Got Questions? We Have Answers.

1. Building Repairs, including Roofing and Remodeling Existing Structures
2. Building Additions
3. Accessory Structures
4. Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC Work
5. Fences
6. Signs

Permits can be applied for and paid using the Online Permit Portal.

For information or questions regarding permits, contact the Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371 or via email.

1. Re-roofing or re-siding a structure
2. Building a deck or porch
3. Installing a fireplace, chimney or fire pit
4. Modifying load bearing walls
5. Adding a garage or room addition
6. Building/altering/replacing a carport
7. Replacing a window
8. Performing electrical work
9. Installing plumbing
10. Changing or installing heating or air conditioning
11. Installing a water softener or water heater
12. Installing a swimming pool
13. Building a retaining wall greater than 30 inches in height
14. Building a shed or garage larger than 6 feet in any dimension
15. Building a canopy, arbor, pergola, or gazebo
16. Constructing a fence
17. Replacing or constructing a driveway
18. Installing or replacing an irrigation system
19. Replacing or constructing a sidewalk
20. Installing solar panels
21. Installing a generator

Visit the Residential Guidelines page for more information.

Contact the Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371 or via email to discuss the project before beginning construction.

There are several factors that can delay a permit, including platting, zoning, incomplete submissions, delays in contractor responses and civil engineering requirements.

If you are proposing an addition to a building or new construction, it is important to contact the Planning Department via email or by calling (972) 721-2424 to verify that the property is properly platted and/or zoned for the intended use. Addressing these items early can help avoid potential delays.

It is better to wait until the plat and/or zoning case is scheduled for public hearing because the turnaround time for plan review is only six days for commercial and townhouses, and three days for residential.

The zoning on a specific piece of property can change only through the public hearing process according to state law which allows public participation from the applicant, interested citizens, and public officials.

While a property owner may request a zoning change, the final decision lies with the Irving City Council. Visit the Planning Department's Applications + Forms page to begin the process.

For quick reference purposes, use the Interactive Web map.

1. Type your address in the box at the top left; zoom in on the map if the address is not found.
2. Select the Layers List (three squares stacked on top of each other).
3. Check the box next to "Planning and Zoning" to view the parcel's zoning. By clicking on the map, the zoning information for that parcel should appear in a text box. 
4. "Case Number," "Class" and "Use" are the three pieces of information needed to determine allowable uses for a site.
5. Class indicates the zoning district
6. Case Number can help city staff look up details of the property.
7. Use is a quick reference code for site plan districts.

Other Methods

1. View the Chapter 2 of the Unified Development Code to determine what uses are allowed on a property.
2. Submit a zoning verification request along with a payment of $50 per parcel to receive official verification of a property’s zoning. The request may be submitted by fax, but a verification letter will not be sent until payment has been received.

Call the Planning Department at (972) 721-2424 for assistance.

Yes, if the business meets the definition of a Customary Home Occupation (City of Irving Unified Development Code, Chapter 9, 9.3.49 Customary Home Occupations), generates no unusual traffic, uses no on-site employees and does not create a nuisance for adjoining property owners.

For quick reference purposes, use the Interactive Web Map and zoom into your property.

1. Check the “subdivision” box on the right side of the map and click the “query a point” button on top of the map.
2. Click on your property and scroll to the bottom of the page to see a “Site Report.”
3. Sections visible include zoning, tax and subdivision information. If there is an entry for the row titled “Subdivision Name” then it is likely that your property is platted.
4. To obtain a copy of the plat, note the Subdivision Name and Index Number, and contact the Planning Department via email or call (972) 721-2424.

Zoning regulations pertain to land use and where on a lot a structure may be placed. Actual regulation of the construction process is handled through the Inspections Department.

If you are planning to do any type of construction, demolition, foundation repair, electrical work, mechanical work, plumbing work, irrigation, fences, signs, fire alarms, house moving, carnivals/circuses, swimming pools, gas wells, tree removal, addition to an existing structure, etc., call Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371 to find out if a permit is needed. This number will direct the caller through a series of menus and to the correct member of that team.

The Planning Department maintains standard language for subdivision plats, such as signature blocks, navigation easements, owner’s certificate and standard plat notes.

For more information email the Planning Department or call (972) 721-2424. 

1. For quick reference purposes, look up the zoning for your property by connecting to the interactive Web map.
2. Type your address in the box in the top left side of the screen and hit enter, or zoom into your property if the address is not found.
3. Then look at the symbols on the top right corner of the screen and click on the one that looks like three squares stacked on top of each other. This will open up a "layers list."
4. Check the box next to "Planning and Zoning," and the map should change colors and a zoning label should appear.
5. Also, you may now click on the map, and the zoning information for any given parcel should appear in a text box. 
6. "Case Number," "Class" and "Use" are the three pieces of information you may need to figure out allowable uses for a site. Class indicates the zoning district. Case Number can help city staff look up details of the property if the zone involves any sort of site plan. Use is a quick reference code for site plan districts.
7. If you click the arrow next to the Planning and Zoning layer box, you can see that there are other layers of information that could be shown in the map, such as Overlay Districts.
8. It is easiest to have only one subcategory displayed at a time. Call (972) 721-2424 if you need assistance with this.
9. To find out details about what uses are allowed on your property, please view the Chapter 2 of the Unified Development Code or call the Planning Department at (972) 721-2424.
10. To receive official verification of your property’s zoning, submit a zoning verification request along with a payment of $50 per parcel you are researching. The request may be submitted by fax, but a verification letter will not be sent until payment has been received.

Property zoned for retail sales and meets the separation requirements from schools, churches and hospitals are potentially able to sell beer and wine.

It typically takes five business days or less to receive a zoning verification letter, but may take up to 10 days.

A fee of $50 is required.

Apply through the online application portal.

Requirements vary with each individual zoning district and type of accessory structure.

Chapter 3, Section 3.1 of the Unified Development Code describes some of the regulations, generally building separation, height and setback requirements apply. 

Contact the Planning Department at via email or call (972) 721-2424 for information concerning restrictions on a particular property. 

Property zoned for retail sales and which meets the separation requirements from schools, churches and hospitals are potentially able to sell beer and wine.

Apply for a Zoning Verification Letter through the city's online Permit Portal. A fee of $50 is required.

It typically takes five to 10 business days to receive a zoning verification letter.

The zoning on a specific piece of property can change only through the public hearing process, according to state law which allows public participation from the applicant, interested stakeholders and public officials.

While a property owner may request the zoning of a piece of land be changed, the final decision is made by the Irving City Council.

Learn more at the Applications + Forms page.

To report zoning violations, use the Report a Concern portal or call the City of Irving Code Enforcement Department at (972) 721-4829.

To report zoning violations, contact the City of Irving Code Enforcement Department at (972) 721-4829 or through the Report a Concern portal.

Official and unofficial plats copies can be requested from the Dallas County Clerk's Office.

Copies of subdivision plats can be obtained through the City of Irving Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Department at (972) 721-2768 or via email. Electronic copies are no charge; paper copies are $3 per sheet.

Property Surveys

The city does not have copies of individual property surveys. These typically are found in mortgage or deed records. Property owners can hire a registered surveyor to complete a survey of the property.

If your business meets the definition of a Customary Home Occupation in (Chapter 9, 9.3.49 Customary Home Occupations, of the Unified Development Code, as updated in 2024), generates no unusual traffic, uses no on-site employees and does not create a nuisance for adjoining property owners, then yes.

The definition reads:

Customary home occupation shall mean an occupation customarily carried on inside a residence by an occupant without structural alteration in the building or any of its rooms and without the installation or use of machinery or additional equipment, other than that customary to normal household operation. Additionally, no person other than the occupants of the principal single-family dwelling shall be employed to work in or at such a home occupation. 

The following activities are expressly prohibited as customary home occupations: the physical or medical treatment of persons; electrical shops; plumber shops; and auto related businesses. The following activities are expressly not prohibited as customary home occupations: a Licensed or Registered Child Care Home, or a Listed Family Home licensed with and inspected by the State of Texas. (Ord. 2024-10939)

Additionally, a definition was added in 2024 to clarify Auto Related Businesses (Chapter 9, 9.3.14):

Auto-related business means the sale of more than four (4) vehicles in a twelve (12) month period; vehicle rental or leasing; keeping of vehicle inventory for the purpose of sales, rental, or leasing; or vehicle maintenance, cleaning, repair, or painting.(Ord. 2024-10939)

Requirements vary with each individual zoning district and type of accessory structure.

Chapter 3, Section 3.1 of the Unified Development Code describes some of the regulations - generally building separation, height and setback requirements apply. 

Email the Planning Department or call (972) 721-2424 for information concerning the restrictions on your particular property.

In order to add guest quarters as an accessory structure, you must request a zoning change for site plan zoning allowing the construction of the guest quarters.

The owners of all properties within 200 feet of your site will be notified of your request and be permitted to speak at the City Council public hearing either in support or opposition to your request.

After hearing your request and the concerns of interested parties, City Council will determine whether a guest quarters should be allowed on your property or not.

In order to build a carport that is visible from any public right of way, a resident must request a zoning change for site plan zoning to allow the construction of a carport.

The owners of all properties within 200 feet of your site will be notified of your request and be permitted to speak at the City Council public hearing either in support or opposition to your request.

After hearing your request and the concerns of interested parties, City Council will determine whether a carport should be allowed on your property or not.

If the proposed carport is not visible from the right of way, it must comply with all remaining guidelines from Chapter 3, Section 3.1.8 of the Unified Development Code.

For quick reference purposes, visit the interactive Web map and zoom into your property.

Once zoomed in closely enough, check the “subdivision” box on the right side of the map and click the “query a point” button on top of the map.

Then click on your property and scroll to the bottom of the page. You should see a “site report” with sections indicating zoning, tax and subdivision information among other things.

If there is an entry for the row titled “subdivision name” then it is likely that your property is platted.

If you need to a copy of the plat, write down the Subdivision Name and Index Number to assist the Planning Department in finding a copy of it for you.

Plats are recorded and maintained by the Dallas County Clerk's Office. Official and unofficial copies may be requested from the county.

Copies of subdivision plats may also be obtained through the City of Irving Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Department at (972) 721-2768 or via email. These copies can be delivered electronically at no charge; hard copies can be made at $3 per sheet.

The city does not have copies of individual property surveys. These typically are found in your mortgage or deed records, or you can hire a registered surveyor to complete a survey of your property.

1. Fill out and submit your application form along with the stated number of copies of any site plan or plat, and your nonrefundable application fee.
2. Your request will then be assigned to a city planner or case manager who will guide the application through the rest of the process.
3. The planner will present your case at a multidepartmental Technical Review Committee meeting so that all elements of the city government in charge of providing services or reviewing the design of a property can make comments.
4. Technical Review Committee comments will be sent to you so necessary revisions can be made to the proposal.
5. Once all revisions have been made and the concerns of staff have been addressed, the case will be scheduled for public hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission. All property owners within 200 feet of a zoning case will be notified of your request and be permitted to speak at the public hearing. Residential replats also require public notice to be sent out.
6. The Planning and Zoning Commission will hear your case and make a recommendation of approval or denial of zoning cases for City Council. With plats, the Planning and Zoning Commission has the authority to approve or deny the request.
7. Zoning cases moving forward to City Council’s consideration are identified in a Notice of Public Hearing published in a local newspaper 15 days prior to the public hearing. In addition, the applicant must post signs on the property identifying the nature of the request.
8. If City Council approves a zoning change, then an ordinance is prepared indicating the change in zoning for that property. If City Council denies the zoning change request, then the zoning remains unchanged and the case is considered closed.
9. Typically, a zoning change takes approximately 60 days to process from receipt of application to the final City Council decision. In some cases, the process may take longer.

The Planning Department maintains standard language for subdivision plats, such as signature blocks, navigation easements, owner’s certificate and standard plat notes.

For additional assistance, email the Planning Department or call (972) 721-2424. 

If the proposed carport is not visible from the right-of-way, it must comply with all remaining guidelines from Chapter 3, Section 3.1.8 of the Unified Development Code.

To build a carport that is visible from any public right-of-way, one must request a zoning change.

1. The owners of all properties within 200 feet of your site will be notified of your request and be permitted to speak at the City Council public hearing either in support or opposition to your request.
2. After hearing your request and from interested parties, Irving City Council will determine whether the carport will be allowed.

These structures are considered accessory buildings. The City of Irving requires that all “accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall be securely affixed to the ground in a manner that will resist movement from storms or vandalism. All accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall meet the setback requirements.”

The City of Irving does not require a building permit for an accessory building that is 6 feet in any dimension or less; however, in those instances the buildings will still need to meet the setback requirements of the City of Irving Unified Development Code.

For accessory buildings of more than 6 feet in any dimension, a building permit is required. The City’s building inspectors will inspect the structure to ensure that it is securely anchored and installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.