To a certain extent, the City of Irving relies upon the integrity of contractors and the honesty of Irving residents to follow the rules.

However, the city also relies on city staff and public input to identify construction projects without proper building permits. 

Once a building permit application is approved and issued, the applicant is provided with a physical permit document that must be displayed at the construction site.

A permit also can be confirmed through the online Permit Portal.

The contractor hired to complete a project is responsible for compliance with the city-adopted codes. They should be licensed by the state (when required) to perform the work.

If a resident is performing the work personally, then the resident is responsible.

Typically permits expire if work authorized is not started and inspected 180 days after issuance.

A setback is a zoning term for the “distance required from nearest point of a wall of the structure to a property line." The City of Irving does not allow any structure to be built in the setback; driveways, flatwork, and similar items are excluded. 

A utility easement is “a grant by the property owner of the use of a designated portion of land by the public, individuals, groups or corporations for specific purposes.”

All newer subdivision developments have utility easements clearly delineated on the plat maps. The intent of easements is to allow utility companies sufficient room to build and service their infrastructure (phone lines, cable, natural gas, water, sewer and electricity).

The City of Irving does not allow any permanent structure, including garages, decks, pools and sheds, to be built on easements.

Prior to installing a new fence, the property owner must submit plans and a fence permit application for review and approval by the City of Irving Inspections Department, located on the second floor of City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd. 

1. Apply for a Permit Online

These structures are considered accessory buildings. The City of Irving requires that all “accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall be securely affixed to the ground in a manner that will resist movement from storms or vandalism. All accessory buildings, whether permanent or temporary, shall meet the setback requirements.”

The City of Irving does not require a building permit for an accessory building that is 6 feet in any dimension or less; however, in those instances the buildings will still need to meet the setback requirements of the City of Irving Unified Development Code.

For accessory buildings of more than 6 feet in any dimension, a building permit is required. The City’s building inspectors will inspect the structure to ensure that it is securely anchored and installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

1. Find out how long the contractor has been in business in the area. 
2. Check references; make sure they are valid by contacting those for whom the contractor has performed construction work. 
3. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been registered against the company.
4. Check that the contractor is registered with the City of Irving and has insurance coverage.

Note: the City of Irving cannot recommend contractors.

Most contractors are required to be licensed: electrical, mechanical, irrigators and plumbing contractors. However, there are some exceptions.

General contractors do not have any licenses, but a property owner should ask the contractor if they are registered with the City of Irving before beginning work.

If a contractor asks you to apply for the building permit, chances are that they may not be registered because the city verifies applicable contractor licensing with the State of Texas for all building permit applications. 

Homesteaded residents (through the Dallas Central Appraisal District) do not have to be licensed to perform work on their own home, in most cases. 

For questions about contractor registration, email the City of Irving Inspections Department.

Do not take out a building permit for any contractor. When the contractor signs the permit, the contractor is agreeing to do the work according to code. 

If you sign for the permit, you are liable for correcting the contractor's work if it does not meet city-adopted code standards.

Before a project begins with a contractor, insist on seeing the permit. During the course of the project, monitor the contractor’s inspection records. This will protect you from being responsible for code violations and ensure project completion.

1. Verify permits and inspections online at the city's Permit Portal.