Lamar County, Texas Building Permit Guide

Census Bureau estimates for 2025 put Paris at 25,205 residents, more than the 19,982 in the unincorporated balance of Lamar County. Next are Reno (3,575) and Blossom (1,493); Roxton, Toco, Sun Valley and the Lamar County part of Deport are the other incorporated places.

This guide covers Lamar County’s culvert and right-of-way policy and the City of Paris. The culvert and right-of-way policy is the only county permit material covered; ask the Commissioners’ office about any other county approval.

What requires a permit in Lamar County?

Outside city limits, most Texas counties issue no building permits for homes; the state licensing rules for electrical, A/C and plumbing work still apply.

Every driveway culvert in Lamar County needs a permit, and no one may put a driveway culvert, road bore or utility in county right-of-way until the precinct Commissioner approves a construction permit. County right-of-way may extend up to twenty-five (25′) feet from the center of the road, and a copy of the permit must be on site.

Who handles permitting in Lamar County?

Lamar County Commissioners’ office: phone 903-737-2467, or the Lamar County Courthouse, 119 North Main, 1st floor, room #130, Paris, Texas 75460.

Paris: Building Department, 150 1st St SE, Paris, TX 75460, phone 903-784-9234, fax 903-784-1798. It issues building permits and conducts building inspections.

Lamar County culvert and right-of-way rules

• Culverts must be galvanized corrugated steel or corrugated plastic, installed at the owner’s expense; the county may remove any culvert installed incorrectly.
• Utility crossings of improved county roads must be bored, with lines at least four (4′) feet below the road crown or three (3′) below the ditch bottom, whichever is deeper.
• Parallel lines sit at least four feet (4′) from the road edge with three feet (3′) of cover.
• Give the precinct Commissioner written notice at least forty-eight (48) hours before work.
• Contractors must call 811 and also contact the Lamar County Water Supply District to locate water lines.
• Violating these rules is a Class C misdemeanor.

Building in Paris

Paris has adopted the 2024 International Building, Residential, Existing Building, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Mechanical Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code. Every project must have proper zoning, a platted lot, a site and/or building permit, inspections and a certificate of occupancy.

How to get a culvert permit in Lamar County

Official Lamar County permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Lamar County culvert and right-of-way policy
• Paris Building Department
• Paris development process

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a driveway culvert in Lamar County?

Yes. Every driveway culvert needs a permit from the Lamar County Commissioners’ office.

How wide is Lamar County road right-of-way?

It may extend up to twenty-five (25′) feet from the center of the road.

Which codes does Paris use?

The 2024 International codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code.

Simplify Lamar County permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Check whether the site is inside a city or on county land, and which office handles each permit there
• Prepare the county septic, floodplain, plat or road paperwork alongside any city building permit
• Track each approval and inspection through to the final sign-off

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Texas. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Lamar County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.