Frequently Asked Questions

As a homeowner, you are required to obtain the same permits that a contractor would. Depending on the type of project, a permit may be required. If you are questioning whether your project requires a permit and inspections, please contact our office at 972-346-3502.

A hired contractor is required to obtain the permit for work they are performing because they are required to be registered with the Town and are responsible for ensuring the work meets Town ordinance and code requirements.  Always ask to see the permit before work begins.

To find contractors registered with the Town, search via the CSS Portal by contractor type (i.e plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or general contractor), by contacting our office at 972-346-3502 or send a written request via email to permits@prospertx.gov.

• Minor Permits: Five business days
  • Minor Permits include Swimming Pools, Accessories, Signs, Fences, Flatworks, etc.
• Residential Permits: 
  • 1st round: ten business days
  • 2nd round and above: ten business days
  • Residential Permits include New Homes, Residential Remodels, Additions, etc.
• Commercial Permits: 
  • 1st round - twenty business days
  • 2nd round and above - ten business days
  • Commercial Permits: include Stand-alone Buildings, Shell Buildings, Remodels, Tenant Finish Outs, Additions, etc.

Most permits expire 180 days from the date of issuance or the date of your last approved inspection, whichever is most recent.

While your project may be approved by the Town, deed restrictions and HOA covenants should be verified prior to applying for a permit, as they may supersede Town requirements.  The Town does not enforce deed restrictions and/or HOA covenants.

No. The general contractor shall obtain the permit and list the subcontractors (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) that will be working on the jobsite. The subcontractors shall be registered to work in the Town. If a subcontractor is doing work after the main permit (the permit issued to the general contractor) has been finaled, then the subcontractor shall obtain a separate permit.

A permit is not required for decks that do not exceed 200 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door as required by the IRC.

Yes.  For more information, please refer to the Attached/Detached Pergola handouts.

Yes.  All accessory buildings, regardless of square footage, require a permit to ensure they meet the minimum setback requirements and are constructed in a safe manner.

Yes, you will need a Certificate of Occupancy. Questions regarding the Certificate of Occupancy process can be answered by contacting the Building Inspections Department at 972-346-3502. 

Furniture can be moved in, but only after receiving approval from the assigned Building Inspector and the Town Fire Marshall’s Office.

A fence permit shall be obtained from the Building Inspections Division prior to the installation of alterations, additions, or changes measuring more than sixteen linear feet over a period of twelve months, as outlined within the Fence Ordinance (PDF).

Retaining wall requirements are covered under Section R404.4 of the 2021 International Residential Code and 1807.2 of the 2021 International Building Code.

• Retaining walls less than forty-eight (48) inches in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall that are not supporting a surcharge do not require a permit.
• Retaining walls over forty-eight (48) inches in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require a permit and must be designed by a registered design professional.
• Retaining walls up to forty-eight (48) inches in height are not required to be designed by a registered design professional as the most common manufacturers and products used in retaining walls (pave stone for example) have designs and charts available in their technical resources online. If the applicant shows a design using unusual materials that are outside of code (railroad ties or bags of concrete spiked in place, for example), then an engineer-sealed structural letter would be required at time of final inspection.

Yes.  The foundation company performing the work shall be registered with the Town and obtain a permit.  As part of the permit submittal, an original engineer sealed design shall be provided.  At the time of inspection, a second original sealed letter from the engineer shall be provided to verify repairs were performed to engineered specifications.

No. All Town sidewalks (even a section) require a flatwork permit be obtained and inspected prior to pouring concrete.

No.  The contractor is responsible for checking the jobsite and rescheduling the inspection.

Yes. A homeowner can perform their own work with a submitted Homestead Homeowner's Affidavit (PDF) and proof of said homestead exemption.  Please note, as the homeowner you are still required to obtain a permit and list a licensed backflow tester to test the backflow assembly.  The licensed backflow tester shall be registered to perform work in the Town.

A permit is required for the removal or replacement of a unit via a Mechanical Permit. However, when installing a mini split portable unit an electrical permit is required. A permit is not required for the repair or replacement of parts only.  When a permit is required, the contractor shall be registered to work in the Town and obtain a permit prior to performing any work.  All work shall comply with the Town’s adopted codes.

Yes.  A separate flatwork permit shall be obtained and inspected prior to pouring concrete. 

No. The town does not issue Certificates of occupancy to residential properties. Homeowners can request a list of completed inspections from their building contractor. To protect the health and welfare of our residents, the Town does not allow occupancy of a home until all required inspections have been conducted and passed, showing compliance with the Town’s adopted codes and ordinances.

No. The Town does not require for a permit to be obtained, however, flagpole requirements as outlined in the Town's currently adopted Sign Ordinance, shall be observed.  A residential flagpole shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

The Town of Prosper allows banner signs, human signs, and inflatable signs, as outlined in the Town's currently adopted Sign Ordinance. Human signs do not require permits.

Yes.  For more information, please refer to the Banner Sign Requirements and the Inflatable Sign Requirements, as outlined in the Town's currently adopted Sign Ordinance.

A Sign permit shall be submitted a minimum of five business days prior to the anticipated sign installation, however, the permit must be in hand prior to installation.

Wind devices are expressly prohibited within the Town of Prosper, with a few exceptions as outlined in the Town's currently adopted Sign Ordinance.

A Special Event, as defined within the Special Event Ordinance (PDF), is an event or gathering that requires a temporary exception to otherwise applicable rules or requirements.

Yes.  For more information, please refer to the Special Event Packet (PDF).

To provide adequate time for multiple departmental reviews, Special Event permits shall be submitted a minimum of fifteen business days prior to any event intended to accommodate less than 500 persons and a minimum of thirty business days prior to any event intended to accommodate 500 persons or more.

Yes. The inspectors must inspect the electrical and/or plumbing work to ensure it meets the Town’s adopted code requirements. Please refer to the Residential Pool/Spa Handout (PDF) for further information.

Yes. State law requires for the Town to perform inspections of water heater replacements.  If a contractor is performing the work to replace the water heater (gas or electric), the plumber must be registered with the Town, obtain a permit prior to the work being performed, and ensure an approved final inspection from the Town is obtained.  If the permit cannot be obtained before the work is performed due to the permit office being closed (and the work is emergent), a permit must be obtained on the following business day.  If a homeowner is to perform the work, proof of homestead exemption as well as a completed Homestead Homeowner’s Affidavit (PDF) must be provided at time of permit application. The work performed must comply with the Town’s adopted plumbing codes and ordinances.

Pans are required when a water heater is installed in a location where a leak will cause damage.  Where a pan drain was not previously installed, a pan drain shall not be required for a replacement water heater installation (per Section P2801.6.1 of the 2021 IRC).  Due to high and variable water pressure throughout Town, PRVs are required for all new homes.  Most existing homes have PRVs necessitating expansion tanks for storage tank-type water heaters.

Yes. Please note, a permit is required to be obtained prior to installation and certain conditions must be followed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC).

To view a list of permits issued by month, please see the Monthly Permit Report found on the Building Inspections website. If you need further assistance, please email permits@prospertx.gov or give us a call at 972-346-3502.