The purpose of a Temporary Use Permit, which is an administrative permit issued by the City’s Building Official, is to ensure compatibility of the temporary use with surrounding properties. Areas to be reviewed as part of the permit process include traffic circulation, parking, public conveniences, signs and any other special operating characteristics. This permit will specify the use, establish a period of time for which the use is approved, and any special conditions attached to the approval.

Application Submittal Requirements

•  Master Application Form
• Filing Fee
• Minimum Submittal Requirements*
  *Please refer to the Development Manual for more information.

To download the event permit, click here.

Overview of Building Permits

The purpose of the permit is to assist property owners with compliance of the Georgetown Subdivision Regulations, Unified Development Code, the 2000 International Residential Building Code, and the 1999 National Electrical Code, which the City Council has adopted by ordinances in Georgetown.

A Miscellaneous Residential Additions Permit Application must be filled out to obtain a permit to construct, replace, improve or install a pool, spa or hot tub. A permit is required for installation of in-ground, or prefabricated swimming pools, spas or hot tubs, in either commercial or residential use.

How do I obtain a swimming pool permit?

An application, which is available from the Inspections Department or online (above link), must be submitted along with two sets of your pool plans and specifications, and two copies of your survey indicating the proposed location of the pool. The following items must be included in the pool plans.

The plot plan or survey must indicate the following;

• Property lines, easements, right of ways, and overhead utilities adjacent to pool,
• Existing structures, fences, retaining walls,
• Proposed pool shape, dimension, relation to setbacks, side yards, and clearance of existing structures,
• Proposed mechanical equipment pad(s), dimensions, and related setbacks including side yards,
• All deck equipment items, if included,
• Proposed deck-work configuration, showing it’s anticipated drainage, and
• Anticipated overall drainage of the pool site

The structural plan must indicate the following:

• Type of construction (gunite, poured concrete, prefabricated),
• Pool dimensions with depth and adequate cross-sections drawn to scale,
• Computations, stress diagrams and plans that show the reinforcing steel schedule and detail, and
• A statement from the applicant concerning the anticipated nature of the soil under and around the pool structure.

The mechanical plan must indicate the following:

• Volume and system flow rate in gallons-per-minute and turnover in hours,
• Type and size of filtration systems and means of waste disposal,
• Type and size of pool heater (if applicable), including the method of venting and provisions for combustion air, and
• Pool piping layout with all sizes shown and the types of material to be used, indicating location of the main outlet, surface skimmers and inlets.

The electrical plan must indicate the following:

• Location of all outlets, plugs and conductors,
• Sizing of all conductors,
• Grounding of all equipment and fault interrupters, and
• Bonding detail of all components including lighting

How long does it take?

Normally, a swimming pool permit is issued in 10 business days or less if all information is submitted as required.

Are there any special requirements?

A fence, wall or barrier is required that completely surrounds the swimming pool, tract, or lot. Barrier requirements are intended to provide against potential drowning and near drowning by restricting access to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. A complete list of requirements can be obtained in the 2000 International Residential Code and 1999 Standard Association Codes. A copy of these codes can be reviewed at Inspections Services and at the Georgetown Public Library.

The objective of the Sign Ordinance is to maintain and enhance the community’s overall aesthetic environment and to also minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property and to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.

The Georgetown Sign Ordinance is part of the Unified Development Code.  To see this and other chapters of the UDC, visit the UDC website.

Sign Ordinance

The City of Georgetown regulates the permitting, design, location, construction, erection, modification, use, maintenance, and removal of signs within the City of Georgetown and its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). A sign may only be erected, placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in conformance with the requirements of the ordinances.

A permit is required to verify that a sign does confirm with the sign ordinance. With very few exceptions, all permanent signs must have a City of Georgetown permit. Some types of temporary signs, such as banners, may also be permitted. For more information on the permitting of signs, contact the Inspection Services Department at (512) 930-2550.

Common violations of the sign ordinance include: placing signs in the right-of-way next to a city street or state highway; placing signs on utility poles or street signs; and placing banners without permits. To register a concern or complaint about a possible sign violation, please visit the online form or contact the Code Enforcement Team at (512) 930-3606.

Permit Fee $75.00 per sign (Temporary or Permanent)

Download:

Sign Permit Application

A permit is required before starting your residential or commercial re-roof.

How do I obtain a roofing permit?

Visit the Inspection Services Department and fill out the permit form.

Are there any special requirements?

New roof covering shall not be installed without first removing existing roof coverings when any of the following conditions occur:

• When the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or deteriorated to the point of being unacceptable as a base for additional roofing
• When the existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay or cement tile . When the existing roof has two or more layers of any type of roofing
• In some cases, the roof framing and supporting of loading may need to be examined prior to re-roofing
• When the roof is completed call for final inspection.

What other resources are available?

Section 1509.13 – Roof coverings of the SBCCI, Building Code may be reviewed at the Inspection Services Department or the Georgetown Library for roofing requirements.

A lawn sprinkler permit is required before you install any lawn irrigation system which you permanently connect to the City’s water supply. A lawn sprinkler permit is not required when making repairs to the piping of an existing lawn irrigation system unless the back-flow prevention device is being replaced.

To apply for a lawn sprinkler permit, complete the Irrigation Backflow Prevention Application and submit with appropriate supporting documents to 300 S. Industrial, Georgetown, Texas.

How do I get a lawn sprinkler permit?

You must complete and submit an application to the Inspection Services Department. A contractor may do the work if licensed by the State of Texas as a lawn irrigation contractor and is registered with the City of Georgetown or a licensed master plumber by the State of Texas.

Homeowners may do the work themselves on their property and no special test or registration is required. However, in order to install your own lawn irrigation system, you must have filed a Homestead Exemption Certificate with the County Tax Office, or present proof that you currently own and occupy the dwelling.

Do I need backflow prevention?

A backflow prevention device must be inspected and approved upon installation of the system and prior to its use.

After the system has been completed an inspection by a State certified back flow prevention tester must be conducted and a cross connection test report form must be completed. This form may be picked up from the Inspection Services Department and must be returned to the Inspection Services Department within 72 hours of test completion.

How long does it take?

In most cases, irrigation permits are issued on the spot.

What special regulations should I be aware of?

• Fences of any kind that will be located in a required yard may not exceed eight (8) feet in height. Fences may not exceed four (4) feet above grade when located in the required front yard of a property
• Fences may not be located in drainage easements unless a license to encroach into the easement has been approved by Georgetown Utility Systems and the City Council. (Please see a Development Technician to make application)
• Swimming pool enclosures have additional fence regulations and are required to be constructed up to four (4) feet in height. Additional fence requirements for pool fences can be found in section 34020 of the Georgetown Subdivision Regulations and the 2000 IRC
• All fences must provide fire-fighting access and utility company access to the side and rear yard
• Fences over the allowable height require approval of the Board of Adjustment or the Planning and Zoning Commission depending on when the property was platted. (Please see a Development Technician for an application)
• All fences shall be constructed to maintain structural integrity against natural forces such as, wind, rain and temperature variations
• No fence or other structure more than 30 percent solid or more than three (3) feet in height can be located within twenty-five (25) feet of the intersection of any rights-of-way.

As the homeowner can I pull my own permits?

A Homestead Exemption permit may be issued to non-licensed individuals to perform plumbing, electrical and mechanical work within the dwelling premises that they own and occupy. Before beginning any work, the unlicensed person must first sign an affidavit stating that the applicant owns and occupies the structure and is responsible for conducting the work to code specifications, provide proof of ownership from Williamson County Appraisal District and pay all required permit fees. Homeowner exemptions do not apply to rental or commercial properties.