East Texas

In Tyler, building, pool, roof, electrical and plumbing permits are filed online through eTRAKiT once city staff have set up an account from your Master Registration Form, and some projects go on to ProjectDox for plan review. Ask any contractor for their state license as well, and check it yourself.

Longview's Building Inspection Department issues building permits and takes inspection requests at 903-239-5598. Its Floodplain Administrator reviews and inspects all construction in and next to floodplains under the city's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Irrigation systems on Longview city water must have a backflow preventer tested every year, which is work for a licensed tester; the plumbing guide explains the TCEQ backflow license.

Smith County property is appraised by the Smith County Appraisal District (SCAD), whose protest page says to protest in writing within 30 days of the date on your Notice of Appraised Value. That page may be out of date, so go by the deadline printed on your notice. You can ask SCAD for an informal review in person first, and if staff find an error the appraiser corrects it on the spot; the Taxpayer Liaison Officer at (903) 510-8600 can explain the process.

In Gregg County, the Gregg Appraisal District at 4367 W. Loop 281 in Longview is reappraising residential property with on-site visits from July 2026 to March 2027. To claim a residence homestead exemption there, you need a Texas driver's license or ID showing the home's address.

Tyler and Smith County publish a 2025-2026 Severe Weather Response Plan and a 2026 Heat Response Plan that lists cooling locations, and FEMA has approved the 2026 Smith County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Smith County residents can sign up for the Rave mass notification system, offered with ETCOG. For AC repair, see the AC and HVAC guide for the TDLR license to check.

Smith County places

Smith County has four district courts; the 321st hears only family law.

• Tyler

Gregg County places

Longview lies mostly in Gregg County, with a small part in Harrison County, so check which appraisal district values your address.

• Longview

Lists to start with include Tyler roofers and Longview plumbers.