Commercial Permits

Building Safety monitors compliance with the City of Denton building codes, ordinances and amendments. The division is responsible for issuing building permits, reviewing plans and performing inspections on all aspects of the building process to verify compliance with building codes. These codes are designed specifically to ensure the safety of the structure.

Building Saftey Summer Hours
Effective July 15, 2020, the Development Services Building Safety Division will begin operating with their summer inspection schedule, which is 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Building Safety Inspectors will be available daily until 5 p.m. to answer questions and perform inspections of any occupied residence as necessary. The Building Safety summer inspection schedule will be in effect July 15-September 30, 2020. If you have questions or concerns regarding the revised inspection schedule, please call (940) 349-8360. Inspections conducted by the Building Safety Division for structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and final inspections should be scheduled online using the eTRAKiT Inspection Request Portal.

Categories

• Access Control
  Information: Access control panels of interior and exterior doors requires a permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Floor plan depicting what doors are being controlled, Manufacturer specifications on pads and panic hardware.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in personto the Development Services with three (3) sets of paper plans.
  
  Inspection Required: Fire inspection and Final inspection
  
  Fees: $272 minimum + $50 electrical fee, if applicable.
• Accessory Structures
  Information: Accessory structures over 120 square feet require a building permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Site plan with structure fully scaled or dimensioned in relation to the property lines and all other structures on the property, Building Plans, Elevations, Framing Plans, Foundation Plans (if greater than 400 square feet, plans must be engineered), and, if applicable, Mechanical, Electrical, and/or Plumbing Plans, if applicable. Plans must also show architectural compatibility to the main structure.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted electronically online or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: The inspections required will depend upon the scope of work. Please contact us at (940) 349-8360 for any questions.
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
• Cell Towers
  Information: New installations, alterations, or additions, and/or equipment replacement require a permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Engineered Structural Analysis, Set of plans with equipment installed.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted electronically online or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with the appriate number of paper plans (See note).
  
  Note: For paper submittal, New Installations require four (4) sets of plans,and Alterations require two (2) sets of all plans.
  
  Fees: $272 minimum + $50 electrical fee, if applicable.
  
  Inspections Required: Foundation, Electrical Rough, Electrical Final, Final 
• Certificate of Occupancy
  Click here for the Certificate of Occupancy Checklist.
  
  Information: A certificate of occupancy is required for all new businesses, a change in use, a change in business name, or a change in owner for a single space, tenant, orbuilding. There are two types of Certificates of Occupancy (C.O.) 1). Administrative C.O., and 2). Operational C.O.
  
  Administrative C.O.
  Administrative Certificate of Occupancy includes

  1. Owner changes
  2. Address changes
  3. Business name changes
  4. Temporary power. This may be applied  for by the property manager when power is temporarily needed in the building/suite to show the building/suiteto prospective tenants

  
  Operational C.O.

  1. New businesses
  2. New use

  
  Submittal Requirements: Subittal requirements depend upon the type of Certificate of Occupancy.

  • Administrative C.O.: Cerificate of Occupancy Application
  • Operational C.O.: Certificate of Occupancy Application, Floor Plan, Letter of Intent, Sales Tax ID (if applicable), and if multi-tenant, a list of all suite numbers, business names, and square feet. 

  
  Inspection Required: Building, Fire, Health (if applicable), Zoning Enforcement, Survey Verification, andGrease Interceptor Inspection (if applicable).
  
  Downloads: Certificate of Occupancy Application Packet
  
  Fees: $75 per building/tenant space and $96 temp power, if applicable. Failed Fire inspections will result in a $25 re-inspection fee.  
• Clear and Grade
  Information: An early clear and grade permit may be obtained prior to issuance of a building permit. This would require that the plat be approved, state requirements for watershed protection are met, and that the site inspections are completed. 
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, site plan including erosion control and drainage plans, and tree plan
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted electronically online or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) set of paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Inspections will be scheduled by the Watershed Protection Division after the permit has been issued. 
  
  Fees: $427
• Commercial Alteration
  Information: Permit required for Interior or Exterior Modifications, Tenant Finish Outs, Additions, or Remodels.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application. Submittal requirements are dependent upon scope of work. See the Commercial Alterations Submittal Requirements document for more information.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of paper plans. Any projects valued over $50,000 must include a registration number from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Engineering plans are required for all projects, in accordance with the Texas Engineering Practice Act. Architechural stamped plans are required for all projects, in accordance with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners Architectural Act.
  
  Inspections Required: Required inspections will depend upon the scope of work. Please contact Building Inspections at (940) 349-8360 with any questions.
  
  Fees: $1.48/square foot + $222 plan review fee, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees, if applicable. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information. Contact Building Inspections at (940) 349-8360 with any questions.
  
  Download:
  2015 IECC Commercial Energy Compliance Certificate Path Requirements
  2015 IECC Energy Compliance Path Requirements Testing Form 
  Upload Instructions for Commercial
  Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
  Texas Engineering Practice Act
  TX Architectural Examiners Act
• New Commercial Construction
  Information: All new commercial construction requires submission of an application for a Site Plan through the Planning Department, and completion of the first round of review comments, before an application for a building permit may be submitted. 
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application and see New Commercial Construction Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Commercial permits must be submitted online.
  
  Inspections Required: Commercial Inspections list
  
  Fees: See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources".
   
  Additional Documents:
  2015 IECC Commercial Energy Compliance Certificate Path Requirements
  2015 IECC Energy Compliance Path Requirements Testing Form
  Upload Instructions for Commercial
  Texas Department of Licensing and  Regulation (TDLR)
  Texas Engineering Practice Act
  TX Architectural Examiners Act
   
• Construction Trailer
  Information: Construction trailers require a Temporary Use Application. Leasing offices or sales trailers are considered Commercial Alterations and shall meet the requirements for a public building.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Temporary Use Application and see Temporary Use Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of paper plans
   
  Inspections Required: See the Temporary Use Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of required inspections.
  
  Fees: $287 and $48 for T-pole, if applicable.
   
• Commercial Decks, Stairs, and Ramps
  Information: A permit is required to install decks that are over 30 inches in height or intended to be used as an egress landing area. A commercial alteration permit would be required. 
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Site Plan, Framing Plans, guard rails, handrails, stair details, and foundation plans.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Foundation, Framing, and Finals
  
  Fees: $1.48/square foot and $222 plan review fee, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees, if applicable. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
   
• Demolition
  Information: A demolition permit is required for all structures 120 square feet and larger. Erosion control measures shall be in place and inspected to prevent runoff prior to approval of the permit. A demolition permit is required for partial and interior demolition activity unless covered in a commercial alteration permit submittal. Demolishing a pool requires a demolition permit. Inspections will be made to insure proper drainage. Inspections are required for proper disconnection of water and sewer utilities.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Demolition Application. See application for a list of submittal requirements.
   
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: See Demolition Application for a detailed list of required inspections.
  
  Fees: $521 for each structure connected to city sewer, $471 for each structure without sewer connection.
   
• Doors
  Information: All door replacement requires a permit and is subject to minimum energy codes. Glazed door U-factor rating must be 0.35 or lower and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) must be 0.25 or lower. 
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application 
  
  Plan Submittal:  Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Finals
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
   
• Electrical
  Information: Permits are required for most electrical work, including but not limited to, service updates, rewires, changes to breaker box, installation of hardwired appliances (such as dishwashers, built in microwaves, etc.), new light fixtures, and new outlets.
  
  Submittal Requirements: 
  1. Electrical repairs or small scope work: MEP Application. 
  2. Large-scale electrical work: Commercial Application, Floor Plan depicting work being done, and electrical panel schedule with load calculations. 
  3. Buildings over 5,000 square feet, plans must be engineered in accordance with the Texas Engineering Practices Act.
   
  Plan Submittal:  Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Dependent upon scope of work. See fee schedule for details.
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
   
• Fence
  Information: (Also see Retaining Wall) Fences shall not be located within any right-of-way, easement, designated fire lane, or within any required parking space. Fences shall not obstruct safe vehicular or pedestrian passage, or ingress or egress; nor shall they obscure any sight visibility triangles.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Fence Application and Fence Submittal Requirements
   
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: See the Fence Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of inspections by type of fence. 
  
  Fees: $0.71 each linear foot.
   
• Foundation Repair
  Information: All foundation repairs require a permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application and engineered foundation plans (include an analysis and pier/foundation repair plan).
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Pier (prior to pour) or Engineered Sealed Report emailed to Plans Examiner.
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

   
• Generators
  Information: New and replacement generators require a permit
  
  Submittal Requirements: DME application, Site Plan, Engineered plans.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center.
  
  Inspections Required: Finals
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
   
• Grease Trap and Interceptor
  Information: New and replacement grease traps require a permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Site Plan, design calculations, Plumbing plans depicting all plumbing connections and venting, and manufacturer specs of grease interceptor.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Grease Trap
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
• HVAC/Furnace
  Information: Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less, do not require a permit. Repair or replacement of HVAC or a Furnace requires an MEP permit. Adding a new HVAC or furnace will require plan review with adherence to international energy codes, Commercial Application, and the Commercial Energy Compliance Path Requirements, and the Commercial Energy Compliance Path Requirements - Testing Form. 
  
  Submittal Requirements:

  1. For repairs or small replacements: MEP Application.
  2. For large scale work: Commercial Application, Mechanical plans depicting supply and return locations, outside air calculations, and location of mechanical equipment (on roof, attic, mezzanine, etc. with access and clearance marked).
  3. For buildings over 5,000 square feet: Submit engineer stamped plans in accordance with the Texas Engineering Practices Act.
  4. For new rooftop-mounted HVAC: Structural plans.

  
  Plan Submittal:  Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Mechanical (dependent on work)
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
  Additional Documents:
  Commercial Application
  Commercial Energy Compliance Path Requirements
  Commerical Energy Compliance Path Requirements - Testing form
• Irrigation
  Information: All new Irrigation or alteration work to the system requires a permit to be obtained by a licensed irrigator.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Irrigation Application and Irrigation Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Irrigation permits must be applied for online.
  
  Inspections Required: See the Irrigation Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of required inspections.
  
  Fees: $249, $48 for alteration to the existing system.
  
  Additional Documents:
  Irrigation Verfication Form
   
• Parking Lots
  Information: Parking lot permits are required for any new or alterations to a parking lot. 
  
  Submittal Requirements: Right of Way Application (ROW), site plan with dimensions shown, provide type of paving used and materials, show existing and proposed landscaping. 
  
  Inspections Required: Parking lot inspection (prior to pour), final inspection (when complete)
  
  Fees: $394 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
   
• Patio Covers
  Information: New patio covers and shade structures require a permit
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Framing plans, foundation plans, site plans, attachment details, electrical plans for outlets and light fixtures.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Foundation, Framing, and Finals
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
   
• Plumbing
  Information: All plumbing repair and replacement excepting stopping of leaks, reinstallation of water closets, faucet, control valve or disposal, does not requires a permit.
  
  Most plumbing work does not require plans; however, new installation of fixtures does require Plan Review. Water Heater replacement does not require plans, but it does require obtaining a permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: MEP Permit Application (if applicable), plumbing plans (if applicable) in accordance with the Engineering Practices Act.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or by dropping off paper plans at the Development Services Center. Please note: two (2) copies of all plans are required for paper submittal.
  
  Inspections Required: The inspections required will depend upon the scope of work. Please contact Building Inspections at (940) 349-8360 for any questions.
  
  Fees: $272 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
• Retaining Wall
  Information: Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) typically do not require a permit.  If the retaining wall is designed to support a surcharge, a permit is required.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Fence Application, and Fence Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: See the Fence Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of inspections by type of fence.
  
  Fees: $141 + $1.08 per linear foot.
• Reroofs
  Information: A permit is required for reroofs where roof deck is replaced or insulation is being exposed.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, manufacturer specs of roofing system and insulation, roof plans depicting length of all four sides of the building.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Insulation, Finals
  
  Fees: $141 + $0.02 per square foot.
   
• Sales Trailer
  Information: Sales Trailers may be in the form of a Sales Trailer, Hiring Trailer, or Leasing Trailer. All require a permit and sufficient parking.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Temporary Use Application, and Temporary Use Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: See the Temporary Use Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of inspections.
  
  Fees: $322 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
   
• Signs
  Information: (Also see Wind Devices) A permit is required for all new signs including pole signs, wall signs, monument signs, projecting signs, roof signs and all temporary banners/balloons (wind device).
  
  Submittal Requirements: Sign Application and Sign Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: See the Sign Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of inspections by type of sign.
  
  Fees: Based on size, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
  
  Additional Documents:
  Sign Ordinances
  Rayzor Ranch Sign Ordinance
  Rayzor Ranch Sign Districts
  
  
   
• Snow Cone Stand
  Information: All new snow cone stands require a building permit and health permit
  
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application, Health Permit Application, site plan, floor plan (including kitchen layout), plumbing plans if connecting to city water and sewer, electric plans, and anchoring plan (how the stand will be secured to the ground). See Food Health and Safety for information pertaining to health permits.
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with four (4) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Finals, Health, and Fire
  
  Fees: See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
• Solar Panels/Wind Turbines
  Solar Panel and Wind Turbine installation requires a permit from the Building Safety Department and approval from your electric service provider.
  
  If the electric provider is DME (Denton Municipal Electric), the Submittal Requirements are as follows: 

  • Completed and signed distributed generation interconnection and permit application
  • Distributed generation interconnection requirements checklist with all items provided and initialed
  • Completed and signed interconnection agreement
  • Aerial view of panel location including fire access
  • Attachment details and manufactured specifications

  *All engineered plans must be designed in accordance with the City of Denton’s current adopted codes (2012 IBC and 2011 NEC).
   
  Plan Submittal: Plans shall be submitted online at https://www3.cityofdenton.com/etrakit3/, by email at building@cityofdenton.com, or paper copies to 215 East McKinney Street, Denton, TX, 76201.
  
  Inspections Required:

  • Service Update Inspection (if required to upgrade service)
  • Finals for Release

  Fees: $322 minimum, depending on size of system
  Please see the Distributed Generation Manual for more DME specific information.
  
  
  If the electric provider is not DME (Denton Municipal Electric), the Submittal Requirements are as follows: 

  • Completed and signed commercial permit application
  • Aerial view of panel location including fire access
  • Structural letter from engineer verify the existing roof can support proposed solar panels*
  • One-line electrical diagram
  • Configuration of electrical equipment
  • Manufactured specifications for panels and all other equipment
  • Attachment details and manufactured specifications
  • Documentation of approval from energy provider

  *All engineered plans must be designed in accordance with the City of Denton’s current adopted codes (2012 IBC and 2011 NEC).
   
  Plan Submittal: Plans shall be submitted online at https://www3.cityofdenton.com/etrakit3/, by email at building@cityofdenton.com, or paper copies to 215 East McKinney Street, Denton, TX, 76201.
   
  Inspections Required:

  • Service Update Inspection (if required to upgrade service)
  • Finals for Release

  Fees: $322 minimum, depending on size of system
• Stockpiling
  Information: If less than 25 yards, and a space of less than 2000 square feet is being disturbed, no permit is required.

  
  Fee: $427
• Swimming Pools
  Information: Any structure holding water over twenty-four (24) inches in depth shall require a permit. This includes in-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. All pools/hot tubs/spas shall be surrounded by a 60” minimum height fence. The fence shall meet all other applicable requirements for pool fences including, but not limited to gate latch heights, non-climbable fencing, door alarms, etc.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Swimming Pool Application and Commercial Swimming Pool Submittal Requirements
  
  Plan Submittal: Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: See the Commercial Swimming Pool Submittal Requirements document for a detailed list of inspections.
  
  Fees: $457 for underground pools, $50 for spas and above ground pools.
  
  
  
   
• Tree Removal
  Information: Must be applied for through the Planning department. Please see the Commercial Application. Any tree in a commercial zoning district shall remain until a permit for removal has been applied for and approved. Up to 4 trees may be removed without a permit in a residential use area.
  
  Fees: $215 and tree mitigation fees, if applicable.
   
• Water Heater
  Information: Replacement, adding, or changing the size of a water heater requires a plumbing permit. Adding or changing the size of a water heater also requires submission of plumbing plans and a floor plan.
  
  Submittal Requirements: MEP Application, plumbing plans (if applicable), floor plan (if applicable).
  
  Plan Submittal:  Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with two (2) sets of all paper plans.
  
  Inspections Required: Water Heater
  
  Fees:  $50
• Windows
  Information: All window replacement requires a permit and is subject to minimum energy codes. Window U-Factor rating must be 0.35 or lower and SHGC must be 0.25 or lower.
   
  Submittal Requirements: Commercial Application
  
  Plan Submittal: Applications may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center.
  
  Inspections Required: Finals
  
  Fees: $272
   
• Wind Devices
  Information: A permit is required for all Wind Devices and is valid for the display of banners, flags, pennants, inflatables, streamers, etc. Wind Devices shall not be attached to trees, placed in public rights of way or easements, or attached to utility poles or street signs or any other form of public property. Inflatables and balloons on the ground are restricted to a height no greater than 30 ft. Inflatables and balloons on the roof of a building shall not extend more than 10 feet above the highest part of the roof. For more information on Wind Device regulations, review Ordinance No. 2014-406. Wind Devices may be applied for three times per calendar year, but shall not be issue less than 30 days apart. 
  
  Submittal Requirements:  Wind Device Application and Sign Submittal Requirements. Also see Rayzor Ranch Special Sign District (Ordinance)
  
  Plan Submittal: Wind Device applications must be submitted in person to the Development Services Center.
  
  Fees: $33

   

Additional Documents​

• HABSCO Application
• Credit Access Business Registration
• Applying Online Guide
• Submitting Plans Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can schedule inspections?
  Contractors are required to schedule their inspections online through eTRAKiT, this may also be done by visiting the office. Homeowners may schedule inspections by calling the office at (940) 349-8360.
• When does my permit expire?
  Permits expire 180 days after issuance. When an inspection occurs the permit will renew for an additional 180 days.
• Do I need a permit to replace my fence?
  Any time new posts are being installed/replaced – a permit will be required. Minor repairs, such as the replacement of a few pickets, do not require a permit.