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1. When is a building permit required?

A person, firm or corporation shall not erect, construct, enlarge, add to, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install, convert, equip, use, occupy or maintain a structure or building service equipment without first obtaining a permit from the Permit Department.

A permit is required for:
• New or remodel residential and commercial buildings
• All detached accessory structures
• Demolitions
• Fences
• Carports
• Retaining walls over 48 inches
• Room additions
• Roof replacement
• Garage or carport conversions
• Signs
• Porch enclosures
• Patio Covers
• New driveway approach or sidewalk or alteration of existing driveway approach or sidewalk if work is being done in the right-of-way

You may also need a permit when remodeling or making repairs. This may include:
• Air conditioners, evaporative coolers or furnaces being added or relocated
• Wall removals or relocations
• Water softener installations or replacement
• Electrical circuits being added or relocated
• Window or exterior doors in which sizes or locations are being changed
• Gas line or gas-fired equipment installations or repairs
• Sewer and water line installations or repair
• Connecting irrigation systems to a water supply
• Sinks, toilets, tubs, or showers to be added or relocated
• Water heater replacement or relocation

2. What are the submittal requirements for a project?

The building official may request additional information if necessary. Drawings must be drawn to scale, dimensioned and of sufficient clarity. Please refer to plans submittal information documents for detailed requirements.

Drawings and documents shall be sealed, signed, dated and designed by a State of Texas registered architect, registered engineer, registered interior designer, where applicable as required by the State of Texas Engineering and Architect Practice Act. Foundation plan, details and engineer's letter shall include: address; subdivision; lot; block; and plan number. A form survey sealed by a State of Texas licensed surveyor will be required to be on site for the plumbing rough inspection. One set of plans must be on job site at all times.

3. How do I request an inspection?

The Inspection Request Line is available 24 hours a day. Before calling for an inspection, the general contractor should check with all subs to ensure the project is ready for inspection. All inspections must be called in by the permit holder, general contractor or an authorized agent. City approved plans shall be on the job site. For inspection request line please call 817-952-2155. All inspections called into the inspection request line before 8:00 a.m. will be scheduled on that business day. All inspections called into the inspection request line after 8:00 a.m. will be scheduled on the following business day. Emergency inspections for special conditions or that are associated with inclement weather that necessitate electricity, gas or safety prevention qualify for same day inspection. For questions, please call the Inspections Division 817-952-2140. Site Identification Street address, lot and block numbers must be posted and maintained at the construction site in such a manner that they can be read from the street. Inspections may not be performed if the street address, lot, and block are not displayed. Inspection Notification At the completion of each inspection, an inspection report will be posted by the Building Inspector. Inspection reports will be posted on the job site and shall not be removed from the job site. The Building Inspector will update any report when violations are corrected and a recall inspection is made.

4. What inspections are typical for a residential project?

• Rough Plumbing (Form Board Survey Required)
• Spa/Tub (Maybe separate inspection or with seconds)
• Foundation (Pre-pour)
• Temporary Utilities (Liability form required)
• Seconds (All trades ready for pre-drywall inspection)
• Right-of-Way (Required for sidewalk and/or approach)
• Wall Ties (Maybe separate inspection or with seconds)
• All finals

Note: The following documents may be required upon final inspection: Energy Compliance Certification, Post-Tension Verification, and Final Grade/Drainage Survey.

5. What inspections are typical for a commercial project?

• Rough Plumbing (Form Board Survey Required)
• Mechanical (Rough Duct)
• Public Utilities (Storm & Sewer improvements)
• Wall Ties (Maybe separate inspection or with seconds)
• Electrical Underground
• Temporary Utilities (Liability form required)
• Grade Beam (Pre-pour)
• Right-of-Way (Required for sidewalk and/or approach)
• Foundation (Pre-pour)
• Fire Lanes (Pre-pour steel inspection)
• Seconds (All trades ready for pre-drywall inspection)
• All finals/Certificate of Occupancy

6. What inspections are typical for a swimming pool?

• Belly Steel & Ground
• Deck Steel
• Gas Line (If required)
• Final (inspection includes fence and all safety requirements)