Allen City Hall (1st Floor), 305 Century Parkway, Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (214) 509-4130 · Email: bpplanreview@allentx.gov
CSS Portal: cityofallen.org/permits →
Allen TX electrical permit rules — the basics
Electrical permits in Allen go through the CSS portal at cityofallen.org. All permits submitted electronically. Phone: (214) 509-4130. The 2023 NEC (adopted statewide by Texas TDLR) governs. Texas TDLR-licensed Master Electricians perform and hold electrical permits. Homeowners completing a Homeowner's Affidavit may perform DIY electrical work on their own primary residence.
Oncor Electric Delivery is the Transmission & Distribution Utility (TDU) for Allen in the ERCOT deregulated market. Oncor owns the poles, wires, and meters in Allen. A separate Retail Electric Provider (REP), chosen by the homeowner, handles billing and retail service. For all service work, panel upgrades, and meter coordination: contact Oncor, not your REP. This is the same ERCOT framework as Pearland, but Allen is in the Oncor service area (not CenterPoint's).
Texas SB1202 (effective 2023) provides for third-party review and inspection of home backup power installations. Allen has information on the SB1202 third-party process on its Forms, Guides, and Applications page. Contact (214) 509-4130 for current guidance on SB1202 applicability for generator and battery storage installations in Allen.
| Factor | How it affects your Allen TX electrical permit |
|---|---|
| 2023 NEC (Texas TDLR statewide) | 2023 NEC governs Allen electrical work. Section 230.67: surge protection required on new service installations/replacements. Updated AFCI/GFCI provisions. Battery storage expanded code coverage. |
| Oncor TDU (not CenterPoint) | Allen is in the Oncor Electric Delivery service area for ERCOT North Texas. For service changes, coordinate with Oncor (not CenterPoint, which serves Houston). CSS inspection must pass; city releases to Oncor; Oncor reconnects. |
| SB1202: third-party backup power review | Texas SB1202 allows third-party review and inspection for home backup power installations (generators, battery storage). Allen participates in this program. Contact (214) 509-4130 for current SB1202 process. |
| CSS portal: all permits electronic | All permits through CSS at cityofallen.org. Homeowner's Affidavit for DIY projects. Phone: (214) 509-4130. |
| EV charger installation | 240V dedicated circuit requires electrical permit through CSS. Texas TDLR-licensed electrician or Homeowner's Affidavit. Load calculation to confirm panel capacity. |
What electrical work costs in Allen
New circuit: $250–$500. EV charger: $700–$1,400. Service upgrade 100A to 200A: $3,500–$7,000. Surge protection (required on new service per 2023 NEC): $200–$450. Contact (214) 509-4130 for permit fee.
Common questions about Allen TX electrical permits
How do I apply for an electrical permit in Allen TX?
CSS portal at cityofallen.org. All permits submitted electronically. Phone: (214) 509-4130. Texas TDLR-licensed Master Electrician or Homeowner's Affidavit for DIY.
Who is Oncor and how does it differ from CenterPoint?
Oncor Electric Delivery is the Transmission & Distribution Utility (TDU) for North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area) in the ERCOT deregulated market. CenterPoint Energy is the TDU for the Houston area. For Allen, all meter coordination and service work goes through Oncor, not CenterPoint. Contact Oncor at oncor.com for service information.
What is Texas SB1202 and how does it affect Allen permits?
Texas Senate Bill 1202 (effective 2023) allows homeowners to use third-party review and inspection for home backup power installations (generators, battery storage systems) as an alternative to the standard city inspection process. The City of Allen provides information on this program. Contact (214) 509-4130 for current SB1202 guidance for backup power installations in Allen.
Does the 2023 NEC require surge protection on Allen service upgrades?
Yes. The 2023 NEC Section 230.67 requires a listed surge protection device (SPD) on new electrical service installations and service replacements. This applies to Allen through Texas TDLR's statewide NEC adoption. Any panel upgrade or service change in Allen must include surge protection.
Can a homeowner do electrical work in Allen TX?
Yes. Texas allows homeowners to perform electrical work on their own primary residence. In Allen, homeowners completing DIY electrical work must submit a Homeowner's Affidavit through the CSS portal before starting work. The work must still meet the 2023 NEC standards and pass city inspection.
Oncor Electric and Texas ERCOT in Allen TX
Understanding Allen's electricity infrastructure requires understanding Texas's deregulated ERCOT market. Oncor Electric Delivery is the Transmission & Distribution Utility (TDU) for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Allen. Oncor owns and operates the poles, wires, transformers, and meters in Allen. A separate Retail Electric Provider (REP), chosen by the homeowner from the competitive ERCOT market, handles billing and retail service. For all construction-related permit and service work — panel upgrades, meter disconnects, service entrance changes, solar interconnection — coordinate with Oncor, not your REP. This is exactly the ERCOT framework as the Houston area, except Allen uses Oncor rather than CenterPoint as the TDU.
Atmos Energy provides natural gas distribution throughout Allen. Gas line permits, pressure tests, and service modifications coordinate with Atmos Energy. Texas Senate Bill 1202 (effective 2023) provides for third-party review and inspection of home backup power installations in Texas, including Allen. For generator and battery storage installations, contact Allen Building Services at (214) 509-4130 for current SB1202 third-party review guidance.
HOA architectural review in Allen TX — the two-approval reality
Allen, Texas is one of the most heavily HOA-governed communities in North Texas. The city's post-1985 development pattern — characterized by master-planned subdivisions with community amenities — resulted in nearly every Allen neighborhood having a homeowners association with an architectural review board. For homeowners, this creates a two-approval reality: city permit approval and HOA architectural approval are both required for most exterior construction and renovation projects, and they are entirely independent processes.
The HOA approval process in Allen typically involves submitting a written request with design plans, materials specifications, and product samples to the HOA's architectural review board. Review timelines vary by community: some HOAs complete review in 1–2 weeks; others may take 30–45 days. The city permit process through the CSS portal runs in parallel but cannot substitute for HOA approval. A city-approved permit does not grant permission to violate HOA rules, and HOA approval does not substitute for a city permit. Both must be obtained independently. Contact the City of Allen Building and Permitting Division at (214) 509-4130 for permit guidance, and contact your HOA directly for architectural review requirements and timelines.
City of Allen Building & Permitting Division. Texas contractor licensing: tdlr.texas.gov. Contact (214) 509-4130 for current permit fee schedule. HOA approval separate. Not engineering advice.