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Building Inspections

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1. Why are construction permits required?

Permits are required to enhance the safety of City occupants, and are used by the City of Abilene to regulate construction. Following codes ensures that all construction in Abilene meets minimum standards. Inspections ensure compliance with applicable building, zoning, health, and safety codes.

2. When is a permit required?

Buildings & Structures

A permit is required whenever an owner or authorized agent intends to do any of the following entailing the occupancy of a building or structure:

• Alteration
• Change
• Construction
• Demolition
• Enlargement
• Movement
• Repair

Electrical, Gas, Mechanical or Plumbing Systems

A permit is also required for any of the following concerning any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems:

• Alteration
• Conversion
• Enlargement
• Erection
• Installment
• Removal
• Repair
• Replacement

The installation of these systems is regulated by City code.

3. Is a permit required for construction of a carport?

Yes. Additionally, carports in the front of a house may require a special exception. Applicants should contact the Planning and Development Services department at 325-676-6382 for information.

4. Is a permit required for construction of a fence?

It depends on the height of the fence, and the location's zoning requirements:

• Yes, if the fence will be more than 7 feet in height. Zoning will require a variance from the Board of Adjustment and a permit is required.
• No, if fences will not be over 7 feet high that meet the setback requirements.

5. Is a permit required for re-roofing a house?

Yes, if replacing more than 5 squares (one square is a 100 square feet, or approximately three bundles of shingles).

6. Is a permit required for construction of a storage building?

It depends on the size of the unit, and whether utilities are included:

• No, for units 200 square feet or less with no utilities
• Yes, for units over 200 square feet
• Yes, for any size building that has utilities

7. Is a permit required for replacement of a water heater?

Yes. Owners may obtain the permit and perform the work on their own homestead. Permitting requires proof of a homestead exemption filed through the Central Appraisal District of Taylor County, located at:
1534 S Treadaway Boulevard
Abilene, TX 79602

They can contacted at 325-676-9381. Verification can be provided using a copy of your tax form.

If the work is to be performed by a contractor, the contractor must be a properly licensed plumbing contractor and must be registered with the City of Abilene.

8. Is a permit required for construction of a wooden deck?

It depends on deck height and construction:

• No, if the deck is open and does not have a roofed structure over it, and the deck walking surface is equal to or less than 30 inches above the adjoining ground level
• Yes, if the deck has a roofed structure over it
• Yes, if the deck walking surface is more than 30 inches above the adjoining ground level

9. When does a permit expire?

A permit expires if work has either been suspended for more than 180 days, or if work has not commenced within 180 days after the permit was issued.

10. Can I obtain a permit to do electrical work at my own house?

Yes, after all of the following requirements have been met:

1. Provide proof of homestead
2. Pass home owner's electrical test, given by a City of Abilene electrical inspector
3. Submit information of work to be performed
4. Obtain electrical permits and inspections

For more information, contact Building Inspections at 325-676-6273.

11. Do I need an asbestos survey to demolish interior walls, a portion of a structure, or the entire structure for a commercial building?

Yes. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires that, before renovation or demolition work begins, an asbestos survey must be conducted by an individual who has been accredited to safely and accurately collect representative samples. Contact the local DSHS office for assistance at 325-795-5863, or visit the Department of State Health Services website.

The City of Abilene's Asbestos Survey Verification form (PDF) must be submitted to obtain a permit.

12. What will happen if work requiring a permit is performed without contractor or owner first obtaining a permit?

Commencing construction without first obtaining a permit is a code violation, and violators are subject to receiving a citation.

Any construction requiring inspection that has been covered will be exposed to facilitate an inspection. Corrections may be necessary to meet the code requirements. Any associated cost is the responsibility of the contractor or owner.

Contractors

For contractors performing re-roofing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and irrigation work, a Stop Work Order will be posted, and an investigation fee equal to the amount of the required permit fee will be assessed. If a second violation occurs within 12 months, a ten times fee will be assessed.

Property Owners

For property owners, a Stop Work Order will be posted and an investigation fee equal to the amount of the required permit fee will be assessed. In addition, a Stop Work Order Release Fee will be assessed.

13. How can I find out if a contractor is registered with the City of Abilene?

Contractor information may be obtained from the MyGov website or by calling 325-676-6273.

14. How do I become credentialed as a contractor in Abilene?

To become established, you must complete the necessary steps, depending on what type of contractor you are pursuing.

Building / Demolition / Building Mover

1. Obtain a bond form (PDF)
2. Provide proof of at least a $75,000 bond and a copy of your driver's license
3. Go online and request a credential on MyGov

Electrical Contractor

1. Provide a copy of your State Master Electrician's License with a copy of your driver's license
2. Provide a copy of your State Contractor's License
3. Provide proof of at least $300,000 liability insurance
4. Go online and request a credential on MyGov

Mechanical Contractor

1. Provide a copy of your State Air Conditioning - Refrigeration License (with copy of your driver's license)
2. Provide proof of General Liability insurance in accordance with Chapter 75.40 Texas Department of License and Regulation
3. Go online and request a credential on MyGov

Plumbing Contractor

1. Provide a copy of your State of Texas Plumber's license (with a copy of your driver's license)
2. Provide proof of at least $300,000 General Liability Insurance.
3. Go online and request a credential on MyGov

Sign Contractor

1. Provide a $3,000 surety bond on the City of Abilene bond form. Note: A $25,000 Surety Bond carried by a Registered Building Contractor can be used as a substitute.
2. For installation of electrical signs, contractor must also provide the following:
   • $300,000 Liability Insurance
   • State Electrical Sign Contractor License
   • State Master Sign Electrician License
   • Master Sign Electricians' Driver's License
3. Go online and request a credential on MyGov

15. How can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

Certificates of Occupancy are coordinated by Building Inspection at 325-676-6232. An application may be obtained from our Applications page and then requesting a Certificate of Occupancy project on MyGov.

16. How do I establish wastewater service?

Contact the Water Utility Billing Office at 325-676-6405 to set up an account.

17. How do I get a service connection to a City sewer main?

Contact Building Inspection at 325-676-6273 for the proper permit before scheduling the work. Only a licensed plumber can make a service connection to a City sewer main.

18. What is a construction inspection?

A construction inspection is a visual check of the construction work to ensure that structural integrity, safety, and adherence to code is maintained.

19. How do I schedule an inspection?

Contact Planning & Development Services at 325-676-6232, located at:
555 Walnut Street
Abilene, TX 79601

You can also log on to MyGov and select the appropriate inspection.

20. Who performs inspections?

City staff members perform inspections respective to the industry. The Building Inspections Department is staffed by professionally qualified licensed or certified:

• Building Officials
• Building Inspectors
• Plumbing/Mechanical Inspectors
• Electrical Inspectors
• Plan Examiners
• Code Compliance Officers

21. How long are house plans kept on file?

House plans are kept on file for one year after a final inspection approval.

22. What construction codes does the City of Abilene currently use?

View the Building Inspections page for a full list of codes and amendments.

23. Which permits do I need to install a mobile home in Abilene?

For information about mobile home permitting requirements, see the Mobile Home Inspection Checklist (PDF).

24. Who do I call to have underground lines marked before I start to dig on my property?

There is no charge for line locating services.

For all buried/underground utilities or lines, dial 811. If 811 service is not available in your area, call 800-344-8377. For more information, visit the Texas 811 website.