Residential Building Permit Application

New Construction

Construction Document Submittals

• Two (2) copies of complete set of construction documents are required for plan review. Construction documents must be submitted along with a completed permit application form.
• Site plans (plot plans) drawn to a scale of 1” = 20’. Site plans must show lot dimensions, footprint of building and distance from building to property lines, platted building lines, driveways, all easements, and the address and legal description of the lot.
• Floor plans drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’. Floor plans must show all dimensions, room names, size and type of windows and doors, cabinets and fixtures, and ceiling heights.
• Exterior elevation plans drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’. Exterior elevation plans must show exterior materials, windows and doors, roof slopes, chimneys, and overhangs.
• Structural plans, where required, drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’. Structural plans must show second floor framing, ceiling framing, roof framing, headers, and beams.
• Foundation plans (must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer or Foundation Detail (IRC Figure R403.2) drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’. Foundation plans must show all dimensions, location and spacing of beams, location of post-tensioning cables (if applicable), location and sizes of rebar (if applicable), concrete specifications, slab thickness, beam sizes and details, post-tensions cable details (if applicable), other notes and requirements by the Engineer, and the address and legal description of the lot.
• Engineer’s foundation design letters. (post tension) Letters must include a statement that the foundation has been designed specifically for soil conditions of listed lot and that design is in accordance with the building code, must be sealed by the State of Texas Licensed Engineer that designed the foundation plans, and must show the address and legal description of the lot.
• Masonry on Wood details, if applicable. Masonry on wood details must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer or built to the International Residential Code details.
• Electrical plans (may be combined with floor plan) drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’. Electrical plans must show location of receptacles and other outlets, exhaust fans, smoke detectors, light fixtures, service equipment and panels.
• Plumbing plans (may be combined with floor plan) drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’. Plumbing plans must show location of fixtures, water heaters, and gas outlets.
• REScheck (Energy Compliance report and checklist) or Energy Compliance form.
• NOTE: A Form Survey sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Surveyor will be required to be on site for the Plumbing Rough Inspection.

Remodel / Addition

Definitions

Addition – Any construction work done to the main building that results in the addition of square footage to the footprint of the house. Additions could be covered patios, sunroom, bedroom are any other room enclosed or open that is attached to the main structure.

Remodel – Any interior or exterior construction work to the main structure such as moving walls, replacing windows, any major electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical work.

Construction Document Submittals

Decks

& Patios

Decks

Because decks are not covered, they are not considered additions to the footprint of the house nor do they have to meet setback requirements. However, all decks require a permit. Submit a residential permit application and a drawing showing the house and where the deck is to be constructed. Include the materials to be used and a description of how the deck will be anchored to the ground.

Patios

All concrete patios require a permit. Submit a residential permit application and a drawing showing the house and where the patio is to be placed. If you plan to cover or enclose this area at a later date, a permit for the addition is required.

Accessory Buildings

Definition

Accessory Buildings are subordinate or incidental buildings, attached to or detached from the main building, without separate bath or kitchen facilities, and not used for commercial purposes or rented or used as a dwelling unit.

Restrictions

All accessory buildings require a permit: 

• A permit and plan review is required for all Accessory Buildings. A permit fee is due at approval.
• It must be constructed to the rear of the main building.
• It may not exceed one (1) story in height.
• A person may have a maximum number of three (3) accessory buildings per lot, each separated by a minimum of ten (10) feet.
• An accessory building must meet the minimum setback requirements.

An accessory building in excess of two hundred (200) square feet must meet the following standards:

• It must be designed and constructed so that they are in keeping with the general architecture of the adjoining residential development.
• It must be constructed of similar material to the main structure.
• It must be constructed to the rear of the main building.
• It may not exceed one (1) story in height.
• It must be underpinned or attached to a concrete slab.
• A person may have a maximum number of three (3) accessory buildings per lot, each separated by a minimum of ten (10) feet.
• An accessory building shall not exceed six hundred and fifty (650) feet in size.
• An accessory building must meet the minimum setback requirements. 
• A permit and plan review is required for all Accessory Buildings. A permit fee is due at approval.

Construction Document Submittal

• Residential Building Permit Application
• 2 site plans which include the following: (You may use a copy of a survey of your lot
  • Location of main building on lot and all other structures on property
  • Location of proposed accessory structure on lot
  • Distance from accessory structure to main building and other structures on property
  • Distance from accessory structure to side and rear lot lines
  • All streets, alleys and easements
  • Foundation plans and/or means of support (All portable buildings must be tied down regardless of size)
  • Electrical and plumbing plans, if applicable
  • Roof details (if not a prefabricated storage building)

Fences

Restrictions

• A permit is required for a new fence, changing the height, or moving a fence from its

  

  current location
• A retaining wall that is over 4 feet in height, including the footings, requires a permit and an engineered design
• On a lot platted for residential use, a fence cannot extend beyond a front building line, except in Single Family Residential Estates (RE), or on a lot of at least one (1) acre, in which event a masonry, brick or wrought iron fence may extend to the front property line
• A fence cannot obstruct any public right-of-way 
• The maximum allowed height of a fence is eight (8) feet
• A fence shall be constructed of wood, masonry, brick, wrought iron, wire or woven wire mesh or other compatible materials
• The property owner shall maintain the fence in such a manner that it is not dilapidated or unsafe.

Construction Document Submittal

• Residential Permit Application Form
• 2 site plans which include the following: (You may use a copy of a survey of your lot and draw the above requirements)
  • Location of main building on lot and all other structures on property
  • Location of proposed fence or retaining wall on property
  • Height of fence or retaining wall
  • Construction material used
  • All streets and alleys

Swimming Pools

Requirements

Check City Zoning District regulations for Swimming Pool requirements.

Construction Document Submittal

2 Site Plans to include:

• Legal Description (lot, block, subdivision)
• Property lines and lot dimensions
• Proposed location of pool and all existing buildings
• All easements
• Stamped approval of utility company
• Proposed pool enclosure
• Equipment dimensions in reference to property lines

2 Pool Design and Specification Plans

• Must include all gas and electric devices, backflow prevention device, diving areas and size of diving board, ladders, depths of water, decking, and equipment drawings/diagrams

Contractor Registration required for Pool Contractor, Electrician, and Plumber.