Foundation repair permits in Plano, TX
The City of Plano lists foundation repairs among the work that needs a permit. Here is what we confirmed, what we couldn't, and what to ask.
What Plano's own sheet says
The City of Plano's Building Inspections Department publishes a "When Is a Permit Required?" sheet. It lists "Foundation repairs" among the projects that need a permit. That is the extent of what it says about foundations: no pier-count threshold and no list of documents. The copy we found is marked revised 09/28/16, so call Building Inspections at 972-941-7140 to confirm what applies today.
What we couldn't confirm
In the Plano pages available to us, we could not find a list of what a foundation repair permit application needs, whether Plano requires an engineer's sealed report, or whether contractors must register with the city before pulling the permit. We'd rather say that than guess. Ask the city these three questions before you sign anything.
How nearby cities handle it
Permit rules differ by city, and Plano may differ from these:
- Richardson requires a permit for repairs of four or more piers, an outline drawing and repair report signed and sealed by a Texas licensed engineer, and a contractor registered with the city.
- Sachse asks for a stamped pier layout plan, engineer's letter and pier specifications from a Texas licensed engineer, and requires the engineer of record to inspect the repair.
Who pulls the permit?
- Ask the contractor to state in writing that the repair will be permitted, and who pulls the permit.
- Ask for the permit number once it's issued. You can then confirm it with the city.
- If a contractor says no permit is needed, ask which Plano rule they're relying on, then ask the city yourself.
Is the contractor licensed?
As far as we can tell, Texas has no state license specifically for foundation repair contractors. A 2013 Texas House Research Organization analysis of HB 613, a bill to create one, said that "the absence of state standards for people operating as, or representing themselves to the public as, foundation repair contractors allows unqualified and unscrupulous people to perform foundation repairs." Licensing bills were also filed in 2011 (SB 1399). We have not found a program in force, so check a current Texas source if this affects your decision.
"Licensed" on a contractor's website can mean a business registration, an engineer on staff, a city registration or something else. Ask what license, issued by whom, and verify it with the issuer.
Rules change. This page summarizes public sources, not legal advice. The City of Plano is the authority on what Plano requires.
Sources
- City of Plano Building Inspections: When Is a Permit Required? (copy marked revised 09/28/16)
- City of Plano: Residential Permits
- Texas House Research Organization: bill analysis of HB 613 (83rd Legislature, 2013), foundation repair contractor licensing
- Texas Legislature: bill analysis of SB 1399 (82nd Legislature, 2011), regulation of foundation repair contractors
- City of Richardson: Foundation Repair permit requirements
- City of Sachse: Residential Building Permit Procedures for Foundation Repair (marked 9/26)
Last checked October 6, 2026. Prices, rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the source before you act.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for foundation repair in Plano?
The City of Plano's When Is a Permit Required sheet lists Foundation repairs among projects that need a permit. The copy we found is marked revised 09/28/16, so confirm with Building Inspections at 972-941-7140.
Does Plano require an engineer for foundation repair?
The Plano sources we could find don't say. Richardson and Sachse do require engineer-sealed documents. Ask Plano Building Inspections what applies to your repair.
Does Texas license foundation repair contractors?
As far as we can tell, no. Bills to create a license were filed in 2011 and 2013, and we haven't found a program in force. Ask any contractor what license they mean and who issued it.
Want a local contractor to look at it?
Send the form or call. We pass your request to a local foundation repair contractor. Homeowners never pay us.
If you reach voicemail, leave your name, number, property address and what you've noticed.