Frequently Asked Questions

• Access to Grapevine Township Revitalization Program Grants to revitalize the exterior of your historic home
• Access to HUD loan programs, which will allow you to purchase and rehabilitate a historic home in one mortgage
• Tax credits which allow (commercial) restoration or rehabilitation costs to be deducted from your income taxes
• Access to free architectural design assistance for proposed modifications to historic buildings
• Greater increased property values (as compared to other non historic properties in the city)

The City of Grapevine Historic Districts map shows the boundary of the Historic Township District, five local historic districts and individual residential and commercial historic landmarks. If your property is located within this area, it is in a historic district or is a landmark property.

In 1991, the City of Grapevine adopted an ordinance that created the city's Historic Preservation Commission and a Historic District Zoning (H-overlay) category. This ordinance enabled the creation of historic districts and landmarks.

The purpose of this overlay category is to protect our rich, unique, cultural and architectural heritage. Since 1992, additional preservation ordinances have been adopted creating specific historic districts and landmarks in the city.

The Grapevine Commercial Historic District was adopted in July and October 1992. The College Street Historic District was adopted in November 1993. The Historic Township District was adopted in March 1998. The Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District was adopted in January 2002.  The West Wall Street Historic District was adopted in June 2004. The D. E. Box Addition Historic District was adopted in December 2011.

A grant application package may be obtained from the Office of Historic Preservation at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Building, 636 South Main Street, or you may obtain a grant application by mail by requesting one from: Grapevine Township Revitalization Project, Inc. P.O. Box 95104 Grapevine, TX 76099

In addition, you may contact the Office of Historic Preservation at 817.410.3197.

No, we only accept applications for jobs for which we are currently recruiting. These jobs are vacant at the time they are posted or will be vacant very soon. However, if you have Internet access, you may complete a Job Interest Card for job(s) that you might want to apply for when a vacancy arises. This interest card will remain on file or “open” for 12 months. You will be notified by e-mail when a job that you have expressed interest in is posted. Log in to www.grapevinetexas.gov and go to the Human Resources Department. Click on the link Job Interest Cards and follow the directions to complete the notification request.

Processing Applications for Employment.

After Applying.

INFORMATION ON APPLICATION: Signature in ink; address; phone numbers; e-mail address; place of business; proof of address or property ownership (TXDL, utility bill, or tax statement, etc.); Texas driver’s license number; and date of birth. Minors require signature of one parent and their parent’s Texas driver’s license number and date of birth.

Non-resident cards are available for an annual fee of $50 per year.

Cards are free for Grapevine residents, but non-residents may get a card for an annual fee of $50. Property owners in Grapevine may get a free library card with a current Grapevine property tax bill. GCISD teachers may also get a free card with school ID.

Grapevine children under the age of 18 may be issued a free library card with parent/guardian permission and signature.

No, non-residents and visitors may request a guest pass to use library computers. Guest passes are available at the reference desk near the public computers.

If your child does not live in Grapevine an annual $50 non-resident fee is charged.

No, anyone may access the library's free public WiFi service. The network name is Library WiFi. No password is required.

If you do not have a library card, you can get a free guest pass at the reference desk that will provide access to the public computers.

Donate your used books to the library. Beginning May 1, 2021 Grapevine Public Library will accept book donations on Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. We do not accept magazines. Please bring your donations to the doors on the south side of the library near the Convention Center. Ring the doorbell located next to the doors and we will assist you. Donated materials may be incorporated into our collections, sold by our Friends group, or recycled. Once donated, materials become property of the library.

For residential properties, secondary structures include garages, sheds, workshops, and more. Additional information about their requirements can be found here. 

You can contact the Planning Services Department at 817.410.3155 with the legal description of your property or view our GIS map online. Additional details here: https://grapevinegis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=00580195730542d486d4a5fe6ad79f2e

After determining the zoning of your property, the zoning regulations can be found online or you can contact the Planning Services Department at 817.410.3155.   http://www.grapevinetexas.gov/154/Zoning-Ordinance

Boats, recreational vehicles and trailers are regulated by our residential zoning ordinances and are allowed to be parked in a driveway only with an approved permit from the Building Services Department when side and back yards parking is not feasible, 817-410-3165 or 817-410-3166.

2021 International Building Code, 2021 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), 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 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), 2020 NEC, Texas Accessibility Standards (Adopted by the State; City verifies compliance from third party State licensed inspector hired by the owner), International Swimming Pool & Spa Code. The Building Department also has amendments to these codes. These are available on our website, or may be picked up at the Building Services Department. Additionally, the Building Services 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 817-410-3166.

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 or 817-410-3166.

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 Services Department 817-410-3165 or 817-410-3166.

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 which are not over 4-feet in height measured from bottom of footing to the top of the wall, 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 Services Department 817-410-3165 or 817-410-3166. 

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

Main Office: 920 Colorado Street, Austin, Texas 78774

Contacts: 512-463-6599, 800-803-9202
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, #610D, Austin, Texas 78774 

Contacts: 512-463-1931, Toll Free Number: 1-800-531-5441, ext 3-1931

seco@cpa.texas.gov 

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 Services 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 5-7 working days. New single family residential, residential additions and remodels, signs 7-10 working days.  Commercial alterations 7-10 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 as to whether your project requires a permit, please do not hesitate to contact the Building Services Department 817-410-3165 or 817-410-3166.

The City of Grapevine allows home businesses on a very limited basis. The ordinance defines customary home occupation as:

CUSTOMARY HOME OCCUPATION shall mean an occupation customarily carried on in the home by a member of the occupant's family provided that:

(a)The home occupation shall be clearly secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and there may be no evidence of the home occupation visible to the neighborhood.
 (b) There shall be no structural alteration to the premises/building or any of its rooms, which changes the residential character of the dwelling.
 (c) There shall be no installation of machinery or additional equipment other than customary to household operations.
 (d) No person other than a member of the family of the owner or the resident of the dwelling shall be employed or work in such home occupation and such employees must also be occupants of the residence.
 (e) A home occupation may not create noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference which is detectable off of the premises, and may not cause visual or audible interference in radio or television receivers or fluctuations in line voltage off of the premises.
 (f) A home occupation must be carried on wholly within the principal dwelling, and not in an accessory building.
 (g) No signs or displays advertising the home occupation may be placed on the property where the home occupation is conducted.
 (h) Any activity conducted on the premises shall be of such a nature as to not appreciably increase the vehicular traffic or pedestrian activity in the neighborhood, and shall not encourage queues, browsing of displays, or any similar activity.
 (i) Outside storage of merchandise or equipment is prohibited.
 (j) Parking for the home occupation must be provided on a paved surface off of the street and not in a required front yard.
 (k) A customary home occupation shall not include the physical or medical treatment of persons or animals, retail sales, business services, barbershops, beauty shops, dance studios, carpenter shops, electrical shops, plumber shops, radio shops, auto repairing or painting, furniture repairing, or sign painting.
 (l) Sales of motor vehicles shall be limited to a maximum of two vehicles per calendar year.

http://www.grapevinetexas.gov/154/Zoning-Ordinance 817.410.3155

No, a temporary use permit for outside sales and display can only be issued to a business owner with a currently approved certificate of occupancy. Contact Planning Services at 817.410.3155.  

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 Services Department 817.410.3165. Depending on your use, a temporary use permit may also be required. New Submission (mccicloud.io) Planning and Zoning 817.410.3155.

Yes, however you must adhere to the guidelines in the Code of Ordinance.

Chapter 6 Animals and Fowl 

Sec. 6-1 Definitions - Fowl: A bird of the order Galiformes, which can be used as food. This term includes but is not limited to the common domesticated chicken, duck, geese, turkey, quail, dove, and pheasant.

Sec. 6-2. - Livestock and fowl.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any fowl within the city in any pen, shed, coop or enclosure, if any part of such enclosure or structure is within 50 feet of any residence, business or commercial establishment or office (other than the owner's), school, hospital or nursing home.

(e) It shall be unlawful for any owner of any animal to maintain yards, pens, kennels, stables, sheds, coops or other enclosures in which such animals are confined in such a manner as to emit odors offensive to any person's ordinary sensibilities residing in the vicinity, or to breed or attract flies, mosquitoes or other noxious insects or rodents, or in any manner to endanger the public health, safety or welfare, or to create a public nuisance.

Tree removal is not permitted without consultation with Planning Services staff. 

Tree Preservation Ordinance

The Tree Preservation Ordinance regulates the protection of trees and vegetation cover within the City of Grapevine, to encourage the protection of healthy trees and vegetation and to provide for the replacement and replanting of trees that are illegally removed from a developed or undeveloped property or are necessarily removed during construction, development, or redevelopment.

 Grapevine’s Tree Preservation Ordinance is Section 52, Tree Preservation of the Zoning Ordinance.

 Permit Information

Tree Preservation Application

Tree Removal Application

 Tree Removal without Permit 

 For trees removed from a property without a permit, the repayment amount for a replacement tree is calculated based on a schedule published annually by the City, which sets forth the average cost of a quality tree added to the average cost of planting a tree. The replacement cost per caliber inch for 2023 is $320.41 per caliper inch.* This fee was determined for the average cost of a 3-inch caliper native shade tree and tree planting costs.

No certificates of occupancy will be issued for a site until the required payment has been made to the Tree Reforestation Fund if work has proceeded without permit approval.

*This fee will be recalculated annually.

 Tree Diseases and Problems

Dutch Elm Disease

Mistletoe

Hypoxylon Canker 

Emerald Ash Borer   

You can contact Planning Services Department for a consultation at 817.410.3155.

Any time you propose to work in the City of Grapevine rights-of-way, public easements, or other City of Grapevine owned property, a permit is required. Article IV: Management of Public Rights-of-Way of the City of Grapevine Code of Ordinances provides that a permit shall be obtained for installation, inspection or repair of utilities within the City right-of-way and public easements before construction begins.

The City of Grapevine has public utilities within the TXDOT rights-of-way, and therefore a City permit, in addition to the TXDOT permit, will be required for any proposed facilities which are to parallel or cross them.

You may call the Grapevine Public Works/Engineering Department (817.410.3146) or send an email for information regarding plats, rights-of-way, or City easements.

If you elect to use email, please put the utility for which you are working, and the service address, only, in the subject line. IE: ATMOS - 200 S. Main St. Use the body of the email for additional information, and add a PDF for added routing clarity. Please do not imbed aerials or images in the document as there is limited City inbound and outbound e-mail capacity.

Most plats and associated construction plans, and capital projects are available in PDF format. If you will define your project in an email with the Utility Owner, type of work to be done, the beginning address and ending address (or just ending address if all work is on one lot) and a PDF map showing the location and route if applicable, the appropriate information will be set up in a Sharepoint Folder, usually within two days.

A secure link to the Sharepoint folder for information exchange will be provided with a 30 day expiration

Yes on both counts. Right of Way Permit Application(8.5 x 14)or the Right of Way Permit Extension (8.5 x 11).

Please print each in their native PDF size. Forms may also be obtained via download from this site or through: 

Grapevine Public Works/Engineering,

City Hall,  First Floor

200 S. Main St.

Grapevine, TX 76051

817.410.3135

The application and three sets of plans, including three copies of the approved TxDOT permit, if applicable, are required to be submitted with the permit application. Prior to the execution of the permit, the applicant's contractor is to have current insurance on file with the City of Grapevine Public Works/Engineering Department, with the City listed as an additional insured. Required insurance minimums are found at the end of the governing ordinance: Article IV: Management of Public Rights-of-Way

• Please only use 8-1/2” x 11” or 11” x 17” sheets for your project plans.

• The plans should be to scale, preferably 1” = 100’ or other as approved.

• Show existing and proposed City of Grapevine utilities within 10' either side of the proposed construction route,

• Highlight the proposed facilities which are tied to the nearest City utility (water, wastewater, storm drainage, and duct banks).

• Locate and detail of any new structures to be placed within the rights-of-way.

• The plans must include a location map with north arrow, scale, and distances from the nearest intersection to the proposed project.

• A scaled plan view showing the distance of the proposed construction from centerline of the right-of-way, width of the right-of-way, length of the project, and relationship to any sidewalks, fences, drive approaches, and other street features within the construction zone.

• Show landscaping if present, including the plant materials, and locations of irrigation, and lighting.

• Include a typical cross section to show 36" depth of bury or overhead clearance and directional bore details, if applicable.

• A profile may be necessary, if deemed so by City Staff.

• Traffic control plans are required for all Major and Minor Arterials, and may be required for lesser classification roadways. Three copies of the traffic control plans are required.

• If the proposed facilities are to be in the right-of-way of a recent roadway construction or reconstruction, incorporating the proposed facilities into the appropriate plan and profile sheets of the latest as-built is encouraged.

Delays or rejection will be experienced if your application and/or plans are incomplete, including failure to provide the required, approved TxDOT permit.

The applicant will be notified by phone or e-mail when the permit is ready, then anyone instructed by the applicant, including the assigned contractor, may pick up the permit.

In the project area, all wastewater, water, drainage, and City owned telecom facilities are to be ‘potholed’ at 100’ intervals, and at each crossing. Each service or lateral is to be uncovered at each crossing. Paint spotting is provided by the City of Grapevine. Potholing equipment, i.e. vac trucks, and repair is to be provided by the Contractor.

In the event a line cannot be identified by ordinary means in a timely manner, the City of Grapevine will identify said line at no charge to the contractor, but the repairs are at the expense of the Contractor.