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1. When is permit required?

A person, firm, or corporation shall not erect, construct, enlarge, add to, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install convert, equip, use occupy or maintain a structure or building service equipment without first obtaining a permit.

2. Does a contractor need to be licensed to do work on my home?

Any plumbing or mechanical contractor doing work on an individual’s home is required by the Texas Plumbing License Law or the Texas Mechanical License Law to have a license to work on that home. This license is required even if the scope of the work doesn’t require a permit and inspection. Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician. A license is not required for general building work on your own property.

3. What if a contractor does not get a permit?

When a contractor is discovered working without a permit, a building inspector will issue a stop work order. In these cases, some work may have to be uncovered for inspection and redone. The property owner is ultimately responsible for the work performed on his property.

4. How long is my building permit good for?

Building permits are good for 180 days. The permit expires when the work has not begun in this time period.

5. How do I arrange a building inspection?

Once your building permit is issued, you will be given paperwork explaining how to call into the automated inspection request system and request an inspection. If the permit was issued for a gas leak repair or emergency electrical service repair, we will inform you on whom to notify for after the repair is completed.

6. Where can I find the city building codes?

The City of Sugar Land building codes are available online in the city ordinances. The online version is provided as a convenience.

7. Does my permit need to be posted?

Yes, your permit should be prominently posted within the property / structure.

8. Why does the City of Sugar Land require building permits?

The City of Sugar Land and all other cities across the country use the building permit process to verify that construction or development will comply with building codes and zoning ordinances. The building codes and zoning ordinances are adopted by the City Council and become the law of the city. The development projects are also inspected to insure that compliance.

9. What about inspections, when are they required?

Basically, inspectors are required before any part of the construction may be covered up and at the completion of the project. Work such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical work, framing, and insulation must be inspected before concealing.

10. If I have an existing electric or gas water heater in or accessible from the garage, must I raise it 18 inches above the floor level when it is replaced?

The codes have changed to prevent accidents. The water heater thermostat energizes the heating element when the water temperature within the tank falls below a certain selected level. At the instant the thermostat activates, a spark results. This spark is a source of ignition for flammable or combustible vapors that may have accumulated along the garage floor. The 18-inch elevation is intended to keep ignition sources above these vapors that are heavier than air and settle to the garage floor.