Visit the city website, register as a user and apply for a permit.  

  1. If you are a new user to the portal system, you must first REGISTER A NEW ACCOUNT on the Sign In page. Utilize an email account and password that anyone, who applies for permits in your business, can use. Activate the link sent to your email account.  (If you have an account, simply Sign In.)
  2. If you are a contractor, go to City of Schertz Web Portal Home > Sign In > REGISTER A CONTRACTOR. Register your business here.  If you are a General Contractor, you will need to upload a Certificate of Insurance and ensure the City of Schertz at 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz TX 78154 is listed as a Certificate Holder.  All other contractors must provide their state license numbers to be validated with the appropriate issuers. (If you are a homesteaded homeowner doing your own work, you do not need to register as a contractor.)  You may immediately apply for a permit.
  3. Go back to City of Schertz Web Portal Home > Building Department > APPLY FOR A PERMIT. Provide as many details as possible, check all boxes that apply and upload all supporting documents/submittals.
Yes, all Contractors doing business in the City of Schertz are required to register through the Portal. 
No fee is required to register as a contractor.

Yes, if you’re homesteaded in your home (own and occupy, as recorded with the county) you may apply for a permit and do your own work. By obtaining your own permit, you are then fully responsible for the work being done under that permit and all the associated code requirements, including inspections.

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change occupancy of a building or structure within the City of Schertz. Please see Building Permits, Inspections & Contractor Registration for flyers and more details or call the Planning and Community Development office at 210.619.1750.

  1. Plumbing – replacing water heater or water softener; underground and internal piping repair or replacement or modification to the existing plumbing system. When plumbing work is performed in an emergency, a permit application must be submitted and obtained, the following business day.
  2. Electrical - installation or alteration of any permanent wiring or electrical device; run additional wiring, installation of a new electrical outlet/receptacle or light fixture or to convert from a fuse to a circuit breaker; repair or replacement of electrical service to a structure where the meter is located (The City must inspect any electrical work that requires a reconnection by GVEC, CPS or NBU); when electrical work is performed in an emergency, a permit application must be submitted and obtained, the following business day.
  3. Building – replacing or installing roof coverings; solar panels; exterior doors and windows; pools and spas; patios, driveways, concrete slabs; patio covers, carports and gazebos; sheds (over 120 sq ft) and accessory structures; remodels that includes structural work; additions; foundation repair; demolition; fences of different material, height and/or location
  4. Mechanical – replacing or installation of air conditioning and heating units and ducting. When mechanical work is performed in an emergency, a permit application must be submitted and obtained, the following business day.
  5. Irrigation – Replacement of backflow devices; installation of new irrigation system
Yes, you may pay for your permit through the City of Schertz Web Portal. Sign In > go to MY ITEMS > My Building Permit Applications > choose the appropriate permit number or address > utilize the PAY FEES button. You may pay your fees online with any credit card, with the exception of American Express. If using American Express, please call the Planning and Community Development office at 210.619.1750 to make your payment by phone.

Yes, inspections are required with every permit. Inspections are the responsibility of the permit holder (contractor or homeowner that the permit is issued to) to schedule through the online portal.  To schedule an inspection through the online portal go to the City of Schertz Web Portal, Sign In > go to MY ITEMS > My Building Permit Applications > choose the appropriate permit number or address > utilize the SCHEDULE INSPECTION button.   Choose the date of your inspection, add any notes for the inspector (contact person, phone number, etc.) and submit.  Ensure you are scheduling all necessary inspections, as they are all required to close out/complete the permit. Permits that have completed all their required inspections will receive a Certificate of Completion which is something you want to keep with your house records, for future proof of improvements to standard/Code

The adopted building codes can be be found on the City of Schertz Building Permits webpage, Code of Ordinances online or to go to directly to Chapter 18 - Buildings and Building Regulations. 

For further questions, call the Planning and Community Development office at 210.619.1750 and speak to an inspector.

If you live in a flood plain and are making improvements to your home, you will need to submit a materials list (meeting FEMA requirements) and a copy of a signed contract listing the cost of construction.

Yes, if your shed is over 120 square feet, a permit is required. In addition, if the shed will be on a permanent foundation, a foundation/flatwork permit will, also, be required. Please note, if the shed is not constructed per the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), engineered specifications may be required, as well. If your shed is 120 square feet and under, you do not need a permit. However, all shed’s must comply with the accessory building setback requirements, 5’ from the property line in a side yard and 3’ from the property line in the back yard.
You can find more information on the requirements for permitting of your home improvement projects on our Citizen Permit Information page or you can call the Planning and Community Development office at 210.619.1750 to discuss your plans with building department team member.
A list of work exempt from permitting can be found on the city website under Building, Inspections & Registration.