The following permit applications are available in PDF format. Click on
the permit needed to open and download a copy of the permit.
Residential Building Permit
Commercial Building Permit
Sign Permit
Food Service Permit
Occupancy Permit
House Moving Permit
What is a building permit?
A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a
project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.
When do you need a permit?
The best way to find out if you require a building permit is to call the
building inspector. Discuss your plans with the inspector before you begin
your project to determine if you need a permit. If a permit is not needed,
the inspector can answer questions you may have about your project and
provide valuable advice.
Building Inspection permit fee schedule (in PDF)
Permits are usually required for: New buildings, additions to existing
structures, residential work (garages, fences over 6 feet high, fireplaces,
pools, water heaters, storage buildings, patio covers and carports),
renovations, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and HVAC
Why a permit?
Your home or
business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with
the codes adopted by the city, the value of your investment could be
reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and
inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had
modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the
addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.
A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and
consistently met, as demonstrated by the Building Inspector's carefully
maintained records, has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a
potentially destructive lawsuit. Your permit also allows the code official
to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe
construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following
code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety
and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends,
or future owners.
The permit process
Permit
applications may be submitted to the Building Inspector at the Stephenville
City Hall, 298 W. Washington St., in the Community Development Department.
They then review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance
with city codes. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit will be
issued for a fee (based on valuation of the job). Most projects do not
require a separate permit for electrical, plumbing, and heating or
air-conditioning work. The building permit is a combination permit, with the
exception of sign permits.
On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to
the permit and city codes. The Building Inspector will let you know
approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. Usually,
most inspections can be completed the same day as requested.
Other services provided by the Building Inspector include the issuing of
sign permits and certificates of occupancy. If you should have any questions
concerning your project plans and/or determining what kind of permit(s) you
are required, the Building Inspector is in the office between the hours of
8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (depending on inspections and call outs) Monday
through Friday to answer your questions. You may
reach inspectors by phone at
254-918-1214 or 254-918-1213 or by visiting their office at City Hall (at 8
a.m. and 1 p.m. as inspectors are usually performing inspects between 10
a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. - these times are subject to
change without notice.)
Current building codes:
International building code 2006 edition
International residential code 2006 edition
International plumbing code 2006 edition
International mechanical code 2006 edition
International energy conservation code 2006 edition
International fuel gas code 2006 edition
National electric code 2005 edition
International fire code 2006 edition