigation

Residential Block Fence

Completed building permit application
Block fence masonry wall detail form
Masonry Wall Information Sheet Spanish
Site plan (with measurement to all sides) or survey - Required

Residential Demolition

Application
Application in Spanish
Valid ID of owners
Proof of ownership
- Copy of Recorded Deed
- Tax documents of location

Work Exempt from Building permit; Residential

*Note: Some projects may require additional information, e.g. utility layout, irrigation plan, etc. all applications and construction documents must be submitted in pdf format.

Fees

Fees as Per Ordinance No. 2019-O-102 & 2021-O-164

Plan Checking & Building Permit Fees for Residential
Permit Type	Plan Check Fees (To initiate Review)	Building Permit Fees (For Issuance of Permit)
Block Fence	$30.00	$46.00
Reroof	$34.00	$50.00
Residential Swimming Pool	$40.00	$64.00
Open Accessory (e.g. porches, palapas, carports)	$40.00	$64.00
Enclosed Accessory (e.g. detached storage room)	$40.00	$64.00
Remodel / Addition (Up to 1,000 sq. ft.)	$40.00	$64.00
Remodel / Addition (1,001 - 2,000 sq. ft.)	$45.00	$73.00
Remodel/Addition (2,001 sq. ft. or more)	$55.00	$76.00
New Construction Update as per Ord. 2025-O-149	~~^{$0.11 per sq. ft.}~~ $0.28 per sq. ft.	~~$0.16 per sq. ft.~~ $0.40 per sq.ft.
Mobile Home Installation Permit/Frame Home	$12.50	$37.50
Technology Fee	$20.00	-

Commercial Construction

The Building Developmental Services is committed to working with the building community to ensure all structures are built in compliance with the local building code. Our staff works diligently to ensure homes and non-residential structures are built with safety in mind.

The responsibility of the Commercial Plans Approval process is to review construction plans and reports for the proposed improvements of the submitted plans. The importance of the process is to assure the commercial plans meet all local, state, and federal guidelines, codes, and local ordinances. The Engineers and Architects of record representing the Commercial Development are responsible for assuring that all required submittals such as Construction Plans, Reports, and Documents be presented to the Building Commercial Permit Committee (BCPC) for review and approval.

Email completed applications to:

Commercial - bldgcomm@ci.laredo.tx.us

Plan Review Services

Plan Review Services - General Requirements

Building Permit (Commercial)

*Active General Contractor registration is required for permit issuance.

Foundation only permit

Application

Avolve

Portable Office

Irrigation Application (Active Registration required)

Commercial Demolition

Commercial Block Fence

Completed building permit application
Block fence masonry wall detail form
Site plan (with measurements to all sides) or survey - Required
Commercial Masonry Wall-Bock Fence Plan Review Requirements
Commercial Masonry Wall-Block Fence Plan Reviewed Requirements Spanish

Sign Permit (Active Registration required)

Sign Permit Application
Commercial Sign Plan Review Requirements
Review Fees:
- $30 for freestanding sign
- $20 for attached
- $ .55 per square foot for sign permit
Various fees for permit, depending on sign type. See application for more information.

Re-Roof & Cell Towers

Work Exempt from Building Permit; Commercial

Plan Reviewers

Building (956) 794-1625 (option # 3)
bldgcomm@ci.laredo.tx.us
Monica Ashley Montes
Liliana Silva-Hinojosa
Armida Vasquez
Antonio Vilchis

Fire (956) 794-1633

Captain, Joe Arredondo

Mauro Sandoval

Lisa Villareal

Parks & Recreation (956) 729-4610
Elizabeth Carrera

Utilities Water Pollution (956) 721-2007
Sheila G. Serna, Water Pollution

Jose I. Pedraza

Juan Rios

Traffic/Right-of-Way (956) 791-7357
Sinai Castro

Robert Pena

Alberto Quintanilla

Environmental (956) 794-1650
Ivan Santoyo

Engineering (956) 791-7336

Roberto Castro

Peter Salinas

Jesus Reyes

Abel Hernandez

Utilities Engineering (956) 721-2000
Jonathan Guantos

Javier Medina Jr.

Diego Armando Salinas

*When building projects require storm water inspections that will be on easements, connect to City of Laredo drainage or will be on city’s ROW, they should contact our office to coordinate.

For scheduling, please call Martha Liendo at 956-791-7354.

We will then assign an inspector accordingly. If there is an urgent need for an inspector,
customer can also reach out directly to Mr. Juan Medina our city inspector at 956-764-0837.

Business and Certificate of Occupancy Applications

Business Application

Check Status of New Business on AVOLVE
New Business Application Form(for move in ready locations only)
$200 Permit Fee for business inspection
$150 Technology Fee
Fire fee - to be determined*
Process takes about an estimated 2-3 weeks
Business Inspectors phone numbers, you may schedule of follow up inspections once application is processed.
Warehouses are not processed with this application, visit Commercial Construction Tab
Email completed applications to bldgzone@ci.laredo.tx.us
Inspection approvals are required for the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy from the following departments/division:

Building Inspector	Utilities Department	Environmental Department
Health Department	Fire Department	Right-of-Way

Note: Business Application is not for construction/alterations or remodel of the business.

Resources:

Amnesty Certificate of Occupancy

Property owners and/or business owners who have misplaced their Certificate of Occupancy, or for which no records exist with the City of Laredo, can now apply for an Amnesty Certificate of Occupancy.

Property owners must submit:

An application
Notarized affidavit
Proof of historical occupancy, including but not limited to:

1) utility bills

2) property tax records/appraisal cards

3) lease agreements, mortgage records, or state-issued business licenses

4) Other government documentation demonstrating historical use.

Link to open the fillable PDF application and affidavit

Must show proof the structure and/or business has been continuously occupied and or in operation since August 2, 1983.

Food Truck Permit

Food Truck Application
$200 Permit Fee
Fire fee - to be determined*
Process takes about an estimated 2-3 weeks
Email completed applications to bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.us

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)

Application
Estimated processing time 1 to 3 weeks.
Fee $ 200.00 per application (Ordinance 2024-O-107).
Expiration date after issuance (30 days) renewal subject to approval
For the issuance of the TCO, Fire Marshall and Building Official approval are required after application is paid.
Construction must have all Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Rough-in Inspections "Approved".
Construction must have all MEP finals inspections in "Partial" or "Approved" among other fire requirements.
Construction must have all structural inspections approved (Foundation, Insulation, etc.).
Application subject to approval based on completed inspection, among other factors.
Email completed applications to bldgcofo@ci.laredo.tx.us
Issuance of a TCO is not for full operations of the business, as a TCO does not substitute a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
The TCO purpose is to conduct staff trainings on site and or move equipment into the location before completing the final inspections (*subject to approval).

Note: Issuance of final Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Phase permits require a Letter of Completion before the issuance of the CO (Memo).
All Letters of Completion and COs require a Building Final Inspection & a Fire Inspection.

Solar Panel Permit

Important Notice

A Solar Panel permit must be obtained for all installations or alterations of electrical equipment BEFORE WORK STARTS. Refer to Solar Permitting Checklist for additional documents required in the. Failure to provide all required documents, including (1) Site Plan, (2) Electrical Diagram, (3) Specification Sheets and Installation Manuals will delay permit approval. All permits expire six (6) months after date of issuance. Failure to start the work authorized by a permit within this six-month period renders the permit invalid and a new permit must be obtained. Once work begins, noticeable progress must continue until completion. All work must be complete within twelve (12) months of a permit issue date.

Required documents with the Solar PV Permit Application

Site Plan
Electrical Diagram
Specification Sheets and Installation Manuals
[Additional Document – edit or delete as necessary]

Application

Submit Permit Application

E-mail: bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.us

Fee

Non-Refundable Fee $200.00 Commercial & Residential. Ordinance 2024-O-247.

Sample Drawings

The "Building Permit" drawing are examples of what needs to be submitted with a building permit application. The other examples can be used to apply for a block fence, carport, palapa, porch and small additions, simply fill in the details. For questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Contractor Registration

If you would like to do work in the City of Laredo, you have to be registered in our office. Below are the registration forms and requirements for the different types of contractors we register.

Email completed applications to bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.us.

General Contractor

General Contractor Application
$50 Registration fee
Driver's License or Valid ID

Electrical Contractor

Electrical Contractor Application
General Liability
State License
Driver's License or Valid ID
Notarized Affidavit (if done by another party)

Plumbing Contractor

Plumbing Contractor Registration
General Liability
State License
Driver's License or Valid ID
Notarized Affidavit (if done by another party)

Mechanical Contractor

Mechanical Contractor Registration
General Liability
State License
Driver's License or Valid ID
Notarized Affidavit (if done by another party)

Right-of-Way (ROW) Contractor

Right-of-Way (ROW) Contractor Application
Right-of-Way (ROW) Contractor Application Spanish
$50 Registration fee
Liability Insurance
Workman's Comp
Driver's License or Valid ID
Performance (Excavation) Bond of $25,000
Traffic Control Certification

Sign Contractor

Sign Contractor Notarized Application
$100 Registration fee
Liability Insurance
Driver's License or Valid ID

Irrigation Contractor

Irrigation Contractor Application
General Liability
State License
Driver's License or Valid ID
Notarized Affidavit (if done by another party)

Pool Contractor

Pool Contractor Requirements
$50 Registration fee
Liability Insurance
Driver's License or Valid ID
Passed Pool Contractor Exam

Pre-Development Form

PRE-DEVELOPMENT MEETING

The City of Laredo has established a PRE-DEVELOPMENT meeting with all departments involved in the development process in order to provide cursory feedback on a proposed development. The goal of these meetings is to meet early on with developers and business owners and introduce them to all local development regulations. These meetings provide an opportunity for the developer to discuss their proposal with city staff and incorporate their feedback to make the permit application process as smooth as possible. This is not an official project review but a courtesy review with generalized answers.

Schedule

Pre-development meetings are scheduled Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Each meeting is about 1 hour but may last up to 2 hours depending on the complexity of the project.

Availability Dates as Follows:

May – Antonio Vilchis
- May 20
June – Mario Santos
- June 3
- June 17
July – Ashley Montes
- July 1
- July 15
August – Armida Vazquez
- August 5
- August 19
September – Liliana Silva-Vazquez
- September 2
- September 16
October – Antonio Vilchis
- October 7
- October 21
November – Mario Santos
- November 4
- November 18
December – Ashley Montes
- December 2
- December 16

Requesting a Pre-Development Meeting

A Pre-Development meeting can be scheduled by completing the meeting request form with a Non-Refundable Fee of $200.00 for payment online go to https://lare-egov.aspgov.com/Click2GovBP/index.html.

Instructions

To enable us to prepare accurate information and provide reliable service, complete and submit the following Pre-Development Meeting Request. A meeting will be schedule once all required items are submitted. Please note, it is recommended that your design professional(s) attend.

Pre-Development Meeting comments are valid for six (6) months. A new Pre-Development Meeting or approved waiver will be required after six (6) months.

Please review the City ordinances applicable to your project before the meeting. City ordinances, Maps-Guides, etc. are available online, and you can view the Planning & Zoning and Building Development Services web page at cityoflaredo.com.

Application

Questions?

Please Contact us at (956) 794-1625 opt 3 or email us for more information.
Email application to: bldgcomm@ci.laredo.tx.us

Parklet Application, Guidebook & Ordinance

Other Permit Applications

Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit

Right-of-Way (ROW) Permit Application (Must be obtained by registered contractor)
Permit Fees:
- $50 Residential
- $250 Commercial
Fee may be dependent on project scope and details
Email completed applications to colrow@ci.laredo.tx.us

Garage Sale Permit

Garage Sale Application (limit 5 per year)
In person
- A copy of your ID and a utility bill is required
- Money Order or Credit/Debit Card Payments only ($15.00)
Online
- Through our Click2Gov portal, including
- or email completed applications to bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.us.

Vendors Permit

Vendors Permit Application
Aplicación en español
For Six (6) Week Temporary Permit: $100 on own property, $500 otherwise
Season Permit: $200 per year OR $50 per seasonal event; max. four (4) seasonal events per year
Permit Renewal or Relocation: $15 for an additional six period, max. one renewal or relocation per year
Email completed applications to bldgpermits@ci.laredo.tx.u

Requirements for Political Subdivisions Notice for the City of Laredo 11-03-26 Election

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