Do I need a permit to cut down trees in my yard?
No permit is required to remove a tree on residential property. However, in some neighborhoods it is a requirement to have a minimum number of trees planted on each residential lot. It would be good to check with the Planning Department at 972-205-2445 prior to removing any trees in a residential situation to ensure you are not violating a condition of your zoning. Removing trees at apartment complexes and non-residential buildings requires a permit from the Planning Department.
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Do I need a permit to replace / build a fence?
Yes and No.
Yes if you are building a fence where one has never existed, if you are changing building materials (going from chain link to wood or from wood to vinyl), if you live on a corner lot, are changing the height of your fence or have a swimming pool in your backyard.
No if you are replacing an existing fence in the same location, same height and with the same type of material.
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What is the maximum height I can build a fence?
Residential fences in the rear yard are allowed to be as high as 8 feet; in the front yard a wrought iron or wood picket fence must be less than 3 ½ feet in height and a masonry fence must be less than 2 ½ feet in height.
Commercial fences are allowed up to 10 feet; different zoning districts allow for placement of fencing around the rear of the property or around the entire property; you will need to check with our offices in order to determine what your zoning designation allows for your property.
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Do I need a permit to build / install a storage building in my backyard?
Yes. Please provide our office with a copy [please do not draw on your original] of your property survey (which shows the shape of your lot and your house on the lot) and indicate on the copy where you are placing the storage building. If you do not have your property survey, simply draw on a sheet of paper the shape of your lot and the shape of your house on the lot. On either copy please show distance to all property lines and the distance from the house to the storage building; in most cases, minimum setback requirements are three (3) feet from the property line and six (6) feet from the house to the structure. Structures should not exceed 15 feet in height and may not be two-stories. Come by our office to fill out a Building Permit Application and submit your drawing.
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As a homeowner, am I allowed to pull my own permits and complete electrical, plumbing and mechanical repairs myself?
Yes, you are. We require that a Homeowner’s Affidavit be completed which states that you are the homeowner and that you live in the house. We also require you provide either a copy of a driver’s license, or copy of a utility bill, which has your name on it with the address where you are pulling the permit; additionally this office will verify with the Dallas Central Appraisal District (www.dcad.org) that you are the homeowner of record and that you have a homestead exemption on the house. Please note: Homeowners are not allowed to recover Freon from air conditioning units; this must be completed by a licensed HVAC contractor.
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Do I need a permit to replace my hot water heater?
Yes. Effective September 1, 2001, all hot water heater replacements require a permit and an inspection. Replacements must be installed either by a licensed, registered plumber or by the homeowner. Homeowners must own the home, live in the home and homestead the home through Dallas Central Appraisal District (www.dcad.org). Rental properties or non-residential properties must have licensed, registered plumbers complete the work. No Exceptions.
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Do I need a permit to replace my carpet, tile, kitchen cabinets, paint the interior / exterior or to install siding on my house?
No, this is considered routine maintenance or cosmetic work on your home and does not require any permits.
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Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?
Possibly. If you are just replacing the shingles, no permit is required. However, if you are replacing 25% or more of the decking, a permit is required. Please make note that you are allowed two (2) layers of shingles; then you are required to tear down to the decking.
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Do I need a permit for foundation repairs?
If the cost of repairs is $2,000 or more you will need a permit. The work must be performed by a registered contractor and be designed by a licensed engineer.
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How much are permits?
Permit costs vary depending on the type of work you are proposing. Please be aware for each permit submitted, there is a processing fee due that is non-refundable; this fee is to be paid at time of permit submittal and does not apply towards the permit fee. Please refer to a Fee Schedule for pricing information.
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If I convert my garage into living space (a second living area or bedroom[s]), do I need to get a permit?
Yes. Please provide our office with a copy [please do not draw on your original] of your property survey (which shows the shape of your lot and your house on the lot) and indicate on the copy where the garage is. If you do not have your property survey, simply draw on a sheet of paper the shape of your lot and the shape of your house on the lot. On an additional sheet of paper, draw the garage and the surrounding rooms within the home that are adjacent to the garage. Within the garage conversion indicate the size of each new room. Show the size (width and height) and location of windows or doors in each room in the conversion (each room is required to have at least 8% natural light with a minimum opening not less than 5 square feet). Make a notation if there is any plumbing or mechanical work (electric is required). Indicate if the electric, plumbing, or mechanical work will be done by the homeowner or by licensed contractors registered in Garland. An accessory building with a minimum 50 square feet of floor space is required in order to store equipment normally kept in the garage so you must indicate the location and size of the accessory building. Accessory buildings less than 144 square feet (12 x 12) are part of the garage conversion process and are given free of charge; larger buildings are not considered part of the garage conversion process and therefore have an additional fee associated with them.
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How long does it take to get a permit?
Time varies depending on the type of permit requested. However, in most cases, permits are ready to issue within five (5) working days. However, there are certain permits (such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing) that are issued over the counter.
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Should my contractor be licensed?
Yes. Please reference “Construction Related Website Links” on our homepage for detailed explanations on each license type.
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Can I extend my driveway?
Yes, driveways may be extended with a permit. However, there are some restrictions. Driveways in the front and side yards must be of either poured concrete or interlocking concrete pavers. Driveways in rear yards are less restrictive but must be accessible via a paved alley and concrete approach.
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My sidewalk along the front of my house is damaged, will the City pay to have it repaired?
Not 100%. The Engineering Department (972-205-2170) has funds set aside to help homeowners replace the sidewalk that runs in front of your house. They will split the costs 50 / 50 with you. Call them to inquire about the procedure.
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How long is my permit good for?
In most instances, permits are good for 180 days, or six (6) months.
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Who regulates residential maintenance issues?
Code Compliance is charged with handling all maintenance issues on residential lots (i.e. high grass, illegal habitation of an accessory structure, improper storage of construction materials [not in conjunction with a building permit], junk vehicles, parking on unimproved parking surfaces, etc). You may contact them at 972-485-6400.
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Can I add on to my house?
More than likely, yes. Come by our offices at 800 Main Street on the Second Floor. Bring a survey of your property (typically a legal size sheet of paper that shows the shape of your lot, the shape of your house on the lot, and any accessory buildings that may be located on your lot; it also has your legal description of the property typed either at the top or the bottom of the page) and blue prints showing what you would like to construct. Our plans examiners will look over the documentation to ascertain if the construction is feasible and supply you with requirements for your specific zoning.
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Do dog runs require permits?
Not from this department. Check with Animal Services ,972-205-3570; 600 Tower Drive, about any requirements on sizes and heights that they might enforce.
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Can I add a bathroom in my accessory building?
Yes. Accessory buildings may have restrooms; however, please be aware that accessory buildings are not for habitation. It is against City Ordinance to have more than one (1) dwelling on a single-family lot and sleeping quarters that are not attached to the main structure are not allowed.
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Is it feasible to add a mother-in-law house or small apartment in my back yard?
No. It is against City Ordinance to have more than one (1) dwelling on a single-family lot and sleeping quarters that are not attached to the main structure are not allowed.
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Do I need a permit to have a storage container on my property?
Storage containers on a residential property are monitored by Code Compliance (972-485-6400). Permits are not required; however containers may only be in place for 2 weeks. If there is a permit for construction, the container may be in place for the duration of the construction project. Please note: Storage containers may not be placed in city right-of-ways (i.e. streets or across city sidewalks); they must be contained entirely on private property.
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Do I need a permit to install a carport?
Yes. Carports in the front and side yards may not be constructed of metal; they must be similar in appearance to the main structure (including the roofing). Rear yard carports may be constructed of metal; however, an approved parking surface must be in place prior to installing a rear yard carport and must be accessed either from the front yard drive or a paved alley with a concrete approach.
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Is a permit required for a patio cover?
Yes. Please provide our office with a copy [please do not draw on your original] of your property survey (which shows the shape of your lot and your house on the lot) and indicate on the copy where you are placing the patio cover. If you do not have your property survey, simply draw on a sheet of paper the shape of your lot and the shape of your house on the lot. Show distance to all property lines (side and rear yards).
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Where is my property line?
Although not an exact science, generally your property line is one foot inside the sidewalk that runs in front of your house. Metal pins should be found in each corner of your yard, buried approximately 18 inches below grade. Or, your property survey has distances marked from the main structure to the property lines.
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Where are you located and what are your business hours?
Our offices are located on the southeast corner of Main Street and Glenbrook Drive on the second floor. We are in the same building where you pay your City of Garland utility bills. We are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; but please make note that we stop accepting most applications at 4:30 p.m. to ensure that a proper review can be completed.
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What are the inspectors hours?
Inspectors work Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They are in the office to answer questions over the telephone from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and either in person or on the phone from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. From 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. they are out in the field conducting inspections.
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Do I need a permit for my alarm?
Permits are required for monitored security alarms. Please contact the Police Departments non-emergency number 972-485-4840 for the application and fees.
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Where is Code Compliance?
Code Compliance is located at 210 Carver St., Suite 101, 972-485-6400. They are located in the same complex as the Parkland Clinic Extension.
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What do I need to do to open a new business in the City limits?
After you have determined what type of business you plan to operate and have met requirements of the state (sales tax certificate, d.b.a, etc), then you should visit our offices at 800 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Garland, Texas 75040 to apply for your certificate of occupancy. Once applied for, an inspection can be scheduled as early as the next business day. Once you pass your building inspection, you may open for business (exception: restaurants / delis must pass their Health Department inspection prior to opening to the public). Once you have passed your building inspection, our office will automatically route your utility release to the proper utility company.
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Who is my utility company?
85% of the city is serviced by Garland Power & Light (GP&L). Since the city opted out of deregulation (which was allowed for municipally owned electric companies) you may not chose another electric service provider. If you live within the 15% of city that is not serviced by GP&L, you may use any electric service provider you wish; except for GP&L. GP&L is committed to serving only those customers that were originally in their service area prior to deregulation.
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How can I locate underground utilities?
You can call 1-800-DIG-TESS (1-800-344-8377) to locate all underground utilities; including water and sewer lines.
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Do I need a permit for a garage sale?
Yes. You may call Code Compliance at 972-485-6400 to obtain a permit. There is no fee associated with the permit.
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Can I pay for my permits with a credit card?
Yes. This office accepts payments in the form of cash, checks (made payable to the City of Garland), Visa, Discover and MasterCard. Please make note that not all City departments accept credit cards.
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Where can I obtain a permit to sell seasonal gifts in the parking lot of a shopping center?
Selling seasonal items in shopping center parking lots are prohibited unless the business selling the items has a legal certificate of occupancy in that shopping center and the items being sold are items that are commonly found during the normal business practices (i.e. grocery stores setting up tents in their parking lots during Valentines or Mothers Day to sell candy and flowers for the holidays is acceptable).
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Can I operate a business from my home?
You can operate a business from your home. However, there are limitations involved in operating a home business. You may not have employees or customers come to your house and your business may not adversely affect your neighbors (i.e. smells or outside storage). No certificate of occupancy is given for home occupations. Please contact Code Compliance at 972-485-6400 for additional information.
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What do I need to turn in for a residential permit?
This information will vary depending upon the type of permit you are applying for. However, in most cases, a property survey is the preferred paperwork to submit. You should have received a property survey when you closed on your home (in most cases it is a legal size sheet of paper that has blue ink indicating the size of your lot and the size of your house and out buildings on the lot; at the top or the bottom of the page it will have a legal description of the property). On a copy [please do not draw on your original] you would need to indicate the project you are applying for (i.e. storage building, patio cover, carport, addition, garage conversion) with distances to property lines; along with the appropriate permit application. Additionally, formal blue prints may be submitted for consideration.
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What do I need to submit for a commercial permit?
Commercial permits vary depending upon the job. New construction, additions and interior completions require three (3) complete sets of engineered sealed plans, permit application, and energy envelop / compliance (COMMCHECK). Remodels require two (2) sets of plans (either professionally drawn [preferred] or hand drawn to scale), permit application and an asbestos acknowledgment form (part of our required paperwork).
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Can I schedule the inspection in the morning or the afternoon so that I don’t have to sit at the home / business all day waiting on the inspector to show up?
We do not schedule in the am / pm format (except for concrete pours, call our office for more information); however, anyone is welcome to call our offices between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. to speak with the inspector who has their inspection on their list for the day. The inspector is not able to set a specific time for inspections, but they can give a two (2) hour time frame as to when they will be there. Inspections are conducted between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Can I fax my permit to you and then call with a credit card number?
No. We do not accept faxed permit applications and we do not take credit card numbers over the telephone. You may either visit our offices in person to obtain your permit or you can mail your permit in with a check to be processed.
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Can I pull a permit / schedule an inspection / pay for a permit over the internet?
Not at the present time. However, we are at the end of negotiations with a vendor to purchase the appropriate software so that contractors can pull simple permits (i.e. plumbing, mechanical and electrical), schedule inspections, cancel inspections and pay for hanging balances on the permit over the internet. Monitor our website for our go live date.
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When are your offices closed?
Most City offices (including this one) are closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday (third Monday of January), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day & the day following Thanksgiving Day (the 4th Thursday & Friday of November), Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. In the event that a scheduled holiday falls on a Saturday, offices will be closed the preceding Friday; if the holiday falls on a Sunday, offices will be closed the following Monday.
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I have an after hours emergency inspection that needs to be taken care of, who do I call?
If the problem is electrical in nature, please contact GP&L dispatch line at 972-205-3000, they have someone answer the telephone 24 hours a day 7 days a week, they will page the appropriate inspector to look at the repairs; if the problem is plumbing or natural gas in nature, please contact the Water Departments dispatch line at 972-205-3210, they also have someone answer the telephone 24 hours a day 7 days a week and they will page the appropriate inspector to look at the repairs. Assuming that all repairs are completed up to code, the inspector will call the appropriate utility company to have the utility reinstated.
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Do I really need a permit for the inflatable above ground swimming pool I bought for my children at the local discount store?
Yes; if the swimming pool (pond and / or water fountain) is over 24 inches (2 feet) in depth a permit is required. Additionally, all safety factors that are required for large above ground and in-ground swimming pools are required (i.e. at least a 4 foot fence with no openings large enough for a 4 inch ball to pass through; self closing, self latching gates that lead to the pool area; and an alarm that is attached to all doors leading to the pool area that makes a contiguous sound for at least 30 seconds that can be throughout the house). Although it might seem “silly” to some, statistics have proven that children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. By ensuring that the proper barriers are in place you could avoid a dangerous situation.
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