§ 6.4.0. PERMIT EXEMPTION CODE REFERENCE
Latest version.
This section is a reference chart of the permit exemptions for the following technical codes; Residential Code, Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, and Mechanical Code. This code information applies to all residential occupancies.
How to use this chart:
1)
For one- and two-family dwellings, and townhouse dwellings, refer to the International Residential Code (IRC) list.
2)
For Multi-family dwellings, refer to the Building Code (IBC) list.
3)
The Electric Code (NEC), Plumbing Code (UPC), and Mechanical Code (UMC) apply to all residential type dwellings.
2012 International Residential Code (Ordinance 2013-0606-055)
2012 IRC Code Section R105.2 Building Section R105.2 Work exempt from permit.
Permits shall not be required for the following:
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m ).
2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways that are not located in the right-of-way.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m ) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.
2012 International Building Code (Ordinance 20130606-089)
2012 IBC Code Section 105.2 Building Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit
Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m ).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of the accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- or two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Groups R-3 and U occupancies.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
14. Repair to gypsum board that is not part of a fire-resistance-rated wall, a shear assembly, or part of a shower or water closet surround; provided it is limited to a maximum of 32 square feet.
2011 National Electrical Code (Ordinance 20111020-089)
2011 NEC Code Section 80.19(C)3 Electrical Section 80.19(C) Issuance of Permits.
Subsection (3) Exempt Work:
(a) An electrical permit is not required for the following:
(i) replacement of an approved cable or cord and plug connected motor or portable appliance;
(ii) replacement of components to approved equipment or to a fixed approved appliance of the same type and rating, in the same location;
(iii) temporary holiday decorative lighting;
(iv) replacement of a snap, single, three-way, four-way or dimmer switch, ceiling paddle fan, luminaire and lamps, when the maximum voltage is 480 and the maximum ampacity is 30;
(v) reinstallation of a receptacle, or replacement of a receptacle with a ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacle, or installation of a tamper resistance receptacle, or installation of an arc-fault circuit interrupter receptacle or weather-resistance receptacle;
(vi) replacement of an overcurrent protection device, or fuse of the same voltage and amperage, and in the same location, when the service will not be de-energized;
(vii) repair or replacement of an electrode or transformer of the same size and capacity for a sign or gas tube system;
(viii) replacement of insulating material to a splice;
(ix) removal of electrical wiring;
(x) temporary wiring for experimental purposes in a suitable experimental laboratory;
(xi) the wiring for a temporary theater, motion picture, or television stage set;
(xii) installation or repair of an electrical device, appliance, apparatus, equipment, or electrical wiring operating at less than 25 volts;
(xiii) installation or repair of a low-energy power, control and signal circuit of Class II and Class III as defined in the National Electrical Code;
(xiv) the following activities, if performed in connection with the transmission of electrical energy: the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment; or the generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electrical energy;
(xvi) the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility; or
(xvii) buildings or structures which are owned and occupied by the State or Federal government, except for the electrical service.
2012 Uniform Plumbing Code (Ordinance 20130606-093)
2012 UPC Code Section 103.1 Plumbing Exempt Work: A plumbing permit is not required for the following:
The stopping of leaks in drains, soil pipe, waste pipe or vent pipe, provided, however, that the removal or replacement of a defective concealed trap, drain pipe, soil pipe, waste pipe or vent pipe is new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this Code.
The clearing of stoppages, including the removal and reinstallation of water closets, the repair of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, if the repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valve, pipes, or fixtures. The installation or replacement, of backflow prevention assemblies, or devices are not exempt from plumbing permit and plumbing licensing requirements.
Repairs or replacement of fixtures and replacement of traps, continuous waste piping, water shut-off valves, faucets, are exempt from permit requirements if the work is performed in accordance with the requirements of the Plumbing Code, and does not involve other city departments or inspections from other trades. Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code is not authorization for the work to be done in violation of this Code or other laws or ordinances of the City.
103.1.3 Homestead Permit. A person who is not licensed to perform plumbing work may perform plumbing work within a residence and on property owned by the person if the requirements of this section are met.
(1) The residence is the person's homestead.
(2) The work does not include plumbing work that involves natural gas or liquefied petroleum plumbing systems.
(3) The residence is the person's principal residence.
(4) The person has not secured a homestead permit for another residence within the prior 12 month period.
(5) The person must have owned and occupied the property as of January 1 of the tax year in which the person applies for a homestead permit.
(6) A person must obtain a homestead permit and pay required permit fees before beginning any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work. A person must apply for a homestead permit in person and must file an affidavit stating that the location at which the work is to be done is the person's homestead.
(7) A person who has obtained a homestead permit may not allow or cause any person to perform plumbing work under the permit. The building official may suspend or revoke a homestead permit if work done under the permit is performed by anyone other than the person who obtained the permit.
(8) A person may not transfer a permit to another person.
(9) A person performing plumbing work under a homestead permit shall present a picture identification to verify that the person is authorized to perform work under the homestead permit, when requested by the building official or his designee.
(10) A homestead permit shall not be issued for plumbing work on a mobile, modular or manufactured home unless the homeowner owns the land on which the mobile, modular or manufactured home is located. A homestead permit shall not be issued if the mobile, modular or manufactured home is located in a mobile home park, mobile home community or other commercial premises.
(11) A homestead permit shall not be issued for any auxiliary water system.
2012 Uniform Mechanical Code (Ordinance 20130606-090)
2012 UMC Code Section 111.2 Mechanical Section 111.2 Exempt Work. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:
A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, a portable cooling unit, or a portable evaporative cooler.
A closed system of steam, hot, or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
Replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this code.
Refrigerating equipment that is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this code.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Offense. A person who violates this section (Permit Required) commits an offense. An offense under this section is a class C misdemeanor. Each day a person commits an offense or remains in violation of this section (Permit Required) is a separate occurrence. Proof of a culpable mental state is not required for conviction of an offense under this section.
Persons Authorized to Obtain Permits. An air conditioning and refrigeration contractor licensed by the State of Texas to perform mechanical work and registered with the city may obtain permits required by the Mechanical Code.
112.5 Homestead Permit. A person who is not licensed to perform mechanical work may perform mechanical work within a residence owned by the person if the requirements of this section are met.
(1) The residence is the person's homestead.
(2) The work does not include mechanical work that involves reclaiming and charging a ducted heating and air-conditioning system containing refrigerant.
(3) The residence is the person's principal residence.
(4) The person has not secured a homestead permit for another residence within the prior 12 month period.
(5) The person must have owned and occupied the property as of January 1 of the tax year in which the person applies for a homestead permit.
(6) A person must obtain a homestead permit and pay required permit fees before beginning any mechanical work. A person must apply for a homestead permit in person and must file an affidavit stating that the location at which the work is to be done is the person's homestead.
(7) A person who has obtained a homestead permit may not allow or cause any other person to perform mechanical work under the permit.
(8) A person may not transfer a permit to another person.
(9) A person performing mechanical work under a homestead permit shall present a picture identification to verify that the person is authorized to perform work under the homestead permit, when requested by the building official or his designee.
(10) A homestead permit shall not be issued for mechanical work on a mobile, modular or manufactured home unless the homeowner owns the land on which the mobile, modular, or manufactured home is located. A homestead permit shall not be issued if the mobile, modular, or manufactured home is located in a mobile home park, mobile home community, or other commercial premises.