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Building Inspection

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1. Where is Building Inspection located and what are the hours of operation?

1515 N. Galloway Ave.  First floor; Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

2. What forms of payment are accepted?

Master Card, Visa, Discover, checks, money orders and cash.

3. What is the cost of a permit?

Permits will vary in cost according to type of application. Refer to the Permit Fee Schedule for further information.

4. When is a permit required?

Permits are required when there is new construction, repairs, remodels, windows, exterior doors, demolitions, electric, plumbing, AC/heating, signs as well as other items. Projects that are considered cosmetic, such as new wallpaper, carpet, paint, cabinets, or trim work do not require a permit. Please visit other areas of our web site or contact Building Inspection for any questions concerning your specific project.

5. Do I need to obtain a permit for repairing a portion or replacing the entire fence?

If you are replacing less than 50% of your total fence with the same material and in the same location you do not need a permit.  If you are moving any portion of the fence or changing the material, you must apply for a permit.

6. When will my inspection be performed?

If you make a request for inspection before 4:00 PM on a business day, you may request the inspection for the following business day.  The inspection will take place between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

7. Is a pre-construction meeting required prior to construction?

A pre-construction meeting is required for commercial projects and new residential dwellings.

8. When can electricity be turned on?

For commercial projects the inspector may authorize the electric meter release after all electrical panels, switchboards and boxes are finished and is safe to energize.  A Temporary Release of Utilities permit and release by inspector will be required before the meter is released.  For residential projects the Final Electrical Inspection must have passed before the meter is released.  A Clean and Show permit and release by inspector is required for vacant commercial properties.

9. What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy, or C.O., is required for all buildings, structures and land that are occupied or used. When a tenant leases a new space or premise, a C.O. will be required. Upon issuance of a C.O. and approval of all required inspections, utilities will be released with the new tenant’s name.

10. When is a new C.O. required?

A new Certificate of Occupancy is required anytime there is a change in ownership, name of business, square footage or use.  All new buildings, including unoccupied shell buildings require new C.O.’s.

11. Can a portion of the building or structure be occupied prior to the completion of the entire building or structure?

Under certain circumstances portions of building may be approved to be used for various purposes prior to the permanent Certificate of Occupancy.

12. Who can apply for a permit?

Anyone applying for a permit must first apply for a Professional License.  A home owner may apply for a professional license to perform work on his/her homestead at no cost.  You must provide the following documentation to apply for a Professional License:

Plumbing Contractor

• Driver’s License
• Master Plumbers License
• Certificate of Insurance (verified by City)

Electrical Contractor

• Driver’s License
• Master Electrician License
• Electrical Contractor’s License

Mechanical Contractor

• Driver’s License
• Mechanical License

Sign Contractor

• Driver’s License
• Master Sign Electrician or Master Electrician License
• Sign Contractor License

General Contractor

• Driver’s License

Backflow Contractor

• Driver’s License
• Backflow License
• Calibration sheet

Irrigation Contractor

• Driver’s License
• Irrigators License

Home Owners

• Driver’s License (Government issued ID)
• Homestead will be verified by the City

13. How do I get my gas turned on?

The Building Inspection Division cannot release gas to Atmos without an inspection. A plumbing permit is required for ALL gas inspections.

14. Can I get an extension on my permit?

Due to the specific circumstances of some projects, the Building Official can extend permit deadlines in some cases. Contact the Building Inspection Office at (972) 216-6212 for more information.

15. Do I need a permit for my garage sale?

(1): If the garage sale is residential, no permit is required. Residents are allowed to hold two garage sales per year, for no more than three days at a time.

(2): If the garage sale is commercial, under some circumstances a special event permit may be required.  Please contact Building Inspection for more information.

16. How much does a Professional License cost with the City of Mesquite?

Sign, Backflow, Irrigation, and General Contractors cost $110.00.  There is no charge for Homeowners or Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Contractors.

17. How do I schedule my inspection?

Please visit CITIZEN SELF SERVICE and Log On to your account.

18. How will I know if my inspection passed or failed?

Inspectors leave green or red tags when they have completed an inspection. A green tag indicates a property has passed the inspection and a red tag indicates the property has failed the inspection. If the property has failed the inspection, a detailed Inspection Report will be provided for you on your account on the Citizen Access Portal. Please visit CITIZEN SELF SERVICE and Log On to your account for in-depth inspection details.

19. How do I track the status of a permit?

To track the status of a permit, please visit CITIZEN SELF SERVICE and Log On to your account.

20. Do I need to post my permit?

No, all permits are posted digitally.

21. Does each trade apply for permits or does the General Contractor apply for all required permits?

Each trade must obtain their perspective permits, the General Contractor is responsible for the Building Permit.

22. I am a homeowner. Should I apply for a permit or have my contractor apply.

As a homeowner you may apply for a permit but this puts all liability on you; not your contractor.  The City encourages homeowners to have their contractors obtain permits unless the homeowner is actually doing the work themselves.

23. What are the days and hours I can perform construction activities?

Monday thru Saturday from 7:00AM until 10:00PM.  No work may be performed on Sundays or official holidays within 500 feet of any residential district. Special permission from the Building Official may be requested.

24. Are there any additional requirements for front carports?

Yes, you must first be approved by the Board of Adjustments before applying for a building permit.  Please visit Planning and Zoning for additional information.