Residential 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 Safety 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

• Approach/Curb cuts
  Information: Specifications can be found in the Transportation Criteria Manual; Section 3: Driveway Design.
      
  Submittal requirements: Right of Way (ROW) Application, Site Plan, Concrete/Driveway Specifications, and $1,000 Concrete Surety Bond. 
   
  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:
  For Parking Lots/Flatwork: Parking Lot Inspection (prior to pour), and Final Inspection (after striping is complete)
  
  For Curb Cuts/Drive Approach: Approach Inspection (prior to pour), and Final Inspection (after pour)
  
  For Sidewalks: Sidewalk Inspection (prior to pour), and Final Inspection (after pour)
   
  Fees: $50
  
   
• Arbors/Pergolas
  Information: All accessory structures, including arbors and pergolas, must be 3 feet from all property lines. Please see the Denton Development Code (DDC) for more information.  
  
  Submittal requirements: Residential Application, Site Plan, foundation plan, elevation plan, framing plan, electrical plan (if applicable), and any other structures or built-ins requested for construction.
   
  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: Foundations (must be done before concrete is poured), and Finals
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric, plumbing or HVAC. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
• Accessory Structures

  Information: Accessory structures may include detached garage, detached carport, detached patio cover, shed, shop, gazebo, cabana, pergola, or arbor. One story accessory structures used as tools and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses do not require a permit, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.  Please see the Denton Development Code (DDC) for more information. 
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, Site Plan, floor plan, footing/foundation plans, framing plans, roof plans, and  wind bracing plans.
   
  Note: If plumbing and electrical work is needed, a note must be added to the description of work listed in application.
   
  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: The inspections required will depend upon the scope of work. Please contact Building Inspections at (940) 349-8360 for any questions.
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric, plumbing or HVAC. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• Carports/garages

  Information: A partially enclosed structure used for the housing of motor vehicles, the property of, and for use only by the occupants of the lot upon which such structure is located require a permit. A carport attached to a principal structure. Detached structures shall be compatible with the main structure. (chapter 12 DDC) Detached carports may not be located within the front or side yard. (chapter 12 DDC) Attached garages shall not extend closer to the front property line than that of the front house.  (chapter 13 DDC)  
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, site plan, foundation plan, elevation plan, framing plan, electrical plan (if applicable) and any other structures or built-ins requested for construction.
  
  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: The inspections required will depend upon the scope of work. Please contact us at (940) 349-8360 for any questions.
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric, plumbing or HVAC. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• Decks

  Information: Decks not exceeding 120 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point and are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve as an exit door do not require a permit, according to section R311.4.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, site plan, foundation/footing plan, elevation plan, framing plan.
   
  Note: If electrical or plumbing work is needed, a note must be added to the description of work listed in application.
   
  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: Pier or Foundation, and Final.
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric, plumbing or HVAC. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• Demolition

  Information: All demolition work requires a permit and must have approval from the Building Safety Division and Watershed Protection Division.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Demolition Application and site plan depicting all structures on property, and location of demolition. Complete Watershed Protection demolition survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dentondemo. Information on stormwater regulations can be found at www.cityofdenton.com/watershed . 
   
  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: Sewer, Gas, Electrical and Final. Note, inspections are required to verify water and sewer is properly capped.
   
  Fees: $229 for each structure connected to city sewer, $179 for each structure without sewer connection, and $50 for interior demolition. 

• Doors

  Information: New doors and replacement doors require a permit. Maximum U-factor shall be .35 or less.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application. See Residential Alteration submittal Requirements for a detailed list of requirements.
   
  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: Final
   
  Fees: $100
   

• Driveways
  Information: Driveways are the areas that start on your property line and go to your required parking spaces on your residential or commercial property. Residential driveways that do not encroach the right-of-way do not require a permit.
• Electrical

  Information: Electrical Permits pertain to work that is not part of an alteration permit, and includes but is 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. Electrical work that is part of an alteration, shall be included in the alteration permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: An Electrical permit may be submitted online electronically or by completing a paper application (MEP Application) at the Development Services Center.
   
  Inspection Required: Electric Final
   
  Fees: $50 minimum, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.
   

• Fences

  Information:  Also see Retaining Wall. A fence 24" or higher along a property line may not be constructed with in 25' of an intersection of two streets. No barbed wire, glass embedded, spiked or electrified fences are permitted in a residential area. No fence higher than 42" may be built within the required front yard setback. Maximum allowed fence height is 8'. The structural posts and framing members of the fence must be facing the interior of the lot. Depending on zoning, types of fencing material may be restricted.  Please see the Denton Development Code (DDC) for more information.  
  
  Submittal Requirements: Fence Permit Application. See Fence Submittal Requirements for a detailed list of submittal requirements per fence type.
   
  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: Inspections depend upon type of fence. Please see our Fence Submittal Requirements for detailed lists of inspection requirements.
   
  Fees: $44 each lot.

• HVAC/Furnaces

  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 a permit. Adding a new HVAC or furnace will require plan review with adherence to international energy codes. Mechanical work that is part of an alteration, shall be included in the alteration permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: A Mechanical permit may be submitted online electronically or by completing a paper application (MEP Application) at the Development Services Center.
   
  Inspections Required: Mechanical Final
   
  Fees: $50 each unit.

• House moving

  Information: A permit is required for all houses moved into or out of the City. If a house is being moved into the City, a Residential Permit is also required.
  
  Submittal Requirements: House Moving Permit Application and proposed route.
  
  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.
   
  Fees: $573

• 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, see Irrigation Submittal Requirements for detailed list for plan submittal requirements.
   
  Plan Submittal: Irrigation permits must be applied for online.
   
  Inspections Required: See our Irrigation Submittal Requirements for a list of required inspections for residential and commercial.
   
  Fees: $118
   
  Additional documents:
  Irrigation verification form

• Manufactured Home Move In

  Information: Manufactured Home Move-ins must be applied for by community management.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Manufactured Home Move-in Application, and site plan.
   
  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: Layout, Electrical Final, and Plumbing Final
   
  Fees: $179

• On-site Sewage Facility
  Information: An on-site sewage facility construction permit is required for all installations, extensions, repairs, and alterations. See also Outline of City of Denton OSSF Permit Procedures​.
   
  Submittal Requirements: (1) A notarized On-Site Sewage Facility Permit Application form; (2) On-Site Sewage Facility plan prepared by either a Professional Engineer or Registered Sanitarian; (3) site evaluation and soil analysis prepared by either a Professional Engineer or a licensed Site Evaluator; and all applicable Affidavits to the Public.
   
  Electrical Permits are also required when an electrical sub panel is to be installed to serve an on-site sewage facility for an existing building.
   
  Affidavits to the Public are required pursuant to Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 285, for the following on-site sewage facilities:
   

  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary treatment Surface Irrigation
  • Affidavit to the Public Septic Tank Treatment with Evaportranspiration Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary Treatment with Standard Absorptive Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary Treatment with Leaching Chamber Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary Treatment with Gravel less Pipe Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary Treatment with Filter and Drip Emitter Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary Treatment with Low Pressure Dosing Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Secondary Treatment with Absorptive Mound Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Non-Standard Treatment with Surface Irrigation Drainfield
  • Affidavit to the Public Holding Tanks

  
  Plans: Submit to the Department of Environmental Services and Sustainability.
   
  Fees: New construction aerobic treatment (Permit fee $500.00), New construction non-aerobic treatment (Permit fee $300.00), Repair or alterations (Permit Fee $200)
  
  Downloads:
  Affidavit to the Public Evapotransportation On-Site Sewage Facility
  Affidavit to the Public Surface Irrigation On-Site Sewage Facility
  Template for an Affidavit to the Public
  Affidavit to Public Two or More OSSFs Located on Seperate Legal Tracts
• Patio covers

  Information: Patio covers are one-story structures and are permitted to be detached from or attached to dwellings. Patio covers shall be used only for outdoor living purposes and not as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms. Permits are required.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, Site Plan, Foundation Plan, Elevation Plan, Electrical Plans (if applicable), Framing and Roof Framing plans.
   
  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: Pier or Foundation, and Final.
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric or plumbing. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• Portable On-Demand Storage

  Information: POD Permits are valid for 30 days after issuance. A maximum of three (3) permits per calendar year may be issued per lot; one (1) permit per POD.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Temporary Use Application, and site plan depicting house, driveway, and location of POD.
   
  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.
   
  Fees: $50

• Plumbing

  Information: All plumbing repair and replacement requires a permit. Please note that if plumbing work is part of an alteration, it shall be included in the alteration permit.
   
  Submittal Requirements: A Plumbing permit may be submitted online electronically or by completing a paper application (MEP Application) at the Development Services Center.
   
  Inspection Required: Plumbing final
   
  Fees: $50 minimum.

• Reroofing
  Information: Roof shingle, shakes, tiles or covering replacement and installation does not require a permit. However, if any portion of roof decking is replaced, a Residential permit will be required. Decking thickness shall be sized in accordance with the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC). For any questions, please contact (940) 349-8360.
   
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, roofing materials, slope, and decking thickness details.
   
  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: Final
   
  Fees: $100
  
   
• Residential additions or alterations

  Information: An Addition or Alteration is considered to be an alteration to the house itself. This may include wall removal, wall addition, room addition, window and/or door addition/replacement, converting a garage to a habitable space, or house remodel with changes to the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and/or structural members. Any Mechanical, Plumbing or Electrical work that is part of the alteration will be included in this permit and shall not require a separate permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application. See Residential Alteration Submittal Requirements for plan submittal requirements.
   
  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 us at (940) 349-8360 for any questions.
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric, plumbing or HVAC. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• New residential construction
  Information: Also known as Single Family Residential (SFR). Lot must be platted prior to building permit issuance. Please see Chapter 13 of Denton Development Code for design requirements for new construction, and Chapter 5 for zoning requirements (minimum setbacks and maximum lot coverage). Please note, a minimum 900 square feet is required for heated floor areas for main structure.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, Engineered Foundation plans and letter, Energy Compliance Path Form and Compliance Report, Site Plan, Building plans, and Wind Bracing Plans. See our New Residential Construction Plan Upload Requirements for a detailed list of plan requirements and uploading instructions. See our Residential Submittal Requirements for more.
   
  Plan Submittal: Single Family Residential must be applied for online.
   
  Inspections Required: Please see our Inspections list.
   
  Fees: See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information. Please note that water impact fees, sewer impact fees, and roadway impact fees will apply in conjunction to the buiding permit.
  
   
  Additional Documents:
  Residential Energy Code Final Testing Form
  Residential Energy Compliance Path Plan Review Certificate
  Residential Energy Code Compliance Requirements Memorandum
  New Residential Construction Plan Upload Requirements
  
  
  
   
• Retaining walls

  Information: Retaining wall permits are required for all retaining walls that are over 4’ from the top of the wall to the bottom of the footing or if the wall is supporting a surcharge or impounding class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Fence Permit Application. Please see our Fence Submittal Requirements for plan submittal requirements
   
  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: Please see our Fence Submittal Requirements document.
   
  Fees: $141 and $1.08 each linear foot.

• Siding

  Information: A Residential permit is required to replace siding.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, linear feet of siding being replaced, manufacture details and specifications.
   
  Plans 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: Final
   
  Fees: Minimum $100, see "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• Solar panels

  Solar Panel and Wind Turbine installation requires a permit from the City of Denton’s Building Safety Department and the 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 IRC 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 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX, 76201.
  
  Inspections Required:

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

  Fees: $150 or $200 if service update required
  
  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 residential 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 IRC 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: $150 or $200 if service update required

• Storm shelters

  Information: Storm shelters may be placed above ground/in slab in garage or underground. All Storm Shelters require a permit. Storm shelters may not encroach in an easements.

  • Underground Storm Shelters have a minimum setback from the rear of the property line of 3’. Minimum setback from side property line is 3’. Minimum setback from house is 5’.

   

  • Above Ground Storm Shelters are to be installed in garage slab. If cutting into garage slab – for post tension foundation, an engineered letter is required, stating the cutting and re-stretching of cables was performed properly. This must be present at final.

   
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application, Site Plan, and Engineered Construction Plans (if applicable).
   
  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: Foundation (if applicable), Final.
   
  Fees: $100 minimum, based on square feet. Additional fees will apply if installing electric, plumbing or HVAC. See "Fee Schedule" under "Helpful Resources" for more information.

• Swimming pools

  Information: Pre-fabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches in depth of water does not require a permit. Permits are required for in-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. All swimming pools shall be surrounded by a fence. The top of the fence shall be at least 60 inches above grade and shall meet all other applicable requirements for pool fences.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Swimming Pool Permit Application. Please read over our Residential Swimming Pool Submittal Requirements for plan submittal details.
   
  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: Belly/Steel, Deck/Bond, and Final Inspection.
   
  Fees: $357 for underground pools, $50 for spas or pools above ground.

• Water Heater

  Information: Water Heater repair or replacement requires a permit.
  
  Submittal Requirements: A Water Heater permit may be submitted online electronically or by completing a paper application (MEP Application) at the Development Services Center.
   
  Inspections Required: Water Heater inspection
   
  Fees: $50

• Windows

  Information: All window replacement requires a permit and is subject to 2015 energy codes. Window U-Factor Rating must be .35 or lower and Window SHGC must be .25 or lower.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Residential Application. Include number of windows to be replaced in description of work. The permit may be submitted online electronically or by completing a paper application at the Development Services Center.
   
  Inspections Required: Final
   
  Fees: $100
   

• Water Wells
  Information: Water well permits are required for both consumption and irrigation wells.
  
  Submittal Requirements: Submit to the Department of Environmental Services and Sustainability.
   
  Water Well Permit Application and Planning Material: A notarized Water Well permit application form, a written estimate of the cost to drill the water well, a site plan prepared by a licensed water well driller, and a copy of a North Texas Groundwater Conservation District Well Registration Application Approval Notice to Proceed are the required submittals.
   
  Fees: No water well permit application fees are required at this time.
   
  Downloads:
  Water Well permit application

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.
• When does my permit expire?
  Permits expire 180 days after issuance. When an inspection occurs the permit will renew for an additional 180 days.
• 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.