Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

A Certificate of Occupancy (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.

A new Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) 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.

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

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 and Certificate of Insurance (verified by City)
• Electrical Contractor: Driver’s License, Master Electrician License and Electrical Contractor’s License
• Mechanical Contractor: Driver’s License and Mechanical License
• Sign Contractor: Driver’s License, Master Sign Electrician or Master Electrician License and Sign Contractor License
• General Contractor: Driver’s License
• Backflow Contractor: Driver’s License, Backflow License and Calibration sheet
• Irrigation Contractor: Driver’s License and Irrigators License
• Home Owners: Driver’s License (Government issued ID) and Homestead will be verified by the City

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

No, all permits are posted digitally.

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

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.

• Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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.