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Building Permits and Plan Reviews
Building Permits are Required for Most Projects
An approved building permit is required before any construction is allowed on a project, unless specifically exempted by the Building Permit Ordinance (exemption information available here). Under certain circumstances, approval may be granted for grading, cutting and filling, and for utility infrastructure, prior to issuance of the Building Permit, to facilitate project development.
As of January 1, 2016, the following codes are used to review plans submitted for permits:
- 2012 International Building Code
- 2012 International Mechanical Code
- 2012 International Plumbing Code
- 2012 International Residential Code
- 2012 International Fire Code
- 2011 National Electrical Code
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
Review & Approval Process
The application and plans will be reviewed by Development Services’ consultant ATS Engineers from Austin, serving as the City’s Plan Reviewer. Any retail, commercial or club facility project and any residential project with over 10,000 square feet of covered area will also be reviewed by the City Council for final approval.
Before beginning construction, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to ascertain that the project conforms to property setback restrictions. It is also the responsibility of the permit holder to tie in driveways to the existing hard surface of the street accessing the property.
The application and plans will be reviewed by Development Services’ consultant ATS Engineers from Austin, serving as the City’s Plan Reviewer. Any retail, commercial or club facility project and any residential project with over 10,000 square feet of covered area will also be reviewed by the City Council for final approval.
Before beginning construction, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to ascertain that the project conforms to property setback restrictions. It is also the responsibility of the permit holder to tie in driveways to the existing hard surface of the street accessing the property.
Submittal Requirements
Please read the following submittal requirements:
Please read the following submittal requirements:
- Proof that a plat of the property has been approved by either Llano or Burnet counties prior to September 20, 2005, or by the City after this date.
- 3 sets of plans have been approved by the applicable Subdivision Architectural Control Committee and signed by its designated representative indicating the plans comply with the restrictive covenants for the Subdivision where the property is located.
- For any project containing 10,000 square feet or more of impervious cover, approval must be obtained from the Lower Colorado River Authority prior to application to the City.
- The plans must include a site plan showing all four exterior elevations, and type and color of roof, masonry, siding and trim.
- The plans must show the location, nature and extent of work proposed and be in sufficient detail to show that all work will conform to the applicable Building Codes.
- The name, address and daytime telephone number for the property owner and for the General Contractor, and any other Licensed Contractor(s) who will be working on the project. Only Licensed Sub-Contractors may be employed by a General Contractor, or owner who is serving as the General Contractor for construction of his own residence, to provide construction services on any project.
- An approved On Site Septic System Permit from Llano or Burnet County must be obtained for any property where City sewer is not available and a septic system will be used.
- An Application for a Building Permit shall not be approved until all of the required submissions set out above are provided or waived, in writing, by the City and all required fees have been paid.
Applications for Permits
The applicant needs to file a completed and signed Building Permit application as provided by the Development Services Department, with the appropriate fee.
Length of a Permit
Building Permits for residential construction, remodels, and commercial projects are valid for a period of 18 months, after which a 6 month extension may be granted. Building Permits for accessory structures, driveways and parking areas are valid for 6 months and Building Permits for manufactured homes are valid for 9 months.
Requirements
For grade and fill permits not part of a residential building permit, grading must be completed within 15 days from the date the permit is issued. The fee for a building permit includes the same amount of the fee as a clean-up and compliance deposit, which is refundable after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy if no re-inspections or violations of the Building Codes occur.
Applications are accepted at:
The Development Services Department
City Hall
1 Community Drive
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
Incomplete applications will be returned to the Applicant.
The applicant needs to file a completed and signed Building Permit application as provided by the Development Services Department, with the appropriate fee.
Length of a Permit
Building Permits for residential construction, remodels, and commercial projects are valid for a period of 18 months, after which a 6 month extension may be granted. Building Permits for accessory structures, driveways and parking areas are valid for 6 months and Building Permits for manufactured homes are valid for 9 months.
Requirements
For grade and fill permits not part of a residential building permit, grading must be completed within 15 days from the date the permit is issued. The fee for a building permit includes the same amount of the fee as a clean-up and compliance deposit, which is refundable after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy if no re-inspections or violations of the Building Codes occur.
Applications are accepted at:
The Development Services Department
City Hall
1 Community Drive
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
Incomplete applications will be returned to the Applicant.
Building Inspections
The City uses the services of ATS Engineers Austin as its consulting Building Inspector. Required inspections of building progress are those stated on the ATS approved plan review for the permit to insure construction on a project is consistent with plans submitted in conjunction with the Building Permit application and with the City’s Building Codes.
Schedule an Inspection
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to insure that the project receives inspection at each required stage. Required inspections can be scheduled for the next day when requested before 4 p.m. by phone at 830-598-9959 or 830-598-9972.
The ATS Building Inspector and City Utility Customer Service Field employees shall have access to all building sites for the purpose of making periodic inspections of construction progress, and for conducting inspections pertaining to water and sewage utility issues, respectively.
Re-Inspections
Any inspections that require a re-inspection will automatically be deducted from the deposit amount from the Building Permit fee, and any occupancy of a building prior to approval of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) shall result in a fine, and possible eviction from the property until all required work that is health and safety-related is completed, and a CO is approved.