Residential Projects
When is a Permit Required?
Permits are required when building, remodeling or enlarging a building. Permits are also required for other improvements to your property. Projects that are cosmetic, such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets, and trim work, etc., do not require permits. Additionally, permits are not required when replacing fixtures or existing wiring or plumbing.
Homeowners are allowed to perform work in their own homes without a building contractor license. Homeowners are also allowed to perform all electrical, plumbing, mechanical and irrigation work without a contractor or trade license if they do the work themselves.
If homeowners opt to hire an electrician, plumber, irrigation or air conditioning contractor they should insist on seeing a current license and permit, if required, for the work being performed. All other contractors doing any work requiring a permit must be registered with the city unless the homeowner takes the permit out in their name.
Permits are required for the following projects:
- Construction of a building
- Main building Accessory building (including permanent and portable storage sheds, gazebo's, carports, patio covers)
- Foundation repairs
- Additions to a building
- Remodeling of a building requiring the addition or removing of a wall or enlarging an opening for a window or door
- Building or replacing a deck more than 30" above grade
- Electrical work (Repair work such as replacing switches, plugs and ballast is exempt)
- Plumbing work
- Water heaters (replacing or adding)
- Replacing water or sewer lines (Repair work such as exchange of washers and faucets is exempt)
- Irrigation systems (lawn sprinklers)
- Installing or replacing a furnace
- Installing or replacing an air conditioning system
- Building or replacing a fence
- Building or replacing a retaining wall over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall
- Replacing a roof
- Installing or replacing a driveway approach (the portion of the drive connecting to the street)
- Installing a circular drive or installing a satellite dish
- Building a swimming pool
- Building a spa
- Demolition of a building
This is not an all-inclusive list. If you have any questions concerning your projects, you may call the Building Inspection Department at 972-450-2880.
Residential Construction Projects
Miscellaneous Construction Projects
All Forms and Applications
Fees
See the Residential Building Fee Schedule(PDF, 972KB) for the fee breakdowns.