Building Permits
Overview of Building Permits
In the City of Georgetown, building codes and ordinances have been enacted and amended by City Council when necessary to ensure good, safe buildings for the safety and welfare of the general public, owners and occupants of these buildings. Permits are the vehicles which the city uses to inspect all construction work as it progresses.
The property owner and contractor are jointly responsible for obtaining the proper permits, although the application and permitting process can be delegated to the contractor.
Why do I need a Building Permit?
Building Permits are required to erect, alter or enlarge any structure on your residential or commercial property. Permits are required for work ranging from new construction, remodeling, repair and additions, to new roofs, swimming pools, retaining walls, lawn sprinklers and signs. Whether building a new facility or adding on, a request for a permit must be accompanied with a site plan that shows the proposed work and its location in relation to property lines and existing buildings. Plan diagrams and specifications assist in determining if the project conforms to building and zoning regulations.
How do I obtain a Building Permit?
An application, which is available from the Inspections Department or online, must be submitted along with construction plans, survey or plot plan and other documents, depending on the scope of your project. Plans must be drawn to scale, dimension and of sufficient clarity to be read easily. All utility easements, building lines, and drainage easements must be shown. A complete checklist is available to help you determine all the required submittals.
How long does it take to get a Building Permit?
The amount of time varies based on the complexity of the work. Generally, you can expect Residential Building Permits to take up to 10 business days; Commercial Building Permits may take up to 30 business days. These estimates do not include the time required by the applicant to make corrections requested by the Plan Reviewer. Completed submittals move faster through the process.
Most Electrical, Plumbing, Irrigation, Heating and Air Conditioning Permits will be available over-the-counter from the Inspections Department.
Status
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Posted in Permits
41 Responses to “Building Permits”
The quickest method is to call (512) 930-2550 and speak with the permits technician within Inspection Services who will be able to take your information over the phone. Thanks!
do you need a permit to enlarge cement portion of back patio and/or to add a “covered” patio? What about a free standing covered gazebo
Yes. You would need a building permit to enlarge a patio, construct an arbor/cover, or a gazebo. You would need to submit an application to the permit office. Please include two copies of your survey indicating where the structure will be placed. Additionally, please submit the construction plans for review.
Do I need a permit to install a small shed with no foundation in the backyard?
If I lay bricks on the ground does this constitute a foundation?
Storage sheds placed or built inside the City limits of Georgetown require permits. If you are outside the City limits and have City electric or water, you would need a permit if you are adding electric or plumbing to your storage shed.
I’d like to inquire re: a permit for a second story addition to my home in Oakcrest Estates II. Is this permitted in my subdivision as my home is in the city limits and I am doubtful that it is in my best interests to obtain permits etc…….
I am thinking about installing a small bubbler-type water feature (rocks over a tub) off my extended back patio. It would plug into an existing electrical outlet installed by the builder on my adjacent covered patio. Is a permit required?
We would need to know your water source before we can tell you if you
are going to need a permit. If you are running pipe to it then, yes, you
will need a permit. If you are just pouring water into it or connecting it
with a hose, that has a backflow preventer, then you do not need to
get a permit.
I’ll only be pouring water into it. Thanks.
SF
Then you do not need a permit.
Is a permit necessary for an addition, BR’s and a full bath, in the ETJ, septic and city water? Thanks
Since you are located in the ETJ, a permit is not necessary.
HI Tamara: Iam trying to find the Existing Codes and requirements for an interior Finish Out @ Wolf Ranch;
Can you update me please?
Thanks
Denise Reid
848 0944
I’m planning on installing two Solatube skylights (in MBR closet & launry room) of a one story house. I’m unsure of what supporting info. beyond the contractors quote that I need to submit.
Generally, the only information you would need to submit is the quote given to you by the contractor. The only exception to that is if you live in Sun City, you would need to include your Sun City Approval Letter as required by the neighborhood association rules.
What is the cost of a building permit for Cimmaron Hills?
The required fee is $2,900 and it includes the Building Permit, Connect Fee, Impact Fee and also
the Street Improvement Fee.
When completing the application, the driveway measurment is to be the entire driveway or just to the building line?
Usually, we ask for the measurement to be taken from the property line, but if you
are close on your impervious cover then the measurement needs to be to the
building line.
How is impervious cover calculated and where do I find this information?
According to the UDC, impervious coverage is considered to be 45% of
the square footage of the lot. This is the case for some locations but
impervious coverage is also dependent on what is being built on the lot and its
location. You would need to contact Inspection Services at (512) 930-2550 to
confirm what the impervious coverage may be.
Is a permit required to replace a railing around a front porch?
If you are just replacing the railing, then no, a permit is not required.
Do you need a permit to build a treehouse (no electric or plumbing) in your backyard in San Gabriel Heights?
No, a permit is not required to build a treehouse.
If I have a front porch, at what height do I need to install a guardrail?
The height of the guardrail needs to be a minimum of 36 inches, with the spindles being 4 inches apart.
I live out in Georgetown Village, and am looking into adding solar panels to my home, what are the associated permits I would need?
this would be a grid tie system, do I need a permit for the panels (roof placement), and what about for tying the system into the house power, is this a separate permit, or is just part of an overall project permit?
thank you for your time
-james
Is a permit required to strip and install new shingles on a roof? This would be for my personal residence in Georgetown township.
Yes a permit is required for this type of work. The fee for this permit $35.00.
You will need to come in and fill out the appropriate paperwork for your project. With the paperwork, we also need to know how it will be attached to the roof, what type of roof system it is and a one line item for the electric. You will also need to sign the interconnect agreement with Georgetown Utility Systems. If you have anymore questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Residential Plans Examiner at (512) 930-2548.
What are the smoke detector requirements for a single family house in the city of Georgetown?
A dwelling shall have a smoke detector within each sleeping room and outside of each sleeping room. If sleeping rooms are grouped closely, then only one detector is required outside the cluster. The detectors shall be hard wired to the electrical system and when one activates, they shall all activate. if you have any other concerns or
questions please feel free to contact Don Jansen at Inspections Services, (512) 930-2550.
Do you need a permit to replace the siding on a single family home?
Normally you do not need permits for cosmetic repairs to a single family residence. However, if that repair or change will result in the breach or change of the structure then a permit would be required. For example, if you discover rotted structure members while replacing siding that need to be replaced you would need to obtain a permit.
I live in Mississippi, County of Smith, AND want to construct a gun ramge on my own property. Do I need a permit?
Do I need a permit to convert garage to bedroom? Work includes Finish out, insulation, drywall, adding circuit to existing main panel.
Is a permit needed for garage conversion to bedroom? Inside city limits
Is a permit required to replace a hot water heater?
A permit is needed to replace a water heater when the property is inside the city limits or if the water is provided by Georgetown Utility Systems.
How do I obtain a mechanical permit to replace an air-conditioning system