Local businesses in Waco

Waco, the McLennan County seat, had 138,486 residents in the 2020 Census. Its Inspection Services Department issues building permits for all new construction and remodeling, and applications go through the city's EnerGov Self Service portal, linked from the Permits and Licenses page, which lists residential building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit types.

Trades face an extra step. Before Waco issues a plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit, the contractor must create an account, register the company, show proof of state licensing and file a certificate of insurance listing the City of Waco as certificate holder. Ask the contractor to confirm that registration is done before you book a start date.

Waco historic landmark approvals

If your house is a Waco Local Historic Landmark, exterior work that needs a permit, demolition, and changes such as painting, siding, windows or awnings need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission first. Properties with only state or national designation, such as homes in the National Register districts, don't need one, and ordinary maintenance, interior work, fences and landscaping are exempt.

• Water. The City of Waco supplies drinking water and runs the wastewater system in its service area.
• Watering days. Under the schedule effective July 1, 2024, odd-numbered addresses water on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and even-numbered addresses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Nobody waters outdoors on Fridays or between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and as of October 2026 the city names no higher drought stage in effect. Irrigation and sod crews should plan around your days.
• Bulky and brush pickup. Curbside customers get one free bulky-waste pickup a month for piles up to 6x6x6 feet, and brush pickup up to twice a month for one 4x4x4-foot pile with limbs no thicker than 3 inches. Stumps aren't collected. Book online or at (254) 299-2489.
• Trash fee. The residential solid waste base fee starts at $22.34 a month, with one 95-gallon trash cart and up to two recycling carts, out by 7 a.m.
• Electricity. Check the company named on your bill, and ask it whether your address can choose a retail plan.

Waco home services

• AC repair and HVAC under the city's mechanical permits
• Plumbers and EnerGov plumbing permits
• Electricians
• Pest control
• Cleaning services and movers for a move in or out

Waco outdoor and exterior work

• Roofers after hail
• Tree service sized to the brush pickup rules
• Pressure washing

Waco professional services

• Attorneys
• Dentists
• Real estate agents and the McLennan CAD calendar
• Gyms and membership contracts

Waco is part of our Central Texas region. For more quotes to the south, compare businesses in Killeen.