Q. As a homeowner doing my own work at my home, am I required to obtain a permit?
A. Depending on the type of project, you may be required to obtain a permit and register with the Town. Please check with the Building Inspections Division for any requirements regarding the building, electrical, and plumbing codes and/or any ordinances adopted by the Town. For information on various projects that require a permit, please download the "
When is a Permit Required?" document.
Q. How long will it take to get my residential permit application approved?
A. If all the required information is included at the time of submittal, in most cases, it will take no more than 3 to 5 working days. You will be notified by phone when it has been reviewed and approved. For information on permit plan review for pools, spa, irrigation systems, and fences or other residential projects, please contact Building Inspections at 972.874.6355.
Q. Can I do electrical work on my house?
A. Yes, but a permit may be required, and it must be installed and comply with the Town’s adopted electrical code.
Q. When is a permit required for heating or air conditioning work?
A. A permit is required for removal or replacement of a unit. A permit is not required for repair or replacement of parts only. When a permit is required, the contractor must be registered with the Town and must obtain the permit before performing any work. All work must comply with the Town’s adopted codes. For more information, please contact Building Inspections at 972.874.6355.
Q. How long is my permit good for after being issued?
A. Most permits expire 180 days from the date of issuance or the date of your last inspection. Exceptions include fence and irrigation permits which expire 60 days from issue date. For more information, click on the appropriate builders packet for your project located on the Construction Information page of our website.
Q. Can I install my own irrigation system?
A. Yes, but you must get a permit and list a licensed backflow tester who is registered with the Town to test the double-check assembly. For a list of backflow testers who are currently registered with the Town, please contact our office at 972.874.6355. Any licensed backflow tester may register with the Town (
Licensed Contractor Registration Form). All other work can be done by the homeowner with proof of a homestead exemption.
Q. Do I need a permit to install a light pole in my yard?
A. Yes. We will require a permit to insure the electrical work is done to code. If you are hiring an electrician to do the work, they will need to be registered with the Town, and they will pull the permit. A homeowner can do their own electrical work but will be required to pull the permit listing themselves as the electrician. The homeowner will be required to register as a contractor but will not be charged a contractor registration fee. All electrical work must conform to code. See the Building Inspections home page for a list of the current codes the Town has adopted. For information on the permitting process for this project, please contact Building Inspections at 972.874.6355.
Q. Do I need a permit to install a flag pole in my yard?
A. No, we do not require a permit, but the maximum height for a residential flag pole is 25 feet. You will need to contact the Code Enforcement Division for more information. They can be reached by calling 972.874.6340.
Q. Why should my contractor pull the permit instead of me, the homeowner?
A. 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. They are required to be registered with the Town. Always ask to see the permit before work is started.
Q. Is there something that can be done about the construction noise by my house?
A. Construction working hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The police department enforces these hours. There is a zero-tolerance policy for violations.