CITY OF WYLIE

Permit Needed? Know Before You Demo

Ever feel like you’ve watched enough DIY home renovation television that you can just rip up that floor, take out that wall and re-do your floor plan? Well, wait a second before you pick up that sledge hammer. Most of those shows leave out the large amount of preparation and paperwork to be completed before most home improvement projects can be accomplished – beginning with the proper city permits. “Most renovations – such as constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolition, electric, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work –require a permit,” cautions City of Wylie Chief Building Official Bret McCullough. Projects labeled as ‘finish work’ don’t need permits. These would include painting, adding wallpaper, tiling, carpeting, installing cabinets, and replacing counter tops. Thinking of updating your backyard? Check with the city first. Decks and retaining walls depend on size. Swings and playground equipment do not need a permit. If your proposed deck is 200 square feet and less than 30 inches tall, you’re good to go. Fence repairs for 16 feet of fence or less, no permit needed. If you need a retaining wall, you can do it without a permit if the wall is not over 4 feet tall from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Sidewalks and driveways on your property are OK but any work in the city’s right of way requires a permit. “Building permits are mandated by the State of Texas in order to provide for the health, life-safety, and welfare of the population,” McCullough said. He recalled that following the hail storm of 2016 inspections revealed a possibly deadly issue as a result of the many roof replacements. Inspectors found and fixed instances of vent stack pipes being dislodged from natural gas hot water heaters that could have resulted in deadly CO2 entering the home. "Our commitment starts at the front counter and continues through the plan review stage then throughout the field inspection stage to assure compliance with the city’s codes and ordinances.” McCullough said getting a building permit and completing a project has three basic components -- permit processing, plan review and field inspections. “An application is the first step. Plans and specifications are required for most permits along with the application. Some permits such as replacement of a water heater or an HVAC system would not require plans. Others such as patio covers, carports, storage buildings, outdoor kitchens, fences, irrigation systems, swimming pools, and most renovations and additions require plan review,” he said. After the review and approval, inspectors come to your location and, well, inspect. “When all inspections are approved, the process is complete and this becomes a permanent record for your property,” McCullough said. To be on the safe side, McCullough recommends checking with the building inspection department before starting homeimprovement projects. “Inspections provide a measure of safety to protect your life and property,” he advises. Permit fees range from $40 for fences to up to $100 for a carport, patio cover or accessory building. The City of Wylie Building Department is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Wylie Municipal Complex, 300 Country Club Rd. Go to WylieTexas.gov for a list of permits or email permits@wylietexas.gov.

CITY OF WYLIE BUILDING DEPARTMENT TEAM