PERMIT APPLICATION
Updated:  February 2009

A.  Overall Requirements - For work being performed in all categories:

1.  A completed and signed permit application; and,

2.  All general contractors and subcontractors must be registered with the City.

B.  New Residential - Submit the following in large-scale format, folded to 8-1/2 x 11 size.

1.  Two (2) engineered foundation plans stamped/signed

2.  One (1) original engineered letter stamped/signed

3.  Two (2) site/plot plans

4.  One (1) set of elevation/floor plans

C.  Additions - Submit the following in large-scale format, folded to 8-1/2 x 11 size.

1st Floor

1.  Two (2) sets of engineered foundation plans designed by a Texas registered engineer.

2.  Two (2) site plans showing the location of the addition and all dimensions and setbacks from property lines.

3.  One (1) set of elevation plans with all dimensions and the slope of the roof.

4.  One (1) floor plan with all adjacent rooms specified.

5.  One (1) sketch of the perimeter of the house with the linear dimensions of siding and brick noted, as well as the dimension of all openings around the house with their relative location to siding and brick.  This information is required for calculating brick coverage.  A minimum of 80% brick coverage is required for each floor.

2nd Floor

1.  If the house is an existing one-story, a Texas registered engineer's elevation report is required to verify that the existing foundation and framing will support additional loads.

2.  If the house is an existing two-story, the submittals will be the same as the requirements for a one-story with the exception that engineered foundation plans will not be required.

D.  Garage enclosures - To enclose an existing garage, a new attached garage must be constructed that meets City requirements for two enclosed parking spaces.

1.  A permit for the new garage addition must accompany a garage enclosure permit.

2.  Submittal shall be the same as that of a first floor addition.

3.  The existing electrical disconnect will need to be relocated to the new garage location.

E.  Patio enclosures - The requirements are the same as for a first floor addition (see page 1).  However, if the patio is part of the original foundation, engineered foundation plans are not required.

F.  Accessory structures - An accessory structure is a storage building, garage, carport, arbor, gazebo, patio cover, etc. (attached or detached).  If structure is attached and constructed with composition shingles, structural footings designed by a Texas registered engineer shall be required.  The design shall be specific to the soil conditions of the lot.

If it is an attached lattice-type patio cover, structural engineering is not required.

1.  Two (2) site plans with the structure location, dimensions, and distances from property lines and house specified.

2.  Two (2) elevation drawings with height, roof pitch, support spacing, and siding, if any, specified.

G.  Fences - A fence permit is required to erect or replace a fence, and a permit is not required to repair an existing fence.

A City inspection is required.

1.  Two (2) site plans, drawn to scale, showing the location of the fence and any easements on the property.  All fences along alleyways are required to maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from the alley pavement, unless the property does  not extend to that point; in that case, the fence shall not encroach the property line.

H.  Yard Sprinkler/Irrigation System - All irrigators must be licensed and registered to install irrigation systems in Coppell.  However, homeowners wishing to install their own yard sprinkler systems may do so, but they must obtain a permit and required inspections.  Submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of an irrigation plan, sealed by a licensed landscaped irrigator, certifying that the irrigation system being installed meets all the requirements of the new TCEQ rules.

I.  Foundation repairs - Submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of a Texas registered engineer's design and/or specifications for the repair.  The engineer is responsible for overseeing the work and providing the Inspections Department with a sealed letter stating that the work was performed and completed per the design and specifications.

J.  Concrete Work

1.  All concrete work, such as driveway approaches, driveway extensions, private walks, foundations, etc., requires permits and inspections.

2.  The maximum width of a driveway at the property line is 24 feet and the minimum width is 12 feet with 5-foot radii required at the approach.  Lots that are large enough may have a circular drive, which requires a minimum 20-foot approach separation.

3.  Two (2) site plans showing the location and dimensions.

K.  Pool - All pools and spas 2 feet or deeper, whether above or in-ground, require a permit.

1.  Two (2) pool site plans with TXU Electric's stamp of approval.

2.  Two (2) copies of the property survey with pool location.

L.  Retaining Wall - If a wall is less than 4 feet in height, no permit is required.  However, retaining walls should not be built in the City floodplain or easements and must be a minimum of 5 feet off alley pavements and constructed entirely within the property boundaries.  Retaining walls above 4 feet in height require:

1.  Two (2) site plans showing the location of the wall, and varying heights along the wall.

2.  Two (2) sets of a Texas registered engineer's drawings and specifications.

M.  Mobile home gas or electric hook-up - Permits are required for all mobile home gas and electric hook-ups. Following an inspection and approval, the City will contact the appropriate utility company for a service release.

N.  Water Heater replacement - Effective September 2001, State law mandated that permits must be obtained for all water heater replacements and a follow-up inspection must be made by a licensed plumbing inspector.  These transactions can be conducted by fax for customers wishing to pay the permit fee by credit card.

O.  Screening Wall - A filed plat of the property is required before screening walls can be reviewed.

1.  Two (2) site plans showing the location of the wall.

2.  Two (2) sets of a Texas registered engineer's drawings and specifications.

P.  Sign - A complete copy of the Sign Ordinance may be purchased from the Building Inspections office

1.  Two (2) site plans showing the location of the sign and setbacks from property lines, if a monument sign.

2.  Two (2) elevations showing dimensions and location if attached to a facade, and the dimensions and text of message, if a monument sign.

3.  Temporary real estate, banner, and non-profit organization signs must specify or include drawings with the text of  the message and the size of the sign.

4.  Temporary real estate applications must also include a site plan showing setbacks from property lines.

Q.  Wood Decks - Decks less than eighteen (18) inches above grade do not require a permit.  However, decks shall not be built in the City floodplain or easements.

1.  Two (2) site plans showing the location and dimensions of the deck and distances from the property line, as well as elevations of the deck.

R.  Commercial - Two (2) complete sets of prints that include:

1.  Site plan

2.  Foundation and details

3.  Floor plan

4.  Elevations

5.  Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC plans, engineered and stamped

6.  Structural details

7.  The completed Project Registration Form (required by Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation), verifying that the accessibility (handicap) review process is underway, for projects exceeding $50,000.

8.  For trash removal, please note that the City of Coppell contracts with Waste Management, Inc.  For information regarding dumpster regulations, please contact Environmental Health Department at 972- 462-5100.  Please note:  Three (3) complete sets of prints are needed if the project includes a food service establishment.  The additional set is forwarded to the Environmental Health Department for review.

S.  Interior Finish-Out - Two (2) complete sets of prints that include:

1.  Location plan

2.  Floor plan

3.  Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC plans

4.  The completed Project Registration Form (required by Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation), verifying that the accessibility (handicap) review process is underway, for projects exceeding $50,000.  Please refer to the "Commercial" section, listed above, for requirements concerning food establishments.

T.  Demolitions

1.  Contact all utility companies for proper removal and termination.

2.  Lot must be properly graded for drainage.

3.  If any tree removal is required, first contact the Parks Dept. at 972-462-5100.

U.  What you can expect - Residential, pool, sign, and accessory building permits will be reviewed normally within 3 to 5 working days.  Permits for sprinkler, water heater, and mobile home gas/electric hook-ups may be approved immediately; however, certain cases may require more time (i.e. Hold Harmless letters, encroachments, etc.).  Please allow 10 working days for commercial plan review.  Once the permit is reviewed, plans will be red-lined (if necessary) and stamped approved.  Significant corrections may required re-submittal of revised drawings for further review.  Our office will contact the applicant when the permit is ready to be picked up or if there are any problems.