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WHO MUST GET A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit is required for any new structure or building addition constructed in 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. The City Council has adopted minimum standards for construction and materials to protect 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 Permit and Inspections Department.
HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF THE BUILDING CODE?
Benbrook uses the latest editions of the International Building Code series, including the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and the International Fire Code which can be obtained from the International Conference of Building Officials in Whittier, California. Benbrook also uses the latest edition of the National Electric Code, available from the National Fire Protection Association in Batterymarch Park, Massachusetts. Copies of the codes can be examined at Benbrook City Hall. Benbrook has adopted several local Code Amendments which can be obtained from the Permit and Inspections Department. If you are unfamiliar with the building codes, you should talk with the Permit and Inspections Department early in the planning of your project.
WHAT MUST I HAVE BEFORE I CAN GET A BUILDING PERMIT?
Before the City can issue a building permit, the property must be properly platted, the proposed size and use of the building must conform to the requirements of the City’s zoning and building requirements, and a completed Building Permit Application must be submitted. Some zoning districts also require that a more detailed site plan be submitted for approval.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE PROPERTY IS PLATTED?
A properly platted lot must have been subdivided or platted by a surveyor in accordance with City and State standards, approved by the City and recorded with the Tarrant County Court Clerk. A properly-platted lot usually is designated by lot and block numbers while an unplatted property generally is referred to by tract and survey abstract. The City’s Planning Department can help you determine whether your property is platted or not.
WHY MUST MY PROPERTY BE PLATTED?
The platting process allows the City to determine whether the property is being developed in an orderly manner, according to applicable regulations and that necessary public improvements are provided. Platting also provides an opportunity for public utilities to obtain necessary easements for the extension of service. The developer (or land owner) is responsible for providing certain onsite public improvements.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR A BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION?
If the property is properly platted and the proposed building use, size and location conform to the zoning regulations, then you may apply for a building permit with the Inspection Department. To apply, you must submit two copies of plans to the Inspection Department (one copy for single-family residential) of:
1. A plot plan of the property on which the proposed work is to be done, drawn to scale, including:
a) the legal description and street address,
b) the location of the proposed building,
c) the location of other buildings on the property,
d) the location and dimensions of existing and proposed easements,
e) property dimensions,
f) the distances from the new building to other buildings and to all property lines,
g) the proposed use or occupance of the proposed buildings,
h) the total square footage of the proposed building, and
i) erosion control and drainage plans.
2. Construction plans showing the foundation design, framing details, electrical system, heating/air conditioning and plumbing design.The construction plans must be prepared in ink on substantial paper and be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature of the work to be preformed and that it conforms to the building code.
3. Payment of the appropriate building permit fees.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The building permit fee varies with the estimated value of the project based on its size and type of construction. The Inspections Department will determine this value and the applicable building permit fee. The building permit fee is used to defray the cost of providing inspections and review during the course of construction.
IS THIS ALL THAT IS REQUIRED?
In addition to the building permit, separate permits and fees are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and erosion control. Fees for these permits are based on the number and types of fixtures to be installed or square footage of living area. Sprinkler systems, swimming pools, drive approaches and fences also require separate permits.
CAN I DO THE WORK MYSELF?
All work must be performed by a contractor registered with the City of Benbrook unless you have a homestead exemption on file with the appraisal district. If you have a homestead exemption then you are allowed to perform your own work as long as permits are secured and the work performed is inspected by the city. All contractors are required to register with the city. Plumbers, mechanical and electrical contractors are licensed by the State but still need to register their state license with the city.
ONCE I OBTAIN A PERMIT, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
A building permit authorizes you to begin construction within 180 days. The City will make a number of inspections and approvals during construction. You should coordinate your work with the Inspections Department to schedule the necessary inspections when the construction reaches the appropriate stage. When construction is completed and all inspections have been passed, the City will issue a Certificate of Occupancy or Final Building Inspection, depending on the type of construction.
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