The following are areas that over the years residential homeowners of Mesquite have requested information to inform them HOW TO apply for and receive various residential permits, and why those permit are required. This information will explain the reasons for the particular permits and particular restrictions regarding each individual project. All permit fees are derived from the fee schedule as indicated for a building permit listed below. Those areas to be reviewed are as follows:

How To Apply For and Receive a:

BUILDING PERMITS
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Why Are Building Permits Required? Building permits are required to ensure that the construction of your particular project meets the minimum code adopted by the City of Mesquite. By doing so you are assured the structure will be safe for you and your family and that you will receive years of use.

What Information Is Required For Making Application? A drawing showing what you propose to build which indicates the desired location, setbacks, and the materials you wish to use for the project.

How Long Does The Permit Process Take? The amount of time varies depending on the specific project. Usually, if all the necessary information is submitted, the permit may be obtained while you wait.

Where Do I Apply For The Permit? Permits may be obtained at the Municipal Center, 1515 N. Galloway Ave., 1st Floor, Building Inspection Division.

What Does The Permit Cost? Building permits are based on the cost of construction as the following fee chart indicates:

ELECTRICAL PERMITS
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When Are Electrical Permits Required? Electrical permits are required whenever any installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or removal of any electrical wiring is done.

How DO I Obtain An Electrical Permit? Electrical permits may be obtained by a licensed electrical contractor, or by you, the bona fide Homeowner, that resides at the address where the work is proposed. Before you, the homeowner, may be issued a permit; however, you must take a test given at the Building Inspection office. The test is to exhibit that you have the minimum skills to proceed with the project.

Where Do I Go To Obtain A Permit? Permits may be obtained at the Municipal Center, 1515 North Galloway Ave., 1st Floor, Building Inspection Division.

PLUMBING PERMITS
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When Are Plumbing Permits Required? Plumbing permits are required whenever any installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or removal of any plumbing system is undertaken. There are several areas where plumbing permits are exempt, however, contact the Building Inspection Division to clarify those areas.

Can I Obtain A Permit Myself? Yes, you can, if you are the bona fide homeowner that resides at the address where the work is to be conducted. If, however, you choose to hire a plumbing contractor, he is required by State Law to have a State Plumbing License and be registered at the City of Mesquite before a permit can be issued.

Does The Work Require An Inspection? Yes, any time you install any plumbing drainage, waste, or vent line, as well as a gas line, replacement of a hot water heater, or water service yard line, or the installation of an irrigation system, an inspection is required.

MECHANICAL PERMITS
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When Are Mechanical Permits Required? They are required anytime a mechanical system is installed, altered, or replaced by the homeowner or a Mechanical Contractor.

Who Can Take Out The Permit? You, the homeowner, can take out the permit if you are the bona fide owner and reside at the address. If, however, a Mechanical Contractor is used on your project, he shall be licensed by the State of Texas and be registered with the City of Mesquite.

Does The Work Require An Inspection? Yes, whenever any work is attempted as stated above, an inspection is required. This is to ensure the safety to you, the homeowner, and your family.

SWIMMING POOL/ SPA PERMITS
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Are Pool Or Spa Permits Required? Yes, anytime a swimming pool or spa is installed either in-ground or above-ground in excess of one and one-half (1-1/2) feet in depth.

Where Can The Pool Be Located? The pool or spa shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line and are not allowed to be located in any utility easement. All swimming pool plans must be submitted to TXU by the applicant for their review of proposed pool placement prior to making application for building permit with the City of Mesquite. TXU is located at 1545 Highpoint Drive, Mesquite, Mapsco 49K.

What Will The Permit Cost? The costs are as follows:

What Specific Requirements Are There? A minimum height fence of five (5) feet is required around all in-ground pools or any above-ground pool in excess of forty-two (42) inches in depth. Any in-ground pool less than forty-two (42) inches in depth only requires a fence height of four (4) feet. Any pool that has a backwash system must be drained into the sanitary sewer system.

FENCE PERMITS
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Are Fence Permits Required? Yes, permits are required for any fence over two (2) feet in height.

How Tall Can The Fence Be? The maximum height of any fence along the rear property line and partial side property line can be eight (8) feet in height above yard grade. A fence built within the front yard shall not be any taller than three feet-six inches (3’-6") in height and must have 50% visibility through the fence. On a lot classified as a key lot where the rear lot line directly abuts a side yard on the adjacent lot, the fence shall meet the same rules as a front yard fence.

What Materials Can And Cannot Be Used? Allowed fence materials shall be chainlink, brick, stone, stucco, concrete and wood pickets. Materials not allowed are plywood, corrugated steel, tin or fiberglass panels. Any fence that is electrically charged or contains spikes or prongs is prohibited.

How Much Does A Permit Cost? Residential permits cost twenty-five dollars ($25).

ACCESSORY BUILDING PERMITS
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Are Building Permits Required For Accessory Buildings? Yes, building permits are required for any accessory building built on site or purchased pre-built and delivered to your property. Building on skids are not exempt.

What Size Can I Build And Where Can It Be Placed? Due to the multiple options available by City ordinance, please contact the Building Inspection Division for these requirements.

Where Can I Apply For The Permit? Permits may be applied for at the Municipal Center, 1515 North Galloway Ave., 1st Floor, Building Inspection Division.