Do I need a permit to build a deck in College Station, TX?

Yes. In College Station, any deck attached to your home or elevated more than 30 inches above grade requires a building permit. You will need to submit a site plan showing the deck's dimensions, its distance from all property lines, and any existing structures on the lot. The site plan must demonstrate that the deck complies with setback requirements for your zoning district. For standard single-family residential zones, the rear setback is typically 20 feet and side setbacks are 7.5 feet. Permit applications are submitted through the City of College Station's Planning and Development Services online portal. Fees vary by project valuation. Building a deck without a permit can result in a stop-work order, fines, and a requirement to remove or bring the structure into compliance at your own expense.

How long does it take to get a building permit approved in College Station?

For straightforward residential projects in College Station, plan review typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date a complete application is submitted. This timeline applies to common projects like decks, sheds, pools, and minor additions. More complex projects, such as accessory dwelling units, room additions with structural changes, or any project in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, may take longer due to additional review requirements. If the city issues a comment letter requesting revisions to your site plan or construction documents, the clock resets once you resubmit. Submitting a complete, accurate application with a properly drawn site plan is the single best way to avoid delays in the College Station permit review process.

What needs to be on a residential site plan in College Station?

A residential site plan submitted to the City of College Station's Planning and Development Services department should include the following: the lot's legal description and address, a north arrow and graphic scale, lot dimensions and total lot area, the location and footprint of all existing structures, the location and footprint of the proposed improvement, all setback dimensions from the proposed structure to each property line, the location of utility easements, driveway and sidewalk locations, and impervious surface calculations. For projects near floodplains, a FEMA flood zone notation and finished floor elevation may also be required. The drawing must be legible and to scale. Missing any of these elements is one of the most common reasons College Station permit applications are sent back for revision.

Can I draw my own site plan in College Station, or do I need a licensed surveyor?

For most standard residential permit applications in College Station, you are not required to hire a licensed surveyor or engineer to prepare the site plan. Homeowners and contractors can draw their own site plans as long as the drawing is accurate, to scale, and includes all required information such as lot dimensions, setbacks, structure footprints, and easements. However, your site plan must be based on accurate lot dimensions, which you can typically obtain from your property deed, a previous survey, or the Brazos County Appraisal District records. For complex projects, ADUs, or any work in a floodplain, the city may require a licensed surveyor's plat or an engineer's stamp. Tools like Site Plan Creator can help you produce a professional, compliant drawing without specialized drafting software.

What are the setback requirements for a residential property in College Station?

Setback requirements in College Station vary by zoning district, but for standard single-family residential (RS) zones, typical setbacks are 25 feet from the front property line, 7.5 feet from each side property line, and 20 feet from the rear property line. Corner lots have additional setback requirements on the street-facing side. Accessory structures such as sheds and detached garages generally must maintain a 7.5-foot setback from side and rear property lines, though smaller structures may qualify for reduced setbacks in some cases. Always verify your specific parcel's setback requirements by consulting the City of College Station Unified Development Ordinance or contacting Planning and Development Services directly, as overlay districts and planned unit developments may have different rules.

Do I need a permit to install a fence in College Station, TX?

In College Station, fences that exceed 6 feet in height require a building permit. Fences at or below 6 feet generally do not require a permit, but they must still comply with the city's Unified Development Ordinance regarding placement. Front yard fences are subject to height and visibility triangle restrictions, particularly near intersections where sight lines must be maintained for traffic safety. Fences cannot be placed within utility easements without written permission from the relevant utility provider. Even if a permit is not required for your fence, it is a good idea to confirm your property line locations before installation to avoid encroaching on a neighbor's property or a public right-of-way. Contact College Station Planning and Development Services if you have questions about specific fence placement rules.

What are the rules for building an ADU in College Station, TX?

College Station has updated its Unified Development Ordinance in recent years to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in certain residential zoning districts. ADUs, sometimes called secondary dwelling units or garage apartments, are allowed on lots that meet minimum size requirements and where the primary structure is owner-occupied in some districts. The ADU must comply with setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and maximum square footage restrictions. A building permit and site plan are required, and the site plan must show the ADU's footprint, its distance from all property lines, parking provisions, and utility connections. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. Because ADU rules have evolved and vary by zoning district, homeowners should contact the City of College Station Planning and Development Services department to confirm current requirements before designing their project.

What happens if I build without a permit in College Station?

Building without a required permit in College Station is a violation of the city's adopted building codes and can carry serious consequences. If unpermitted work is discovered, the city can issue a stop-work order requiring all construction to halt immediately. You may be required to obtain a retroactive permit, which often involves opening walls or exposing structural elements so inspectors can verify compliance, significantly increasing your costs. The city can also impose fines for each day the violation continues. In some cases, structures that cannot be brought into compliance must be demolished at the property owner's expense. Unpermitted work can also create problems when you sell your home, as it may be flagged during a buyer's inspection or title search. It is always less expensive and less stressful to pull the permit first.

Does College Station have floodplain restrictions that affect my building permit?

Yes. Parts of College Station fall within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), particularly near drainage corridors such as Lick Creek, Bee Creek, and their tributaries. If your property is in or near a floodplain, your permit application will require additional review by the city's floodplain administrator. You may need to provide an Elevation Certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor, and any new construction or substantial improvements must meet FEMA and local floodplain management standards, including minimum finished floor elevation requirements. Impervious surface additions in floodplain areas may face stricter limits. You can check your property's flood zone status using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Failing to account for floodplain requirements is a common reason permit applications in College Station are delayed or rejected.

How much does a residential building permit cost in College Station?

Permit fees in College Station are based on the type of project and its estimated construction valuation. For minor projects such as small sheds or simple fence permits, fees may start around $50 to $75. For larger projects such as room additions, swimming pools, or accessory dwelling units, fees are calculated as a percentage of the project's declared construction value and can range from $150 to several hundred dollars or more. There may also be separate plan review fees, inspection fees, and, for some projects, impact fees. The City of College Station's Planning and Development Services department publishes a fee schedule on its website, and staff can provide an estimate when you describe your project. Paying the correct fee upfront avoids delays in processing your application.

Site Plan Requirements in College Station, TX (Permit Guide)

By Site Plan Creator Team • June 12, 2026

College Station, Texas homeowners need a residential site plan for most structural improvements, from backyard decks to accessory dwelling units. This guide covers local permit triggers, setback rules, submission steps, and what to expect from the City of College Station's plan review process.

Site plan requirements for residential properties in College Station, Texas

Residential Site Plans in College Station, TX: What Homeowners Need to Know

College Station is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, driven by its role as home to Texas A&M University and a booming residential development market. Whether you are adding a covered patio in Southwood Valley, converting a garage near the Texas A&M campus, or building a new accessory dwelling unit in a newer subdivision off William D. Fitch Parkway, understanding the City of College Station's site plan and permit requirements is essential before breaking ground. Skipping this step can result in costly stop-work orders, fines, or even mandatory demolition of unpermitted structures.

What Is a Residential Site Plan and Why Does College Station Require One?

A residential site plan is a scaled, bird's-eye drawing of your property that shows the lot boundaries, existing structures, proposed improvements, setbacks, easements, driveways, and utility connections. The City of College Station requires site plans as part of most residential building permit applications to verify that proposed construction complies with local zoning ordinances, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and adopted building codes.

College Station has adopted the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and related codes as amended by the city. These codes, along with the city's UDO, govern everything from structural requirements to impervious surface limits. The City of College Station Planning and Development Services department oversees permit applications and plan review.

Residential Permit Triggers in College Station

Not every backyard project requires a permit, but most structural improvements do. Here are the most common residential permit triggers in College Station:

Decks and Patios: Any deck attached to the home or elevated more than 30 inches above grade requires a building permit and a site plan showing setbacks and dimensions.
Sheds and Accessory Structures: Detached structures larger than 120 square feet require a permit. Smaller sheds may still need to comply with setback rules even without a full permit.
Swimming Pools and Spas: In-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a permit, a site plan, and compliance with barrier/fencing requirements under the IRC.
Fences: Fences over 6 feet in height require a permit in College Station. Fences in front yards or within visibility triangles near intersections have additional restrictions.
Room Additions: Any addition to a home's living space requires a full building permit, structural plans, and a site plan showing the addition's footprint relative to lot lines.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): College Station has updated its UDO in recent years to allow ADUs in certain residential zoning districts. A site plan is required, and the ADU must meet setback, lot coverage, and utility connection requirements.
Driveways and Impervious Cover: New driveways or significant expansions may trigger a permit, particularly where impervious surface limits apply in floodplain-adjacent areas.
Carports and Garage Conversions: Attached carports and conversions of existing garages into living space require permits and updated site plans.

Local Zoning Quirks and Notable Considerations

College Station's rapid growth has produced a diverse mix of zoning districts, and the city's UDO is detailed. A few considerations that often catch homeowners off guard:

Floodplain Zones: Parts of College Station, particularly near Lick Creek, Bee Creek, and other drainage corridors, fall within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Construction in these areas requires additional review and may require an Elevation Certificate. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to determine your flood zone status before planning any project.
Impervious Surface Limits: College Station's UDO caps impervious cover (driveways, patios, roofs, etc.) at specified percentages depending on the zoning district, typically 70-80% for single-family residential lots. Exceeding these limits requires special review.
HOA Restrictions: Many College Station neighborhoods, especially newer master-planned communities, have homeowners association (HOA) rules that are stricter than city requirements. Always check with your HOA before submitting a city permit application.
Tree Preservation: College Station has tree preservation provisions that may require mitigation or replacement if significant trees are removed as part of a construction project.
Historic and Overlay Districts: Certain areas near the original city core may have overlay zoning that adds design or material requirements.

Typical Setback Requirements in College Station

Setbacks define how close a structure can be built to a property line. In College Station's standard single-family residential (RS) districts, typical setback ranges include:

Front Setback: 25 feet from the front property line
Side Setback: 7.5 feet on each side (may vary for corner lots)
Rear Setback: 20 feet from the rear property line
Accessory Structure Side/Rear Setback: 7.5 feet, though some smaller accessory structures may qualify for reduced setbacks

These figures can vary significantly by zoning district. Always verify the specific setback requirements for your parcel by checking the UDO or contacting the Planning and Development Services department directly.

The College Station Permit Submission Process

College Station has made significant investments in its online permitting infrastructure. Here is what to expect:

Determine Your Zoning and Requirements: Use the city's GIS portal or contact Planning and Development Services to confirm your zoning district, applicable setbacks, and whether your project requires a site plan.
Prepare Your Site Plan: Draw or generate a scaled site plan showing lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed improvements, setbacks, easements, and utility locations. Tools like Site Plan Creator can help you produce a professional, to-scale drawing quickly.
Submit Your Application Online: College Station accepts permit applications through its online portal at the Planning and Development Services website. You will upload your site plan, construction drawings, and any supporting documents.
Pay Permit Fees: Fees are based on the type and valuation of the project. Residential permit fees in College Station typically range from $50 for minor projects to several hundred dollars for additions and ADUs.
Plan Review: Residential plan review in College Station typically takes 5-10 business days for straightforward projects. More complex projects, or those requiring floodplain review, may take longer. The city may issue comments requesting revisions.
Permit Issuance and Inspections: Once approved, your permit is issued and you may begin construction. Required inspections (foundation, framing, final, etc.) must be scheduled through the city's inspection request system.

For authoritative code guidance, the International Code Council (ICC) publishes the model codes that College Station has adopted.

Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected

Plan reviewers in College Station frequently flag the following issues:

Site plan not drawn to scale or missing a north arrow and scale bar
Missing or incorrect setback dimensions
Proposed structure encroaches on a utility easement
Impervious surface calculations not included or exceeding UDO limits
Floodplain encroachment not addressed
Incomplete project description or missing contractor information
Site plan does not match the construction drawings submitted

Addressing these issues before submission dramatically reduces back-and-forth with reviewers and speeds up approval.

Get Your College Station Site Plan Right the First Time

Preparing a compliant, professional site plan does not have to be complicated. Site Plan Creator makes it easy for College Station homeowners and contractors to generate accurate, to-scale residential site plans that meet local plan review standards. Whether you are adding a deck in Pebble Creek, building an ADU near Harvey Road, or putting in a pool in Edelweiss Estates, start with a site plan that gives your project the best chance of a first-pass approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a deck in College Station, TX?: Yes. In College Station, any deck attached to your home or elevated more than 30 inches above grade requires a building permit. You will need to submit a site plan showing the deck's dimensions, its distance from all property lines, and any existing structures on the lot. The site plan must demonstrate that the deck complies with setback requirements for your zoning district. For standard single-family residential zones, the rear setback is typically 20 feet and side setbacks are 7.5 feet. Permit applications are submitted through the City of College Station's Planning and Development Services online portal. Fees vary by project valuation. Building a deck without a permit can result in a stop-work order, fines, and a requirement to remove or bring the structure into compliance at your own expense.
How long does it take to get a building permit approved in College Station?: For straightforward residential projects in College Station, plan review typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date a complete application is submitted. This timeline applies to common projects like decks, sheds, pools, and minor additions. More complex projects, such as accessory dwelling units, room additions with structural changes, or any project in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, may take longer due to additional review requirements. If the city issues a comment letter requesting revisions to your site plan or construction documents, the clock resets once you resubmit. Submitting a complete, accurate application with a properly drawn site plan is the single best way to avoid delays in the College Station permit review process.
What needs to be on a residential site plan in College Station?: A residential site plan submitted to the City of College Station's Planning and Development Services department should include the following: the lot's legal description and address, a north arrow and graphic scale, lot dimensions and total lot area, the location and footprint of all existing structures, the location and footprint of the proposed improvement, all setback dimensions from the proposed structure to each property line, the location of utility easements, driveway and sidewalk locations, and impervious surface calculations. For projects near floodplains, a FEMA flood zone notation and finished floor elevation may also be required. The drawing must be legible and to scale. Missing any of these elements is one of the most common reasons College Station permit applications are sent back for revision.
Can I draw my own site plan in College Station, or do I need a licensed surveyor?: For most standard residential permit applications in College Station, you are not required to hire a licensed surveyor or engineer to prepare the site plan. Homeowners and contractors can draw their own site plans as long as the drawing is accurate, to scale, and includes all required information such as lot dimensions, setbacks, structure footprints, and easements. However, your site plan must be based on accurate lot dimensions, which you can typically obtain from your property deed, a previous survey, or the Brazos County Appraisal District records. For complex projects, ADUs, or any work in a floodplain, the city may require a licensed surveyor's plat or an engineer's stamp. Tools like Site Plan Creator can help you produce a professional, compliant drawing without specialized drafting software.
What are the setback requirements for a residential property in College Station?: Setback requirements in College Station vary by zoning district, but for standard single-family residential (RS) zones, typical setbacks are 25 feet from the front property line, 7.5 feet from each side property line, and 20 feet from the rear property line. Corner lots have additional setback requirements on the street-facing side. Accessory structures such as sheds and detached garages generally must maintain a 7.5-foot setback from side and rear property lines, though smaller structures may qualify for reduced setbacks in some cases. Always verify your specific parcel's setback requirements by consulting the City of College Station Unified Development Ordinance or contacting Planning and Development Services directly, as overlay districts and planned unit developments may have different rules.
Do I need a permit to install a fence in College Station, TX?: In College Station, fences that exceed 6 feet in height require a building permit. Fences at or below 6 feet generally do not require a permit, but they must still comply with the city's Unified Development Ordinance regarding placement. Front yard fences are subject to height and visibility triangle restrictions, particularly near intersections where sight lines must be maintained for traffic safety. Fences cannot be placed within utility easements without written permission from the relevant utility provider. Even if a permit is not required for your fence, it is a good idea to confirm your property line locations before installation to avoid encroaching on a neighbor's property or a public right-of-way. Contact College Station Planning and Development Services if you have questions about specific fence placement rules.
What are the rules for building an ADU in College Station, TX?: College Station has updated its Unified Development Ordinance in recent years to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in certain residential zoning districts. ADUs, sometimes called secondary dwelling units or garage apartments, are allowed on lots that meet minimum size requirements and where the primary structure is owner-occupied in some districts. The ADU must comply with setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and maximum square footage restrictions. A building permit and site plan are required, and the site plan must show the ADU's footprint, its distance from all property lines, parking provisions, and utility connections. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. Because ADU rules have evolved and vary by zoning district, homeowners should contact the City of College Station Planning and Development Services department to confirm current requirements before designing their project.
What happens if I build without a permit in College Station?: Building without a required permit in College Station is a violation of the city's adopted building codes and can carry serious consequences. If unpermitted work is discovered, the city can issue a stop-work order requiring all construction to halt immediately. You may be required to obtain a retroactive permit, which often involves opening walls or exposing structural elements so inspectors can verify compliance, significantly increasing your costs. The city can also impose fines for each day the violation continues. In some cases, structures that cannot be brought into compliance must be demolished at the property owner's expense. Unpermitted work can also create problems when you sell your home, as it may be flagged during a buyer's inspection or title search. It is always less expensive and less stressful to pull the permit first.
Does College Station have floodplain restrictions that affect my building permit?: Yes. Parts of College Station fall within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), particularly near drainage corridors such as Lick Creek, Bee Creek, and their tributaries. If your property is in or near a floodplain, your permit application will require additional review by the city's floodplain administrator. You may need to provide an Elevation Certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor, and any new construction or substantial improvements must meet FEMA and local floodplain management standards, including minimum finished floor elevation requirements. Impervious surface additions in floodplain areas may face stricter limits. You can check your property's flood zone status using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Failing to account for floodplain requirements is a common reason permit applications in College Station are delayed or rejected.
How much does a residential building permit cost in College Station?: Permit fees in College Station are based on the type of project and its estimated construction valuation. For minor projects such as small sheds or simple fence permits, fees may start around $50 to $75. For larger projects such as room additions, swimming pools, or accessory dwelling units, fees are calculated as a percentage of the project's declared construction value and can range from $150 to several hundred dollars or more. There may also be separate plan review fees, inspection fees, and, for some projects, impact fees. The City of College Station's Planning and Development Services department publishes a fee schedule on its website, and staff can provide an estimate when you describe your project. Paying the correct fee upfront avoids delays in processing your application.

How to Create a Site Plan in College Station

Confirm Your Zoning and Requirements: Before drawing anything, look up your property's zoning district using the City of College Station's online GIS map or contact Planning and Development Services at (979) 764-3570. Knowing your zoning district tells you the applicable setbacks, lot coverage limits, and whether your project requires a full site plan or just a simple permit application. Also check whether your property is in a FEMA floodplain or an HOA-governed neighborhood, as both add requirements.
Gather Your Property Information: Collect your property's legal description, lot dimensions, and the location of any existing structures and easements. You can find lot dimensions on your deed, a previous survey, or through the Brazos County Appraisal District. Accurate measurements are critical: an incorrect lot dimension can cause your site plan to show incorrect setbacks, which is one of the top reasons College Station permit applications are rejected during plan review.
Create Your Residential Site Plan: Draw a scaled site plan that shows your lot boundaries, north arrow, scale bar, all existing structures, the proposed improvement's footprint, setback dimensions from every property line, easement locations, driveway, and impervious surface totals. Site Plan Creator allows College Station homeowners to produce accurate, to-scale site plans quickly without specialized CAD software, making it easy to meet the city's plan review standards on the first submission.
Submit Your Application Online: College Station accepts residential permit applications through the Planning and Development Services online portal at cstx.gov. Upload your completed site plan, any required construction drawings, your project description, and contractor information if applicable. Double-check that all required fields are completed and all documents are legible before submitting. Incomplete applications are a common cause of delays, as the city will place the application on hold until all required materials are received.
Respond to Plan Review Comments: After submission, a city plan reviewer will examine your application, typically within 5 to 10 business days for standard residential projects. If the reviewer identifies issues, you will receive a comment letter specifying required corrections. Respond promptly by revising your site plan or construction documents and resubmitting through the portal. Addressing all comments thoroughly in a single resubmittal avoids additional review rounds and keeps your project on schedule.
Schedule Inspections and Complete Your Project: Once your permit is issued, post it on-site and begin construction. College Station requires inspections at key stages depending on your project type, which may include foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, and final inspections. Schedule each required inspection through the city's online inspection request system or by phone. Do not cover work that requires inspection until the inspector has signed off. A final inspection approval closes out your permit and confirms your project is code-compliant.