Permit Glossary
Building Permit
Also known as: construction permit, BP
Official government authorization required before starting most construction, renovation, or demolition work on a structure.
A building permit is a formal approval issued by a local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that authorizes the start of construction, alteration, or demolition of a structure. The permit confirms that submitted plans meet applicable building codes and zoning requirements. In Texas, most municipalities require a building permit for new construction, additions, structural remodels, and large mechanical or electrical work. The permit record becomes public data and is one of the earliest signals that a property owner is about to need subcontractors.
Why it matters for contractors
A freshly issued building permit is the most reliable early signal that a general contractor, owner, or developer is actively spending money on a site — making permit data the core feed for contractor lead generation.