Metal Building Permits and Farm Shop Sizes
Do you need a permit, and how big should the shop be? Here's the short version.
Inside Lubbock city limits, the number to remember is 200 square feet. A detached building that size or smaller doesn't need a building permit, though you'll still need permits for any wiring, plumbing or HVAC you put in it. Go over 200 and you'll need a permit and a plan review, and your contractor has to be registered with the city's Building Safety department. It's all handled online through the city's portal.
Out in the county, it's a different deal. Texas counties mostly can't enforce building codes outside city limits unless they've signed on to a special state law for new homes, so a shop on farm ground might not need a county building permit at all. Call Lubbock County to be sure, and keep in mind that Wolfforth and the other towns have their own rules.
As for size, please don't just pick one off a brochure. Go measure your biggest machine, including the cab, the mirrors and anything that folds out, and then add enough room to walk around it with the doors open. That's your starting number.
Know this before you call
Is the land inside a city or out in the county? Roughly how many square feet are you thinking? And how wide and tall does the door need to be for your biggest piece of equipment?
What to do first
First find out if the city or the county has a say over your land, then go measure your gear. Send us what you've got, and a local builder will call you to talk it over and put a price together.
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit for a small shed in Lubbock?
Not if it's one story, detached and 200 square feet or less. Electrical or plumbing work in it still needs one.
Does Lubbock County do building permits?
Texas counties generally can't enforce building codes outside cities. Still, call the county and ask about your land.
How big should a farm shop be?
Big enough for your biggest machine, with room to walk around it and work. Measure first.