The City of Arlington and all other cities across the country use the building permit process to verify that construction or development will comply with building codes and zoning ordinances. The building codes and zoning ordinances are adopted by the city council and become the law of the city. The development projects are also inspected to ensure compliance.
Building codes regulate the trades of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work specifically. Zoning is a local control tool that regulates open space, building setbacks and heights, and how the land can be used.
Typically, projects like fences, portable buildings, water heater replacement, garage conversions, and carports are the most common projects that will affect homeowners. Permits and inspections are required for these types of projects.
YES… Any type of minor repair work such as painting, wallpapering, tiling, counter tops, cabinets, sidewalks not in city ROW, decorative fences less than 24 inches tall, retaining walls that are not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) in developed height at any point when measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or imposed load or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids or located within a FEMA floodplain. See Article 1 of this Chapter regarding "tiered" retaining walls., -any type of maintenance work that does not involve relocating or replacing walls, doors, and windows.
Applications are available 24/7 at
ArlingtonPermits.com, our online permitting site. All applications are now online and digital plans can also be uploaded. If you have any questions, please email
PlansExam@arlingtontx.gov.
Homeowners may do all the work themselves if they so wish. A homeowner will be required to sign a homeowner's affidavit and must still comply with the City of Arlington's codes. Homeowner's should carefully consider the complexity of a project when considering whether or not to hire a contractor.
The City of Arlington requires that a contractor be registered as a business in order to obtain permits. The registration does not necessarily mean that a contractor is a reputable businessperson. Homeowner's should always check references before hiring a contractor. Homeowner's should always require their contractors to obtain the proper permits and inspections. Homeowners may choose to pay a contractor based upon approval of city inspections.
When a contractor is discovered working without a permit, a building inspector will issue a stop work order. In these cases, some work may have to be uncovered for inspection and redone. The property owner is ultimately responsible for the work performed on his property.
YES...Noise created by outdoor construction activities supervised by building permits is prohibited, if located within 300 feet of property used for residential purposes, during the following times:
During the hours of 6 PM to 7 AM Central Standard Time
During the hours of 8 PM to 7 AM Central Daylight Savings Time
There is an exception for homeowners performing work when acting as their own contractor. The Building Official may grant exceptions for special conditions. When an exception has been granted, affected homeowners will be notified. For assistance with noise being created during the hours of prohibition, contact the Police Department at 817-274-4444.
Basically, inspections are required before any part of the construction may be covered up and at the completion of the project. Work such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical work, and framing and insulation must be inspected before concealing.
YES… At one time, Arlington allowed electric water heaters to be installed on the floor of a garage, however, codes have been changed to prevent accidents. The water heater thermostat energizes the heating element when the water temperature within the tank falls below a certain selected level. At the instant the thermostat activates, a spark results. This spark is a source of ignition for flammable or combustible vapors, (i.e., gasoline) that may have accumulated along the garage floor. The 18-inch elevation is intended to keep ignition sources above these vapors that are heavier than air and settle to the garage floor.
YES & NO… Fences erected in Arlington are required to be permitted through Planning & Development Services. At the time a request for permit is submitted, a site plan must also be submitted showing the proposed location of the fence. As long as the fence does not conflict with any city ordinances the permit application is approved. If the fence gets installed on a neighbor's property, the location becomes a civil issue between the two neighbors. Neighbors can often resolve the issue by establishing where the property lines are. If the situation can not be resolved, it may be necessary to have the property line documented by a surveyor and take the appropriate actions in small claims court.
YES… Last year, the governor signed a bill that requires all cities in the State of Texas to adopt the energy code.
The energy code applies to all new construction and remodel work. The energy code tells us how to seal up buildings to prevent air leakage and how much insulation to use. It also sets new minimum requirements for doors and windows, air conditioning ducts and equipment and water heaters.
In some cases, it may. Some builders and remodeling contractors have always done most of the items that the energy code requires. For some builders, the added cost may only be the cost of more efficient windows.
YES… Houses and buildings built in accordance with the new energy code requirements will cost the homeowner less to heat and cool than buildings built prior to the adoption of the energy code.
Citizens and homeowners can log on to the Building Inspection web page and follow the links for energy information. The Building Inspection web page also contains links to other web sites for additional information. Citizens are welcome to visit the department staff and we'll be happy to answer your questions.