Click here to view a listing of required permit applications/forms |
Questions? Contact us at 972-899-5093 for further information. |
Answers to citizens' most frequently asked questions related to permitting and inspections are listed below. Please click on the links below to jump to questions and answers related to:
Q. As a homeowner doing my own work at my home, am I required to obtain a permit?
A. Depending on the type of project, you may be required to obtain a permit from the City. Please check with the Building Inspections Division for any requirements regarding the building, electrical and plumbing codes and/or any ordinances adopted by the City. For information on various projects that require a permit, please click here .
Q: Who can perform work at my residence?
A licensed contractor who is registered with the City.
Q: Who is responsible for pulling the permit?
The person or contractor who will be performing the work usually pulls the permit. Ultimately, however, the owner is responsible for ensuring that all necessary permits have been secured.
Q. Why should my contractor pull the permit instead of me, the homeowner?
When a contractor is doing the work, they must pull the permit because they are doing the work and will be responsible for making sure the work meets code requirements. Always ask to see the permit before work is started.
Q. How long will it take to get my residential permit application approved?
A. If all the required information is included at the time of submittal, in most cases it will take no more than 5 - 10 working days. You will be notified by phone when it has been reviewed and approved. For information on permit plan review for pools, spa, irrigation systems and fences or other residential projects, please contact Building Inspections at 972.899.5093.
Q. Can I do electrical work on my house?
A. Yes, but a permit may be required and it must be installed and comply with Highland Village's adopted electrical code.
Q. When is a permit required for heating or air conditioning work?
A. A permit is required for removal or replacement of a unit. When a permit is required, the contractor must be registered with the City and must obtain the permit before performing any work. All work must comply with the City's adopted codes. For more information, please contact Building Inspections at 972.899.5093.
Q. How long is my permit good for after being issued?
A. Most permits expire 180 days from the date of issuance or the date of your last inspection.
Q. Can I install my own irrigation system?
A. Yes, but you must get a permit and list a licensed backflow tester who is registered with the City to test the double check assembly. For a list of Certified Backflow Testers who are currently registered with the City, please contact our office at 972.899.5093. All other work can be done by the homeowner with proof of a homestead exemption.
Q. Do I need a permit to install a light pole in my yard?
A. Yes. We will require a permit to insure the electrical work is done to code. If you are hiring an electrician to do the work, they will need to be registered with the City and they will pull the permit. A homeowner can do their own electrical work but will be required to pull the permit as the electrician. All electrical work must conform to code. For information on the permitting process for this project, please contact Building Inspections.
Q. Is a permit required for an accessory building (storage shed)?
A. All accessory buildings require a permit. Please click here to see Zoning Ordinance 95-699, Section 34 .
Q: What kind of fence can I build?
Most all wood and metal fences are acceptable. Chain link and woven fences, however, are prohibited. Please note that all fences require permits.
Q: Can I put a fence in my front yard?
Only split rail and similar fences are allowed in front yards, and require approval from the City.
Q. When installing a retaining wall on my property, is a permit required?
A. A permit is required when the wall is over 2-feet high including the footing depth. For more information on fence permit requirements contact Building Inspections.
Q. Do I need a fence permit to rebuild or replace a gate?
A. Typically you will not need a permit to replace a gate unless you are replacing the posts. You will want to make sure that your fence and gate were originally permitted to insure that the location, height and materials met fence code requirements. Please note that there are special requirements for fence gates if your fence is a barrier to a swimming pool.
Q. Is a permit required for foundation repair?
A. Yes. The foundation company doing the work must be registered with the City and apply for a permit. They must submit an original engineering design. Make sure you see the permit before the work is started.
Q. My Home Owner's Association (HOA) is telling me that I cannot build my project. Is this true?
A. While your project may be approved by the City, you should check your deed restrictions and HOA requirements before applying for a permit. Deed restrictions and HOA requirements may supersede City requirements. The City does not enforce HOA restrictions and/or requirements.
Q. Do I need a permit to build a deck?
A. A permit is required for any deck over 30 inches above grade, as well as for any type of roof structure, including open arbors, per the City's adopted building code.
Q. Is a permit required to build a patio cover?
A. Yes.
Q. I have a home business, can I advertise with signs in Highland Village?
A. There is no provision in the sign ordinance which would allow for this type of advertising.
Q. Is it true that replacing a water heater in my house requires a permit?
A. Yes. State law requires that the City perform an inspection of water heater replacements. If hiring a contractor to replace your water heater (gas or electric), the plumber must be registered with the City, obtain a permit before the work is performed (unless it is an emergency replacement being done while the permit office is closed) and make sure an approved final inspection from the City is obtained. If the permit cannot be obtained before the work is performed due to the permit office being closed, a permit must be obtained on the next business day. If a homeowner is to perform the work, they must bring proof of their homestead exemption when they apply for their permit. The work must comply with the current plumbing codes and ordinances.
Q. The plumber tells me that my water heater now requires a drain pan. Is this true?
A. If the water heater is adjacent to an outside wall, then a drip pan and a 3/4" drain is needed. The drain must terminate to the outside. This applies to all water heaters, gas or electric.
Q. Does the building code allow plumbers to install water heater in an attic?
A. Yes, but certain conditions must be followed as required by the International Residential Code (IRC). A permit is required. Please contact Building Inspections for more information.
Q: Do I need a permit for a water heater?
Yes, as a water heater not installed properly could be a hazard.
Q: Can I cut a tree down in my yard?
Yes, with the exception of specimen trees. A specimen trees is a tree that has been designated as a tree of notable value because of its type, size, or other professional criteria. Specimen trees also include any tree which has grown to at least 75 percent of the circumference size of the champion tree of its species, as determined by the most current edition of the Texas Big Tree Registry or the Listing of Metroplex Champions published by the Texas Forestry Service.
Q: What will my permit cost?
The cost of a permit is determined by the value of the project. Please click here to refer to Fee Schedule under Ordinance 02-884.