When a Building Permit is Required

— By the City of Dripping Springs Building Department

Do I need a building permit? It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked. This blog post aims to address some of those questions.

If your project is inside the city limits, within a subdivision created after 2006, OR in the City’s ETJ within a subdivision with a Development Agreement – is new construction or renovation where there are structural, mechanical (HVAC), electrical, plumbing or irrigation changes and/ or upgrades, and finally site improvements – you will need a building permit.

• STRUCTURAL changes include creating openings, re-framing walls/roofs, or changes that affect the ‘bones’ of the structure. (i.e. load bearing walls)
• MECHANICAL alterations and upgrades are those that add, extend, upgrade or change the core heating/ventilation and air conditioning equipment or system such as installing a new system, replacing components, replacing the entire unit, and adding coverage. Permits are not required for replacing vents, ductwork, or for maintenance.
• ELECTRICAL alterations and upgrades are those that extend, upgrade or change the core electrical system, such as adding, upgrading, replacing or relocating circuit panels, breakers, outlets, junction boxes, and fixture locations. Permits are not required for replacing fixtures and switches.
• PLUMBING alterations and upgrades are those that extend, upgrade or change the core plumbing system, such as adding, extending, upgrading, or relocating drains, sinks, tubs, toilets, and water lines. Permits are not required for replacing fixtures and hoses outside of walls.
• IRRIGATION alterations and upgrades are those that extend, upgrade or change the core irrigation (sprinkler) system, such as adding, extending, upgrading or relocating heads, lines, and valves. Permits are not required for replacing sprinkler heads and repairing existing lines. Miscellaneous work requiring a permit also includes swimming pools.

The City of Dripping Springs uses Bureau Veritas, a third-party company, to review and ensure project plans meet or exceed all applicable building codes and City adopted Ordinances. As a project progresses into the construction phase, Bureau Veritas also performs inspections to ensure the project is built/installed in compliance with building codes. This process helps ensure your safety and the safety of those who live on the property. The permit process takes about 30 days for new, ground-up construction, while general alteration and upgrade permits often taking one week or less to process.

We’ve posted this information and more on our building page. Please take a look and contact us if you have any questions.

About the Bloggers

Sarah Holden is the Building Official/Utility Coordinator for the City of Dripping Springs. Sarah brings more than five years of experience working in a municipality as she came to Dripping Springs from the City of Marble Falls.

Megan Chamberlain is the Building Permit Technician for the City of Dripping Springs and assists with processing permits. When she’s not at work, she’s spending time with her beautiful kids, a toddler and a newborn.