Permits and Inspections - Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Permit and Inspection Department located and what are the hours of operation?
The Permit and Inspection Department is located at Benbrook City Hall, 911 Winscott Road, Benbrook, Texas 76126. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The telephone number to the Permit and Inspection Department is 817-249-6064.
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required for any new structure, building addition or remodeling project performed in the City of Benbrook. Only one-story detached accessory buildings less than 120 square feet (storage buildings, playhouses, etc.) and retaining walls less than four feet in height are exempt however, they must meet setback requirements. The City Council has adopted minimum standards for construction and materials to protect life, health, and safety. These standards are contained in the building code, plumbing code, electrical code, and mechanical code. If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, check with the City’s Inspection Department at 817-249-6064.
What is the cost of a permit?
Permits will vary in cost according to type of application. Please refer to the fee schedule for further information.
What forms of payment are accepted?
At this time, the City only accepts checks and cash for permits.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is required for all commercial buildings or structures that are occupied or used. Basically, when a new tenant leases a space, a new C.O. will be required. Upon issuance of a C.O. and approval of all required inspections, utilities will be released with the new tenant’s name. The C.O. contains information concerning the owner or tenant, address of the building, a description of the portions of the building, the use intended, building code designations for the group and classification of the building or structure, and approval of the Building Official.
When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?
A Certificate of Occupancy is required when: 1) A new commercial building is constructed and occupied; 2) An existing building or lease space is enlarged; 3) Any new use, tenant, or occupant is established; 4) Any use, tenant, or occupant of any tenant or lease space is changed; 5) Any commercial tenant “name” or ownership is changed; 6) There is a change in use which would place the building or lease space in a different occupancy classification (group and/or division) as referenced in the International Building Code.
Why is a Certificate of Occupancy needed?
The Inspection Department uses the Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) for information to help identify potential hazards that may be encountered while responding to emergency calls by the Fire Department. The C.O. verifies that the structure conforms to the most current life & safety standards.
What should be done with a Certificate of Occupancy once it is received?
The Certificate of Occupancy is required to be posted in a conspicuous location on the premises and shall not be removed except by the Building Official.
Can a Certificate of Occupancy be revoked?
Yes. The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a Certificate of Occupancy whenever it is determined that the certificate was issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or when it is determined that the building, a portion of the building or structure is in violation of any ordinance, regulation, or provision of the building codes.
How long does the permit review process take on residential projects?
New single-family, duplex or single-family additions usually require no more than three business days for review, depending on workload.
How long does the permit review process take on commercial projects?
New commercial projects, multi-family, parking lots, additions to existing structures, finish-outs generating a C.O., and interior finish-outs for an existing tenant usually require no more than five business days for initial review and two days to review any revisions. Certificate of Occupancy applications usually require 1 business day for review. Plan review times may take longer for more complex projects or during periods of high work load.
Can a building permit be issued without the subcontractors being listed on the permit?
Yes. As long as the general contractor is registered with the City a building permit may be issued. However, upon issuance of the permit, all subcontractors must register with the City prior to securing their individual permits.
How are addresses assigned?
All addresses are assigned by the City Planner in the Planning Department at 817-249-3000.
Will a building permit be issued on an unplatted piece of property?
No. A plat is required so that the City can provide for the safe, orderly development of the City. Plats are reviewed to determine compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision Ordinance and other applicable regulations on land development. The City also determines whether any public improvements, such as streets, drainage, water, or sewer are required prior to development of the land. The City also determines whether any rights-of-way or easements are required. Utility suppliers review plats to determine the adequacy of supplies, distribution lines, and easements to serve the area to be platted.
Where can information on existing water and sewer lines be obtained?
Please contact the Benbrook Water Authority at 817-249-1250 for information on water and sewer lines.
Are licenses or certificates required to operate a restaurant?
Yes. Requirements for restaurants can be obtained from the Tarrant County Health Department (817) 321-4960. A Certificate of Occupancy is required from the Inspection Department (817-249-6064).
Is a permit required to occupy or use a building?
Yes. A Certificate of Occupancy or a Power On (for showing or cleaning commercial space) permit is required and must be applied for through the Inspection Department (817-249-6064).
Can a portion of a building or structure be occupied prior to the completion of the entire building or structure?
A partial or conditional Certificate of Occupancy can be issued by the Inspection Department (817-249-6064) under certain conditions.
Can a variance be applied for on construction-related items?
No. Variances are not allowed for construction related issues; however alternate designs which meet the intent of the code can be approved by the Building Official. Variances are only for zoning related items.
How is a zoning change or a special use permit on a parcel of land obtained?
Application is made for a zoning change or special use through the Planning Department (817-249-3000).
Is a “foundation-only” permit available?
Yes, provided the site is platted, there is no pending zoning change, building plans are provided for building placement, and no engineering issues remain unresolved. A “foundation-only” permit is issued by the Inspection Department (817-249-6064).
Can an application be made for a building permit while the site is being platted or zoning is pending?
Yes. However, the building permit will not be issued until all platting and zoning issues are resolved. |