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Building Inspections & Permits

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1. Where can I find a copy of the building codes adopted by the city?

The building codes the city uses are copyrighted documents and are not located on the city's website. Copies of the I-Codes can be found at the North Richland Hills Public Library; or they can be purchased from the International Code Council at www.iccsafe.org.

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public.

2. What building codes has the city adopted?

The City of North Richland Hills has adopted the 2018 I-Codes as published by the International Code Council. The adopted codes include:

2018 International Building (IBC)

2018 International Residential Code (IRC)

2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

Other codes used by the city include the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) (state minimum) and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). 

Please note that the city has amended the published codes in several areas utilizing the North Central Texas Council of Governments Recommended Regional Amendments, as well as a number of specific local amendments. All regional and local amendments can be found under Chapter 98 of the North Richland Hills

Code of Ordinances.

3. Do contractors have to register with the City?

Every contractor performing construction work requiring permits and inspections must be registered with the City. Registration is completed online (Use NRH E-Portal).   There is no annual registration fee for all contractors.

4. What type of work requires a building permit?

Basically any new, remodeling, enlarging, altering, addition or demolition to buildings and structures will require a permit. Trade work, such as plumbing, mechanical/HVAC and electrical, require their own permits and must be obtained by state licensed personnel.  Many construction repairs also require a building permit depending on the extent of the repair. There are some miscellaneous type projects that will require permits which include, but are not necessarily limited to fencing, driveways, decks over 30 inches in height, sheds exceeding 144 square feet, lawn irrigation systems, retaining walls taller than 24 inches, and some portable buildings. For clarification, please check with the Customer Service Assistants by calling 817-427-6300.

5. How much does a building permit cost?

The following attachment is an unofficial version of the current permit fees (updated June 2019).  Permit Fees (unofficial)

6. What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy (commonly referred to as a C/O) is a document that is issued by the Building Official. The C/O contains information concerning the owner/tenant of the property, the address, the building code use classification, type of construction and the name of the zoning use of the property. The C/O is required to be posted in a conspicuous place at the location for which it is issued.

7. When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for new construction, addition or remodeling to existing commercial buildings; for a change of use of a building or land to a different use; for a change in the ownership or tenant of a building; or for a change in the business name.

8. Must I obtain a Fire Inspection prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy?

Yes, you must contact the Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office to schedule a fire inspection prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy; however all permit fees must be paid before an inspection can be scheduled. The Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until this inspection has been completed.   The fire department number for setting up an inspection is 817-427-6900.

9. How long does it take to get a building permit?

It is the goal of the department to conduct an initial review of all residential submittals within 7-10 working days; however, due to current construction levels, staff is experiencing the need for additional review times. It is the goal of the department to conduct an initial review of all commercial submittals within 15 working days; however, due to current construction levels, staff is experiencing the need for additional review times. Incomplete or inaccurate construction documents may lead to additional review time due to the need to review subsequent revisions.

10. What items or documents must be submitted for permitting a new home?

In general, the following items must be submitted for permitting of a new home.  Additional items may be needed depending on location, zoning, or unique circumstances, etc.:

Copy and verification that Residential Fire Sprinkler Affidavit has been filed with Tarrant County (Click here for form)

Construction Plans: Floor Plan, Exterior Elevations, MEP’s, etc.

Wind-Bracing / Shear Wall Plan

Foundation Plan & Engineer’s Foundation Letter

Additional support documentation (i.e. engineer’s eyebrow, brick-on-wood, special structural conditions, etc.)

2018 Energy Code Compliance Report (i.e. IC3 Report, HERS Report, RES-Check Report)

Landscape Plan

Site Plan

Grading / Drainage Plan

11. How do I schedule an inspection?

For permits with a permit number format "20-0000XXXX " , requests for inspections may be left on our voice mail message center by calling 817-427-6333. Requests are received 24-7. When leaving a voice message, please leave the entire permit number, the street address and the type of inspection requested.

All other permits use this link: NRH E-Portal

 Inspection requests received before 8:00 a.m. any working day are typically performed by the close of the same business day in most cases.

12. Do I need a permit to re-roof a home or commercial building?

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS - All commercial buildings require a building permit to re-roof. Commercial projects that include the removal of roof insulation must replace the insulation with thicknesses that meet the current energy code. An energy code calculation is typically required and generally results in an increase in insulation thickness. 

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS - One & two family dwellings do not require a permit to replace shingles only. Permits are required for re-roofing projects that include the repair or replacement of roof decking. All re-roofing projects, including those that do not require a building permit, must meet the provisions in Chapter 9 of the International Residential Code. Flashings (including kick-out flashings and drip edges) are required; however, ice barriers are not required. The installation of a new roof covering over a single layer of existing roof covering is permitted where the new roof covering is installed in accordance with the manufacturer's approved installation instructions.  Roofs containing two or more layers of shingles must be completely removed before installing new shingles. Underlayment must also be replaced when re-shingling a roof. Asphalt shingles must be installed in accordance with the shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions on solidly sheathed decks without holes, cracks, rot and/or gaps (refer to 2018 IRC Sections R905.1 & R905.2).  Roofs may not have two or more layers of decking unless approved by an engineer with support documentation.  All citizens are encouraged to use roofing contractors who are registered with the city and are members of the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association. A searchable website is available at https://www.ntrca.com/

For additional information, please see the Owens-Corning Technical Bulletin for roof decking requirements at http://www.owenscorning.com/NetworkShare/Roofing/10022499-Roof-Deck-Requirements-Technical-Bulletin---TB-07.pdf

13. What do I do if I have 3/8 inch thick roof decking while replacing my shingles?

The 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) adopted by the City of North Richland Hills requires roof structural panel sheathing (OSB and plywood) to meet Table R503.2.1.1(1) and typically requires a minimum of 7/16 inch thick sheathing.  Table R803.1 is used for solid lumber sheathing (such as  1 X 8’s) and requires a minimum of 5/8 inch decking where rafters are spaced 24 inches on center.  Additionally, section R905 of the IRC requires asphalt shingles to be applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the code AND the manufacturers installation instructions (which ever is the most stringent).

Please know that the city does not require citizens to replace 3/8 inch plywood roof panels if it is still in good condition; and presumes that the panels met the code at the time it was originally installed. In fact, the IRC still allows appropriately rated 3/8 inch roofing panels on rafters spaced 24 inches on center to this very day; however, this product has been difficult to locate.  Please be advised that there are occasions where the shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions are more restrictive than the IRC by mandating that their shingles be installed on 7/16 inch or thicker roof panels in order to honor their product’s warranty.

For additional information, please see the Owens-Corning Technical Bulletin for roof decking requirements at http://www.owenscorning.com/NetworkShare/Roofing/10022499-Roof-Deck-Requirements-Technical-Bulletin---TB-07.pdf

14. Can I convert my garage into a living area?

In most cases a garage cannot be converted into a living area.  According to the city's zoning ordinance, a home must provide at least two 9' X 18' covered and enclosed parking spaces behind the front building line.  As such, this requirement cannot be met when the garage is converted into a living space.  

Occasionally, a property has enough room to build a replacement garage  behind the front building line without encroaching on other required side and rear building setbacks.  In these scenarios, it may be possible to convert an existing attached garage with the proper construction permits.  Please contact the Planning and Inspection Departments at 817-427-6300 for all of the requirements if you're thinking about converting a garage.

15. Can I build a carport in front of my house?

The city's zoning regulations do not normally allow carports and garages to encroach the required building setback established by the zoning district of the property.  In most scenarios, there is insufficient room to construct a carport and still honor minimum setbacks.

16. Who can I use to provide a roll-off dumpster?

Republic Services is the City of North Richland Hills' garbage hauling vendor. To set up service for your business, or to arrange a temporary roll-off container for a construction project, please contact Republic Services at 817-317-2085.  The use of other vendors is prohibited.

17. Can I use a shipping/cargo container as a home or storage building?

Cargo containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles and similar prefabricated items originally built for purposes other than an occupied building or an accessory structure; are not  considered an approved building and cannot be installed.  Please contact Development Service at 817-427-6300 for additional details.