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Building Permits

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1. What is a building permit?

A building permit gives an applicant legal permission to “start construction of a building project in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications.”

The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum construction, safety, fire, and zoning requirements established by the City of Irving and required by the adopted and amended Building Codes (I-Codes), International Fire Code, and National Electrical Code. 

Building permits are reviewed by city staff for compliance with zoning and city code requirements and inspected by the City’s Building Inspectors for compliance with the adopted codes.

2. What good does a permit do?

Most peoples’ homes are their single largest investment. If the construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City of Irving, the value of a person’s investment could possibly be reduced.

In addition, property insurers may not cover work done without proper permits and inspections. If a person decides to sell their home or building, the potential buyer may examine city records to ensure the proper permits and inspections were obtained.

3. When do I need a permit?

The best way to find out if a permit needed is to email the City of Irving Inspections Department at Irving-Permits@cityofirving.org, visit Inspections Department website, or call (972) 721-2371. 

An applicant can discuss their plans with an Inspections staff member before beginning construction to determine whether a permit is needed.

4. What projects typically require a building and/or zoning permit?

• Re-roofing and re-siding
• Building a deck or porch
• Installing a fireplace, chimney or fire pit
• Modifying load bearing walls
• Adding a garage or room addition
• Building/altering/replacing a carport
• Replacing a window
• Performing electrical work
• Installing plumbing
• Changing or installing heating or air conditioning
• Installing a water softener or water heater
• Installing a swimming pool
• Building a retaining wall greater than 30 inches in height
• Building a shed or garage larger than 6 feet in any dimension
• Building a canopy
• Constructing a fence
• Replacing or constructing a driveway
• Installing or replacing an irrigation system
• Replacing or constructing a sidewalk

5. When is a permit not required?

Permits are not required for the following projects:

• Replacing cabinets in a kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere
• Painting
• Installing carpet or other floor coverings
• Installing wallpaper or paneling on finished surfaces
• Redecorating without structural changes
• Simple landscaping projects

6. What does a permit cost?

Permit costs vary by the type of project. View the schedule of fees.

7. How does the city ensure building permits are procured when required?

To a certain extent, the City of Irving relies upon the integrity of contractors and the honesty of Irving citizens to follow the rules.

However, the city relies on staff assistance from all departments, as well as citizen comments, to identify construction projects that have begun without proper building permits. 

8. How do I know who has an approved building permit and who doesn’t?

Once a building permit application is approved, the applicant is provided a printed permit. This permit must be displayed at the construction site.

The absence of a permit is a likely indication that the construction project has not been approved or reviewed by the City of Irving.

A permit also can be confirmed online at MyGovernmentOnline.

9. Whose responsibility is it to see that the building code is followed?

The contractor hired to complete a project is responsible for compliance with the city-adopted codes. They should be licensed by the state (when required) to perform the work.

If there is ever a question as to whether or not some aspect of a construction project complies with the code, the contractor is the responsible party. 

If a resident is performing the work personally, then the responsible party is the resident.

10. How long does it take to get a building permit?

The City of Irving reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we are committed to processing your plans quickly and efficiently as possible. Irving's goal is to complete the initial plan review within the following time frames:

Category	Initial Plan Check Time	Project Examples
Residential Projects	3 days for initial plan review	Single-Family homes and duplexes
Commercial and Townhome Projects	6 days for initial plan review	Commercial (non-single family or duplex) and Townhouses

11. When do I need to start my construction project?

Typically permits expire if work authorized by the permit is not commenced within and inspected 180 days after issuance.

12. What is the difference between a “setback” and a “utility easement”?

A setback is a zoning term for the “distance required from nearest point of wall of structure to property line." The City of Irving does not allow any structure to be built in the setback; driveways, flatwork, and similar items are excluded.  

A utility easement is “a grant by the property owner of the use of a designated portion of land by the public, individuals, groups, or corporations for specific purposes.”  All newer subdivision developments have utility easements clearly delineated on the plat maps. The intent of easements is to allow utility companies sufficient room to build and service their infrastructure (phone lines, cable, natural gas, water, sewer, and electricity).

The City of Irving does not allow any permanent structure, including garages, decks, pools and sheds, to be built on top of any easements.

13. What are the City’s rules concerning prefabricated metal sheds and carports?

These structures are considered accessory buildings. The City of Irving requires that all “accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall be securely affixed to the ground in a manner that will resist movement from storms or vandalism. All accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall meet the setback requirements.”

The City of Irving does not require a building permit for an accessory building that is 6 feet in any dimension; however, in those instances the buildings still need to meet the setback requirements of the City of Irving Zoning Ordinance.

For accessory buildings of more than 6 feet in any dimension, a building permit is required. The City’s building inspectors will inspect the structure to ensure that it is securely anchored and installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

14. What should I look for in a contractor?

• Find out how long the contractor has been in business in the area. 
• Check references; make sure they are valid by contacting those for whom the contractor has performed construction work.  
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been registered against the company.
• Check that the contractor is registered with the City of Irving and has insurance coverage.

Please note the City of Irving cannot recommend contractors.

15. Who must be licensed?

Most contractors are required to be licensed: electrical, mechanical, irrigators, and plumbing contractors. However, there are some exceptions.

General contractors do not have any licenses, but a property owner should ask their contractor if they are registered with the City of Irving before beginning. If a contractor asks you to apply for the building permit, chances are that they may not be registered because the city verifies applicable contractor licensing with the State of Texas for all building permit applications.  

Homesteaded residents do not have to be licensed to perform work on their own home in most cases. 

For questions about contractor registration, contact the City of Irving Building Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371.

16. Should I request the permit for the contractor?

Do not take out a building permit for any contractor. When the contractor signs the permit, the contractor is agreeing to do the work according to code. 

If you sign for the permit, you are liable for correcting the contractor's work if it should fall short of the city-adopted code standards.

Before a project begins with a contractor, insist on seeing the permit. During the course of your project, monitor the contractor’s inspection records. This will protect you from being responsible for code violations and ensure project completion.

Verify permits and inspections online at MyGovernmentOnline 

17. I am having a problem with my house. I want the city to inspect it and tell me what is wrong.

The City of Irving does not provide homeowners an inspection service for property issues, such as siding rippling, roof leaking or foundation cracking. 

Independent inspectors should be hired to do these types of troubleshooting inspections.

18. I am planning on digging. What do I need to do?

Before doing any digging on property, residents and business owners must call 811 to arrange for utility companies to mark buried utility lines in the property.