Development permits in unincorporated Dallas County are issued by the Department of Unincorporated Area Services (DUAS) and Public Works. Dallas County uses the MGO Connect online permitting system. The county's authority derives from Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233.
This guide covers what requires a permit, MGO Connect, fees, and inspections in unincorporated Dallas County.
Dallas County permits apply only to unincorporated areas. Properties within the City of Dallas, Irving, Garland, or other incorporated cities must apply through those cities. Dallas County's authority covers residential and non-residential construction, grading/filling, development, floodplain, OSSF, and sand & gravel operations in unincorporated areas. Application files remain open for one year from receipt.
What requires a building permit in Dallas County?
In unincorporated Dallas County, development permits are required for:
Permit required
- Residential construction in unincorporated areas
- Non-residential (commercial) construction
- Grading, filling, and development activities
- Floodplain development
- On-site sewage facilities (OSSF)
- Sand and gravel operations
- Demolition
- Utility installations
Typically exempt
- Interior cosmetic work
- Minor repairs not affecting structure
- Agricultural exemptions where applicable
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. Note that exemption from a building permit does not exempt a project from zoning requirements — confirm edge cases with the building department.
Who handles permitting in Dallas County?
The Department of Unincorporated Area Services (DUAS) at the Records Building (500 Elm Street, Suite 5300) handles development permits. All permits are now applied for online through MGO Connect at mgoconnect.org.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | DUAS — Records Building, 500 Elm St, Suite 5300, Dallas, TX 75202 |
| Phone | (214) 653-6565 (fee confirmation) / (214) 653-6568 (questions) |
| Development@DallasCounty.org | |
| Online portal | MGO Connect — mgoconnect.org |
| Covers | Unincorporated Dallas County only |
| Payment | Debit/credit card only |
Apply through MGO Connect at mgoconnect.org. All fees are paid by debit/credit card. Call (214) 653-6565 to confirm the application fee amount. A complete application must include authorization form, plans, and fees. Application files remain open for one year.
Dallas County building permit cost
Dallas County development permit fees are paid by debit/credit card only. Call (214) 653-6565 to confirm the fee amount before applying.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Development permit | Contact DUAS for current fee schedule |
| OSSF permit | Separate fee |
| Floodplain permit | Separate fee |
| Payment method | Debit/credit card only |
| Work-without-permit | Penalties + enforcement |
Want a precise number for a specific Dallas County project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Dallas County trade permits
Trade-specific requirements depend on project scope. State trade licenses apply for all licensed work.
Electrical permits
TDLR-licensed electrician required for electrical work.
Plumbing permits
TSBPE-licensed plumber required for plumbing work.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
TDLR-licensed mechanical contractor required for HVAC work.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Floodplain development permits, OSSF permits, and sand & gravel operation permits are handled separately by DUAS and Public Works.
Verify your contractor's license. Texas licenses electricians (TDLR), plumbers (TSBPE), and HVAC/mechanical contractors (TDLR) at the state level — contractors must register with the local municipality before pulling permits. Texas does not issue a statewide general-contractor license. Projects over $50,000 require a TDLR project number and accessibility review. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained. Verify trade licensure at tdlr.texas.gov and tsbpe.texas.gov.
How to get a building permit in Dallas County
Confirm property is in unincorporated area
Verify your property is NOT within any incorporated city. If within Dallas, Irving, etc., apply through that city.
Apply through MGO Connect
Create an account at mgoconnect.org. Submit the permit application with all required documents and authorization form.
Pay fees by debit/credit card
Call (214) 653-6565 to confirm the fee amount. Pay by debit/credit card.
Plan review & approval
DUAS reviews the application. You'll receive email confirming completeness and/or approval.
Receive permit & begin work
Once approved, the permit is issued. Post on site.
Schedule inspections
Contact DUAS for inspection scheduling and requirements.
Inspections in Dallas County
Contact the Department of Unincorporated Area Services for inspection scheduling. Requirements vary by permit type.
Address correction notices before requesting a re-inspection; a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before legal occupancy or use.
Official Dallas County permitting resources
- 🏛️ Dallas County DUAS — Permits
- 💻 MGO Connect portal
- 📋 Public Works — Development permits
- 🪪 TX TDLR — licensing & regulation
Simplify Dallas County permitting with Alliance Permitting
Dallas County's MGO Connect system, debit/credit-only payments, and one-year application window reward applicants who prepare complete packages. Alliance Permitting is a permit expediter for Dallas County — our permit expediting services pair AI-driven document review with experts who know the Dept. of Unincorporated Area Services (DUAS) process, so your Dallas County submissions move faster.
Trusted by leading builders and brands — including Dream Finders Homes, Tesla, Verizon, Hyatt, and Sunnova.
Contractors and builders choose Alliance for Dallas County because we deliver:
- Local expertise — we know Dallas County DUAS, the MGO Connect portal, and Chapter 233 requirements.
- Complete oversight — track every permit and inspection across all your jobs in one place.
- Error-free submissions — AI pre-checks plus expert review catch issues before they become correction cycles.
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
Need a Dallas County building permit?
Get your Dallas County project permitted right. Alliance Permitting navigates MGO Connect.
More Texas permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Dallas County Dept. of Unincorporated Area Services before filing. This is not legal advice.