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Standard Permitting Procedures
Purpose
Permitting within the City of Richland Hills is a function of Development Services, which is charged with the enforcement of the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 International Plumbing Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2017 National Electrical Code and other applicable codes as adopted by the City of Richland Hills.
The purpose of the codes are to provide minimum standards to protect the safety, health and general welfare of the public by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures through a program of permitting, plan review, inspection and enforcement.
A permit application is required for all construction work with the only exceptions being those identified in the 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code. A partial list is included below.
Construction work includes but is not limited to:
- New construction
- Demolition
- Remodels and additions
- New mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems
- Replacement or repair of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems with modifications
- Temporary power connections
- Irrigation system installations
- Other types of projects such as:
- Signs, fences, driveway approaches and swimming pools
The following are examples of work exempt from a permit as outlined in the 2018 IBC and IRC (not limited to this list):
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting.
- Hanging pictures, whiteboards, screens, wall mounted TV's and security systems.
- Cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
- Fiber optic cables.
- Repair of portable, nonfixed and movable fixtures.
- Electrical: Ordinary repairs such as replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
- Mechanical: Portable heating appliance, ventilation equipment, cooling unit or evaporative cooler.
- Plumbing: Stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe. If it becomes defective and needs replacement with new material, such work is considered new work and a permit is required. Clearing of stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Prior to any permit being issued, a permit application accompanied by plans and documents must be submitted to the City of Richland Hills Development Services Department and all applicable permit fees paid to the City. All applications must be legible and completely filled out, dated, and include the General, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical contractor information.
All contractors performing work within the City of Richland Hills jurisdiction must be registered with the City and provide a valid driver's license, state licenses, and proof of commercial liability insurance with limits set by the City of Richland Hills Code of Ordinance Chapter 14 Section 14-35(c).
All permit applications, plans and supporting documents are to be submitted to the permit technician (or designee) in the Development Services Department.
All contractor registration applications and supporting documents are to be submitted to the permit technician (or designee) in the Development Services Department.