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Building Permits and Inspections

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1. As a homeowner doing my own work at my home, am I required to obtain a permit?

Depending on the type of project, you maybe required to obtain a permit from the City. Please check with the Building Inspections Department for any requirements regarding the building, electrical and plumbing codes and/or any ordinances adopted by the City.

2. Who can perform work at my residence?

A licensed contractor who is registered with the City.

3. Who is responsible for pulling the permit?

The person or contractor who will be performing the work usually pulls the permit. Ultimately, however, the owner is responsible for ensuring that all necessary permits have been secured.

4. Why should my contractor pull the permit instead of me, the homeowner?

When a contractor is doing the work, they must pull the permit because they are doing the work and will be responsible for making sure the work meets code requirements. Always ask to see the permit before work is started.

5. How long will it take to get my residential permit application approved?

If all the required information is included at the time of submittal, in most cases it will take no more than 10 working days. You will be notified by phone when it has been reviewed and approved. For information on permit plan review for pools, spas, irrigation systems, fences or other residential projects, please contact Building Inspections at (972) 899-5093.

6. Can I do electrical work on my house?

Yes, but a permit may be required and it must be installed and comply with Highland Village's adopted electrical code.

7. How long is my permit good for after being issued?

Most permits expire 180 days from the date of issuance of the date of your last inspection.

8. When is a permit required for heating or air conditioning work?

A permit is required for removal or replacement of a unit. When a permit is required, the contractor must be registered with the City and must obtain the permit before performing any work. All work must comply with the City's adopted codes. For more information, please contact Building Inspections at (972) 899-5093.

9. Can I install my own irrigation system?

Yes, but you must get a permit and list a licensed backflow tester who is registered with the City to test the double check assembly. For a list of Certified Backflow Testers who are currently registered with the City, please contact our office at (972) 899-5093. All other work can be done by the homeowner with proof of a homestead exemption.

10. Is a permit required for an accessory building (storage shed)?

All accessory buildings require a permit.

11. What kind of fence can I build?

Most all wood and metal fences are acceptable. Chain link and woven fences, however, are prohibited. Please note that all fences require permits.

12. Can I put a fence in my front yard?

Only split rail and similar fences are allowed in front yards, and require approval from the City.

13. When installing a retaining wall on my property, is a permit required?

A permit is required when the wall is over two feet high including the footing depth. For more information on retaining wall permit requirements contact Building Inspections (972) 899-5093.

14. Do I need a fence permit to rebuild or replace a gate?

Typically you will not need a permit to replace a gate unless you are replacing the posts. You will want to make sure that your fence and gate were originally permitted to insure that the location, height and materials met fence code requirements. Please note that there are special requirements for fence gates if your fence is a barrier to a swimming pool.

15. Is a permit required for foundation repair?

Yes. The foundation company doing the work must be registered with the City and apply for a permit. They must submit an original engineering design. Make sure you see the permit before the work is started.

16. Do I need a permit to build a deck?

A permit is required for any deck over 30 inches above grade, as well as for any type of roof structure, including open arbors, per the City's adopted building code.

17. My Home Owner's Association (HOA) is telling me that I cannot build my project. Is this true?

While your project may be approved by the City, you should check your deed restrictions and HOA requirements before applying for a permit. Deed restrictions and HOA requirements may supersede City requirements. The City does not enforce HOA restrictions and/or requirements.

18. I have a home business, can I advertise with signs in Highland Village?

There are no provisions in the sign ordinance which would allow for this type of advertising.

19. Is it true that replacing a water heater in my house requires a permit?

Yes, as a water heater not installed properly could be a hazard. State law requires that the City perform an inspection of water heater replacements. If hiring a contractor to replace your water heater (gas or electric), the plumber must be registered with the City, obtain a permit before the work is performed (unless it is an emergency replacement being done while the permit office is closed) and make sure an approved final inspection from the City is obtained. If the permit cannot be obtained before the work is performed due to the permit office being closed, a permit must be obtained on the next business day. If a homeowner is to perform the work, they must bring proof of their homestead exemption when they apply for their permit. The work must comply with the current plumbing codes and ordinances.

20. The plumber told me that my water heater now requires a drain pan. Is that true?

If the water heater is adjacent to an outside wall, then a drain pan and a 3/4" drain is needed. The drain must terminate to the outside. This applies to all water heaters, gas or electric.