Tom Heap, Building Inspector
254-918-1214
Tom Heap, Building Inspector
254-918-1214
Inspectors are usually in office at 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. and again from 1
p.m. until 2 p.m. Building permits will only be issued at these times. At other times inspectors may be performing inspections.
What is a building permit?
A building permit gives you legal right to start construction of a project
in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.
When do you need a permit?
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to contact the building
inspector. Discuss your plans with him before you begin work. If a permit is
not needed the building inspector can answer your construction questions and
may provide valuable advice.
Permits are usually required for:
New Buildings, Additions to an Existing Structure, Residential Work,
Rennovations, Electrical Systems, Plumbing Systems, HVAC Systems
Schedule of
Fees
Current Building
Codes
What good does a permit do?
Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does
not comply with the codes adopted by the city, the value of your investment
could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits
and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had
modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the
addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.
A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and
consistently met, as demonstrated by the Building Inspector's carefully
maintained records, has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a
potentially destructive lawsuit. Your permit also allows the code official
to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe
construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following
code guidelines, your competed project will meet minimum standards of safety
and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends,
or future owners.
The Permit Process.
Permit applications may be submitted to the Building Inspector at the
Stephenville City Hall, 298 W. Washington St., in the Community Development
Department. They then review your plans and determine if your project is in
compliance with city codes. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit
will be issued for a fee (based on valuation of the job). Most projects do
not require a separate permit for electrical, plumbing, and heating or
air-conditioning work. The building permit is a combination permit, with the
exception of sign permits.
On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to
the permit and city codes. The Building Inspector will let you know
approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. In most
cases inspections can be completed the same day as requested.
Other services provided by the Building Inspector include the issuing of
sign permits and certificates of occupancy. If you should have any questions
concerning your project plans and/or determining what kind of permit(s) you
are required, the Building Inspector is in the office between the hours of
8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (depending on inspections and call outs) Monday
through Friday to answer your questions. You may reach them by phone at
(254) 918-1214 or(254) 918-1213 or by visiting their office at City Hall.