Collin County, Texas covers an enormous swath of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro's northern suburbs, including Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and many other rapidly growing communities. Like most Texas counties, unincorporated Collin County has minimal building permit requirements for residential structures. The more important question for most homeowners is which city's rules apply.
Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and Allen all have their own building departments and their own permit requirements, which vary significantly. Plano requires permits for sheds over 120 sq ft. McKinney's threshold is 200 sq ft. Frisco requires permits for all detached structures over 120 sq ft. If you're inside any incorporated city in Collin County, use that city's permitting portal.
To find your jurisdiction, use the Collin County Appraisal District (CCAD) at collincad.org. Enter your address and check the 'Jurisdiction' field. For truly unincorporated Collin County areas, contact Collin County Development Services at 2300 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071. Phone: (972) 548-4165.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Use the city where your property is located — Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, etc. each have their own building departments. Go to collincad.org, enter your address, and check the jurisdiction field to confirm your city. Then visit that city's website and search for 'building permits' to find the application portal. City permit requirements in Collin County vary — shed thresholds range from 120 sq ft (Plano) to 200 sq ft (McKinney).
- Frisco requires a building permit for all detached accessory structures over 120 sq ft. Apply at friscotexas.gov/permits. You'll need a site plan showing property lines, existing structures, and the proposed shed location. Frisco has one of the more active building departments in Collin County due to ongoing rapid growth.