DrawPermit

Brazos County · Texas

College Station site plans and permits.

College Station wants a permit for decks over 30 inches, every patio cover and carport, pools over 24 inches deep and most sheds over 120 sq ft, each with a dimensioned site plan or survey.

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Building code
2024 International Residential Code with College Station amendments, in effect since January 1, 2026.
Decks
A deck over 30 inches needs a permit. A lower deck is exempt only if it isn't attached to the house. Plans must show how the deck is built and anchored, and guards at least 36 inches tall.
Sheds
One detached shed per lot is exempt if it's 120 sq ft or less, in the back yard, not fixed to the ground, not in a drainage easement and has no utilities. Anything else needs a permit with a site plan and dimensioned plans.
Fences
Wood or chain-link fences under 8 ft, and brick, stone or concrete walls under 6 ft, need no permit. Taller ones need a permit with a dimensioned site plan or survey and footing details.
Patio covers
Every patio cover and arbor needs a permit, with no size exemption. Submit a dimensioned site plan or survey and a plan showing how it's built and anchored.
Carports
Every carport needs a permit with a dimensioned site plan or survey. The city's posted zoning text asks for a 20 ft rear setback, and 20 ft from a side street the carport faces.
Pools
Pools or spas deeper than 24 inches need a permit and a barrier. Pool depth must keep a 1:1 ratio from the nearest foundation unless the design is engineered. The site plan must show distances to lot lines and structures.
Owner-drawn plans
The city doesn't say who must draw residential plans. A homeowner can pull a permit for their own homestead without registering as a contractor. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work still needs licensed contractors.
Engineer
The city sets no general rule for when an engineer's seal is needed. A pool closer to a foundation than the 1:1 depth ratio needs an engineered design, and the Building Official may ask for a surveyor's form survey before concrete is poured.
Setbacks
Per the city's posted zoning text, sheds and other accessory buildings need a 15 ft rear setback and an eave no higher than 8 ft. Garages and carports need 20 ft. Accessory structures can cover at most 30% of the back yard. Fences and unroofed pools may sit in required yards.
Fees
Accessory structures are $0.56 per sq ft, $63 minimum. Pool houses are $0.74 per sq ft, $127 minimum. Re-inspections are $132. Fees are adjusted each October.
Where to apply
eTRAKiT (College Station Planning & Development Services)

What College Station asks the site plan to show.

  • A dimensioned site plan or property survey
  • Where the new structure sits on the lot
  • Property lines
  • Easements
  • Setbacks
  • Driveways
  • For pools: distances to property lines and structures

Your DrawPermit site plan draws the lot lines, north arrow, scale, structures, setbacks, distances to each line and impervious cover. Add utility lines, meters and trees by hand if your city asks for them.

Worth knowing.

  • A shed in a drainage easement loses the 120 sq ft exemption, and only one exempt shed is allowed per lot.
  • Single-family lots have a maximum impervious cover. Bigger projects may need an Impervious Coverage Permit.
  • The setback numbers come from a 2012 zoning file on the city site with edit marks. Confirm them with the city.
  • Fences can't block drivers' view at a corner without the City Engineer's approval.

Guides that cover College Station.

More Texas cities.

Checked against the city's own pages on November 4, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with College Station before you submit.