Building Permit

A building permit is the document that allows you to begin construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings. Whether residential or non-residential, the process includes the review and approval of site and construction plans, the payment of applicable fees, issuance of a building permit, inspections of the work and approval upon completion of construction. Commercial Building Highlight in the Building Process Flow Map

Permit Information

  • New construction and addition permits: $4.25 per $1,000 of construction valuation. Minimum $1,000 (this includes the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, but excludes a 25% processing fee due at the time of permit submittal).
  • Remodel/Interior completion permits: $6 per $1,000 of construction valuation. Minimum $100 (this includes the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, but excludes a 25% processing fee due at the time of permit submittal) 
  • Shell building or canopy permits: $6 per $1,000 of construction valuation. Minimum $1,000 (this includes the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, but excludes a 25% processing fee due at the time of permit submittal).

All new construction/remodels/additions/interior completions/demolition (either in part or whole) require permits.

View our complete listing of Commercial Building and Construction Permits.

Contractors

All work must be completed by State-licensed (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Irrigators) and City-registered (General, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Irrigators, Signs, and Fences) contractors. The State of Texas mandates that non-residential Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Irrigation work be completed by State-licensed contractors. The City of Garland requires those contractors to be registered with the City's Building Inspection Department. No exceptions. To register with the City, contractors need to complete this application (PDF).

Because each job is complex and unique, the design professional should contact our office at 972-205-2300 and ask to speak with a commercial Plans Examiner to receive any specific information.

Codes

The City currently adheres to the following Model Codes:

  • 2015 International Building Code
  • 2015 International Fire Code
  • 2015 International Plumbing Code
  • 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code
  • 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2015 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2014 National Electrical Code

Submittal Information

All submittals must have:

  • A completed Commercial Building Permit Application (PDF), with a Case Number, if applicable.
  • An asbestos survey for all demolition work.
  • A TDLR confirmation sheet showing the project has been submitted to TDLR for accessibility review (required for work over $50,000 in valuation).
  • Energy calculation sheet(s) showing the building meets all the requirements of the currently adopted International Energy Conservation Code (COM Check or IC3 preferred).
  • Cover Sheet - identifying the project, occupancy type, use, and occupant load, and providing a Code Analysis.
  • Site Plan - approved by the City Engineering Department as part of the Site Permit.
  • Complete set of structural plans (including, but not limited to, floor plans, construction details, finish schedule, door and window schedules, hardware schedules, interior elevations).
  • Building exterior elevations - showing a detailed list of materials with a percentage breakdown on each elevation.
  • Complete mechanical plans (including type and location of dampers if applicable).
  • Complete electrical plans.
  • Complete plumbing plans.
  • Kitchen equipment plan (if applicable).
  • All documents should be submitted on a USB in PDF format; with a paper copy of the Commercial Building Permit Application.

Building plans cannot be approved until the Civil Plans are approved by the Engineering Department. After Building Inspection receives the approved Civil Plans, they will ensure that the Civil Plans and Building Plans match. After a pre-construction meeting, the site permit and the building permit can be paid for and work may commence on the project.Building Construction Site

Once the project is complete and a building final inspection has been green-tagged (approved), a Certificate of Occupancy may be applied for and shall be issued in accordance with the International Building Code.

Refuse Storage Containers

Non-Residential and Multi-Family Construction Sites

Refuse storage containers will be screened from public thoroughfares and adjacent properties. Refuse containers that are not entirely screened from these areas will be screened on three sides by masonry walls six feet in height. The building serviced by the container may constitute screening on one or more sides if it achieves the intent of this section. An opening shall be provided on the fourth side for access by refuse collectors. Such openings shall have a minimum width of twelve (12) feet to accommodate refuse collection.

The City of Garland Recycling Center participates in a free-market system. Please contact them at 972-205-3500 to compare rates on your project.