Choose the Correct Bedford Permit, Submit Through OpenGov and Pass Every Required Inspection
Bedford requires permits for many projects people often assume are minor. Examples include a 50-square-foot shed, fence repairs exceeding 25% of one elevation, window replacement, driveway repair, retaining walls and pools deeper than 24 inches.
This guide turns Bedford’s permit rules into direct actions: choose the application, prepare the correct plan set, respond to reviewers, request inspections and confirm final approval or a commercial Certificate of Occupancy.
Choose the Bedford Action You Need
Bedford Permit Route Finder
Select your project or problem to see the most useful next action.
Bedford Building Inspections Phone, Email and Address
Confirm the Property Is Inside Bedford Before Applying
Use Bedford OpenGov when
- The job site is inside Bedford city limits.
- The Bedford portal recognizes the property.
- Bedford—not only the postal address—is the permitting authority.
Verify before filing when
- The parcel is near Euless, Hurst, Colleyville or another boundary.
- The mailing address differs from the actual city jurisdiction.
- OpenGov cannot locate the property.
Which Residential Projects Need a Bedford Permit?
Project |
Bedford requirement |
What to know before applying |
|---|---|---|
New fence |
Permit required |
A permit is also required when repairing or replacing more than 25% of any elevated side |
Residential roof replacement |
Permit required |
The roofing contractor must obtain the permit and follow Bedford’s adopted codes |
Patio cover, arbor, porch or awning |
50 sq. ft. threshold |
A permit is required at 50 sq. ft. or larger; smaller structures must still meet setbacks and construction standards |
Detached shed or accessory building |
50 sq. ft. threshold |
Smaller structures may be exempt from the permit but not zoning or setback rules |
Carport |
Permit required |
All carports require a building permit and setback review |
Structural remodel or demolition |
Permit required |
Includes structural work and certain demolition or remediation projects |
Room addition, second floor or patio enclosure |
Addition permit |
Garage conversion to living space uses the remodel path |
Same-size window or exterior door replacement |
Miscellaneous building permit |
A size change requires a remodel permit |
Electrical panel, outlet, fixture relocation or generator |
Electrical permit |
Contractor must be Texas-licensed and registered with Bedford |
Water heater, sewer, water line or plumbing work |
Plumbing permit |
Gas and propane work also uses the plumbing-permit path |
HVAC, ductwork or exhaust fan |
Mechanical permit |
Installation, replacement and relocation may require inspection |
Swimming pool or above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches |
Pool permit |
Hot tubs and spas also require permits |
Solar panels |
Solar permit |
Bedford requires proof of interconnection-agreement availability or approval |
Driveway or approach |
Permit required |
Installation, extension, repair and replacement all require a permit |
Foundation repair |
Engineered permit |
Stamped and sealed plans from a licensed engineer are required |
Retaining wall |
Permit required |
Installation, extension, repair or replacement requires the fence/retaining-wall permit |
Wood deck, concrete patio or other flatwork |
Accessory-building permit |
Bedford directs these projects through the accessory-building permit path |
Lawn irrigation or sprinkler system |
Irrigation permit |
Design and installation must be completed by a state-licensed irrigator |
Apply, Track, Pay and Message the Reviewer in OpenGov
Create one OpenGov account
Open Bedford’s portal and select Sign Up. The City’s portal guide says the same account can be used for all Bedford applications.
Open the correct department
Use the Discover Online Services area. Choose the department first, then review its available applications.
Read the permit description before selecting Apply Online
Confirm the application matches the project. A same-size window replacement and a resized opening do not use the same permit path.
Complete every question and upload readable files
You may save the record as a draft. Use clear names such as Survey.pdf, Site-Plan.pdf, Drainage-Plan.pdf and Proposed-Floor-Plan.pdf.
Select Confirm and Submit
A saved draft has not entered City review. Confirm submission and save the application number.
Track the approval timeline
Sign in, open My Account, choose Applications and select the record. The timeline updates as the City completes review steps.
Pay only after the official notice
The portal sends an email when payment is required. Online payment is available, and the City’s guide also describes in-person payment options.
Message the assigned reviewer inside the record
Open the application and use the Message the Reviewer box for the current review step. Keep questions attached to the correct record.
What Bedford’s Residential Checklist Expects to See
Site and property
- Accurate permit application
- Property survey
- Site plan
- Drainage plan
- Grading plan when applicable
- Tree-preservation survey when applicable
- Landscaping plan
- Zoning classification
Building and structure
- Texas-licensed professional drawings when required
- Construction type
- Height and area calculations
- Total building square footage
- All exterior elevations
- Masonry or veneer information
- Engineered foundation plan
- Structural plans and details
Rooms, systems and energy
- Dimensioned floor plan
- Use of every room
- Energy-code compliance
- Electrical power plan
- Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
- Plumbing fixture locations
- Water-heater location
- HVAC units and gas-meter location
Job-site plan requirement
Bedford’s checklist says one set of plans must remain at the job site. A sealed form survey may also be required on site for the plumbing rough inspection.
Plans the City will not accept
The residential checklist states that drawings labeled “not for construction” or “for pricing only” will not be accepted.
Documents to Prepare for Common Bedford Projects
Project |
Useful documents |
Question to answer first |
|---|---|---|
Shed, arbor, porch or patio cover |
Survey, site plan, dimensions, setbacks, framing and attachment details |
Is it 50 sq. ft. or larger, and does its location meet setbacks? |
Fence or retaining wall |
Survey, property line, height, materials, wall details and drainage information |
Is more than 25% of a fence side being replaced, or is retaining-wall engineering needed? |
Room addition |
Survey, site plan, drainage, floor plan, elevations, foundation and structural plans |
Does zoning allow the addition and required setbacks? |
Garage conversion |
Existing/proposed floor plan, egress, parking, insulation, HVAC and trade plans |
Will the conversion affect required parking or legal room use? |
Window or door replacement |
Opening sizes, product information, locations and structural information when resizing |
Are the openings staying the same size? |
Pool or spa |
Survey, pool location, barrier, equipment, electrical, plumbing and drainage details |
Is an above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches? |
Foundation repair |
Texas engineer’s sealed plans, repair layout and project-specific details |
Does the engineer’s documentation identify the correct address, lot, block and plan? |
Solar installation |
Layout, structural attachment, electrical design and interconnection documentation |
Is proof of interconnection availability or approval ready? |
Building Codes Bedford Lists for New Applications
Building and residential
2024 International Building Code and 2024 International Residential Code.
Mechanical, plumbing and gas
2024 International Mechanical, Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes.
Energy, pools and electrical
2024 International Energy Conservation and Pool and Spa Codes, plus the 2023 National Electrical Code.
Request and Prepare for Bedford Inspections
OpenGov option
The City’s self-service portal guide lists inspection scheduling, report printing and permit printing as available portal functions.
Fire inspection
Commercial occupancy and fire-related inspection steps may be separate.
Have ready before requesting
- Issued permit number
- Correct inspection stage
- Work complete for that stage
- Required work left visible
- Safe site access
- Working contact number
Have ready on site
- Permit card
- Approved plans
- Clearly posted address
- Unlocked work area
- Form survey when required
- Previous corrections completed
What to Do at Each OpenGov Stage
Bedford Certificate of Occupancy: Do This Before Opening
Who needs a CO?
Bedford’s posted guide says all commercial businesses must have a Certificate of Occupancy. The process applies to a new business, name change, new location, owner change or expansion.
Confirm the use before signing a lease
Ask Planning whether the business use is allowed at the address and whether parking, zoning, site-plan or Specific Use Permit issues apply.
Apply for the CO in OpenGov
Create an account and select the Certificate of Occupancy permit application.
Prepare business and utility information
If collecting sales tax, Bedford’s guide requests a copy of the Texas Sales and Use Permit. Contact the utility provider to establish electric and gas service.
Complete grease or backflow registration if applicable
Businesses requiring a grease interceptor or backflow device should contact Public Works at 817-952-2200.
Install furniture and fixtures before inspection
The posted CO guide states that all furniture and fixtures must be in place before inspection.
Pass every required inspection
Building Inspections, Fire Marshal and Tarrant County Public Health may all be involved, depending on the business.
Download the approved CO
Do not operate until every required inspection is approved and the Certificate of Occupancy is available in the permit portal.
Posted building inspection fee
$75
Listed in Bedford’s posted CO handout.
Posted Fire Marshal fee
$60
Listed for the Fire Marshal inspection.
Posted utility reconnect fee
$75
The handout lists a $210 total when all three charges apply.
Projects That Need More Than Building Review
Project or question |
Correct Bedford contact |
What to confirm first |
|---|---|---|
Setbacks, allowed use or zoning district |
Planning & Zoning — 817-952-2105 |
Whether the project is allowed and where it may be placed |
Site plan, plat, zoning change or SUP |
Planning application through OpenGov |
2026 submittal schedule and meeting path |
Driveway, sidewalk or right-of-way work |
Public Works / Engineering permit path |
Approach, sidewalk, drainage and public-infrastructure requirements |
Grading or drainage change |
Engineering and Building review |
Drainage plan, grading, stormwater and neighboring-property effects |
Tree removal or site clearing |
Planning / tree-removal application |
Tree-preservation survey and permit requirements |
Commercial fire system or occupancy |
Fire Marshal — 817-952-2500 |
Fire plan review, inspection and CO dependencies |
Code complaint or unpermitted work |
Neighborhood Services |
Whether the issue is permit enforcement, property maintenance or zoning compliance |
Use the Current Bedford Fee Schedule Instead of Guessing
Why one generic price is unreliable
- Building and trade permits use different fee items.
- Plan review may be charged separately.
- Commercial fire or occupancy fees may apply.
- Public Works, stormwater or development charges may be separate.
- Work started without a permit can trigger an investigation fee.
- Covered work or failed inspections may create additional charges.
Best fee-check sequence
- Select the exact OpenGov application.
- Enter the correct scope and valuation.
- Upload plans so staff can identify required reviews.
- Read the official invoice.
- Question unclear charges before paying.
- Save the receipt with the permit record.
Find an Existing Bedford Permit and Confirm Final Approval
Sign in to OpenGov
Use the email associated with the application when you need account-only documents or messages.
Open My Account and select Applications
Choose the correct address and permit or license record.
Read the complete timeline
Check application review, payments, attachments, messages, inspection reports and issuance.
Verify the final inspection
An issued permit does not prove that the work passed final inspection.
Contact Building Inspections when history is missing
Email Building.Permits@bedfordtx.gov with the property address, approximate project year and document requested.
Confirm State Licensing and Bedford Registration
Trade contractors
Bedford’s permit page says plumbing, mechanical, electrical, irrigation and gas contractors must hold the applicable Texas license and be registered with the City.
- Legal business name
- Texas license number
- Bedford registration
- Insurance information
- Permit responsibility
- Inspection responsibility
Before final payment
- Permit was issued
- Approved plans match the work
- Required inspections passed
- Corrections were cleared
- Final inspection is recorded
- CO is available when required
Fix Common Bedford Permit and OpenGov Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Application remains a draft |
Confirm and Submit was not completed |
Reopen the record, finish required fields and submit it |
Property does not appear |
Address format or jurisdiction mismatch |
Try the base address and call 817-952-2140 before creating another record |
Payment email arrived but portal shows an error |
Card decline, insufficient funds or card restriction |
Contact the financial institution or use another listed payment option |
Review appears stalled |
Missing attachment, active reviewer step or unanswered comment |
Open the timeline and use Message the Reviewer inside the record |
Plans are rejected |
Incomplete, unclear, not to scale or marked “not for construction” |
Upload dimensioned construction documents and required professional seals |
Inspection cannot be completed |
Site locked, address not visible, work incomplete or plans missing |
Correct access and readiness problems before requesting reinspection |
Work differs from approved plans |
Field change was made without review |
Pause affected work and ask whether revised plans are required |
Commercial business cannot open |
Building, Fire, Health or utility requirements remain incomplete |
Identify every failed or missing CO inspection and complete all approvals |
Old permit is still open |
Final inspection or supporting permit was never completed |
Request the inspection history and a written list of closeout requirements |
What to Say When You Contact Bedford
“I am planning [exact work] at [address]. The project is [size and location]. Which Bedford permit, plans, contractor registration and inspections are required?”
“Application [number] at [address] currently shows [status]. What document, payment or review comment is preventing the next step?”
“I need the [inspection type] for permit [number]. The work is complete for that stage, plans are on site and access instructions are [details].”
“I plan to operate a [business type] at [address/suite]. Which zoning, building, fire, health and utility requirements must be approved before opening?”
Do Not Treat the Project as Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- Bedford jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct OpenGov application selected
- Planning and setback questions resolved
- Contractor license and registration confirmed
- Survey and site plan coordinated
- Drainage and grading addressed
- Plans accepted for construction
- Permit officially issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Required work left visible
- Building inspections passed
- Trade inspections passed
- Fire inspection passed when required
- Health approval obtained when required
- Final or CO record downloaded
- Owner receives closeout documents
Bedford Building Inspections Map
Open the Correct Bedford Portal, Guide or Form
Bedford Building Permit and Inspection FAQs
Where do I apply for a Bedford, Texas building permit?
Use Bedford’s official OpenGov portal. Create an account, open the correct department, select the permit type, complete the questions, upload the required files and select Confirm and Submit.
Does a small shed need a Bedford permit?
Bedford says detached accessory buildings measuring 50 square feet or larger require a building permit. A smaller structure may not require the permit but must still comply with setbacks and construction standards.
When does a fence repair require a permit?
A permit is required for a new fence and when repairing or replacing more than 25% of any elevated side of an existing fence.
Does Bedford require a permit for window replacement?
Yes. Same-size window and exterior-door replacement uses a Miscellaneous Building Permit. Changing the opening size requires a remodel permit.
Does an above-ground pool need a Bedford permit?
An above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches requires a permit. In-ground pools, hot tubs and spas also require permits.
What number do I call for a Bedford inspection?
Call the Inspection Appointment Line at 817-952-2155. Have the permit number, property address and exact inspection type ready.
What plans must remain at the Bedford job site?
Bedford’s residential checklist says one set of plans must remain on the job site. A sealed form survey may also be required for the plumbing rough inspection.
Does every Bedford commercial business need a Certificate of Occupancy?
Bedford’s posted CO guide says all commercial businesses need a Certificate of Occupancy, including a new business, name change, new location, owner change or expansion.
How do I ask the Bedford reviewer a question?
Sign into OpenGov, open My Account, select Applications, choose the correct record and use the Message the Reviewer box for the active review step.
What happens if work starts before the Bedford permit is obtained?
Bedford’s adopted amendments allow a separate investigation fee equal to the required permit fee. Starting early does not remove the obligation to obtain permits, expose work or pass inspections.
Accuracy and Source Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational website and is not the City of Bedford. Applications, fees, zoning decisions, inspections, Certificates of Occupancy and enforcement actions must be handled through Bedford or the correct jurisdiction.
This page was checked against the City of Bedford Building Inspections permit page, residential permit requirements, OpenGov instructions, Residential Plan Review Checklist, Planning & Zoning resources, Certificate of Occupancy guide, staff directory and adopted-code information.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, portal screens, staff contacts and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements before paying, visiting the office or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.