Frequently Asked Questions

2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Residential Code (Residential energy provisions are adopted by the State of Texas; City verifies compliance from third party State licensed inspector hired by the owner), 2006 International Mechanical Code, 2006 International Plumbing Code, 2006 International Fuel Gas Code, 2006 International Fire Code, Current Energy Code as adopted by the State of Texas (City verifies compliance from third party State licensed inspector hired by the owner), 2005 NEC, Texas Accessibility Standards (Adopted by the State; City verifies compliance from third party State licensed inspector hired by the owner). The Building Department also has amendments to these codes. These are available on our website or may be picked up at the Building Department 817.410.3165. Additionally, the Building Department enforces the provisions contained in the City of Grapevine Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and the City of Grapevine Code of Ordinances. Building Inspections 817.410.3165 or

Yes, Water heaters are covered under the Plumbing and/or Fuel Gas Code, and State Law. It is illegal for anyone, even a homeowner, to replace a water heater without a permit. Every year, people are killed or injured due to improperly installed water heaters. Building Inspections 817.410.3165

Yes, there is no charge for storage buildings not exceeding 120 square feet in area, but all storage buildings require permits. Submittal requirements and fee schedules are available online, or may be picked up at the Building Department 817.410.3165.

Permits are not required for driveways entirely on private property that do not tie into the curb/street. Permits are not required for sidewalks entirely on private property. Public sidewalks, and sidewalks in the right of way must be permitted. Permits are not required for retaining walls not over four feet in height, unless the retaining wall is close enough to a structure that it is carrying foundation loads. Retaining walls over four feet in height require permits, and plans must be prepared by a State of Texas registered Professional Engineer. No permit is required for patio slabs unless the slab is carrying roof loads. Building Inspections 817.410.3165 / 817.410.3166. Patio Information Sidewalks and Drive Approaches Application

State law regulates handicapped accessibility. All work falling under the scope of the Texas Accessibility Standards must be reviewed/inspected by a State licensed accessibility contractor. It is the owner/architect/project manager’s responsibility to secure the services of the State licensed contractor. The City will require verification to be submitted, showing compliance with State law. As a courtesy, the City can provide a list of inspectors who perform this service.
Mailing Address: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. BOX 12157, Austin, Texas 78711
Telephone: 512.463.6599 | Toll-Free (in Texas) 800.803.9202 | Fax 512.475.2871
Relay Texas-TDD 800.735.2989

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/

Energy codes are adopted by the State of Texas. It is the responsibility of the owner/architect/project manager to secure the services of a State licensed energy code inspector to review/inspect for energy code compliance. The City will require verification of compliance with State law to be submitted. As a courtesy, the City can provide a list of inspectors who perform this service. 

Mailing Address: State Energy Conservation Office, 111 East 17th Street, #1114, Austin, Texas 78701 Telephone: 512.463.1931 FAX: 512.475.2569

While the answer to this question is based on the current workload, the complexity and the type of permit, the following are goals that the Building Department has for turn around time: TYPE OF PERMIT TURN AROUND TIME Simple trade permit (water heater, air conditioner change out, electrical repairs, etc.) Same day Residential storage buildings and fences 1 working day New single family residential, residential additions and remodels, signs 3 working days. Commercial alterations 10 working days New commercial buildings 15 working days.

Yes. Due to the extremely expansive soils in this area, foundations (new and addition) must be designed by a State of Texas Registered Professional Engineer. The only exception is for residential additions of 400 square feet or less where it can be verified that the original foundation was not engineered. In these rare cases, a standard foundation detail (provided by the City), or equivalent may be used. Foundation requirements Building Permit application.

Generally speaking, the following work is exempt from permits. Building: 1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m2) require permits, but are exempt from permit fees. 2. Oil derricks. 3. Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. 4. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1. 5. Sidewalks and driveway not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route. 6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work. 7. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. 8. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground. 9. Swings and other playground equipment. 10. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, and Group U occupancies. 11. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753mm) in height. ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Sec. 7-1. Building code--Adopted. Electrical: Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of the approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Gas: 1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances. 2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe. 3. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid. Mechanical: 1. Portable heating appliance. 2. Portable ventilation appliances. 3. Portable cooling unit. 4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code. 5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe. 6. Portable evaporative cooler. 7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less. 8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid. However, if you have any questions at all whether your project requires a permit, please do not hesitate to contact the Building Department 817.410.3165.

Yes, a building permit is required. Two copies of a site plan showing the location of the tent and a flame retardant certificate are required. Building Inspections 817.410.3165 / 817.410.3166. Depending on your use, a temporary use permit may also be required. New Submission (mccicloud.io) Planning and Zoning 817.410.3155.