The mission of the Building Department is to oversee all construction activities, develop and maintain prompt processing of permits and administer fair, equal enforcement of federal, state and City laws.

The general services of the Building Department are to establish and provide consistent enforcement of building codes in an atmosphere of cooperation, open communication, and focusing on a long-term commitment to environmental integrity of the City. The Building Department strives for excellence to provide the best service to our customers in a timely and courteous manner by enforcing the minimum requirements to protect the lives and safety of the public and protecting economic interests through the development of a safe and sustainable community.

The Building Department is responsible for plan checks, building permits and inspections.

Site Plan Review
No building permit for a new industrial, commercial or multifamily structure shall be issued before a site plan has been reviewed and approved by the site plan committee (also known as Development Review Committee). The review committee normally meets every Tuesday and includes City representatives of the following:
(1) Public Works Department (Engineering, Solid Waste & Water/Wastewater).
(2) Development Services Department (Building, GIS & Planning).
(3) Fire Department.
(4) Police Department (Code Compliance).
The City requires a scaled site plan indicating proposed and existing developments to be submitted. Check site plan review on the Development Application HERE. Submit for review online at MyGovernmentOnline.

Permits
The City requires permits for the following types of construction but are not limited to:
• New Construction
• Remodeling
• Signs
• Garage Conversions
• Alterations
• Additions
• Accessory Structures (garages, sheds, decks, fences, etc.)
• Swimming pools
• Water heaters, water softeners
• Re-roofs and siding installations
• Change of Occupancies (non-residential)

Inspections
Inspections are basically required before any work is concealed, covered or buried. Such work may include:
• Concrete placement or slabs, driveways, sidewalks, etc.
• Plumbing: water lines, sewer lines, rough-ins, stack-outs, gas lines, water heaters, lawn sprinklers, whole house water softeners, etc.
• Electrical: new installations, service upgrades, etc.
• Mechanical: new installations, unit change outs, etc.
• Building, framing, etc.
• Final completions

Project Requirements
Here is a list of the minimum requirements to be uploaded with submitted online applications:
Accessory structures/sheds/decks/patio covers/car ports/etc.
– Site plan

Additions/remodels commercial or residential
– As-is site plan
– New layout site plan
– List of contractors

Certificates of occupancy
– Business contact form

Commercial signs
– Sign plans showing size and specifications

Concrete
– Site plan

Contractor registrations (licensed trades)
– Trade license and driver’s license
– For electrical, masters electrical license and business electrical license.

Demolition
– Asbestos survey (non-residential only)*
*LGC Sec. 1954.259.(1) evidence acceptable to the municipality that an asbestos survey, as required by this chapter, of all parts of the building affected by the planned renovation or demolition has been completed by a person licensed under this chapter to perform a survey.

Fences
– Site plan

Generators
– Site plan

Lawn Irrigation Permits
1. A stamped set of irrigation plan are required to be submitted to the Building Department prior to the approval of the permit.
2. In the comment section of the permit, you will need to indicate the number of sprinkler heads and type of backflow device being used.
3. An open ditch inspection is required within the city limits and its ETJ.
4. Must submit test on backflow device once installed. https://www.copperascovetx.gov/files/forms/water/Backflow%20registration%20form_NEW.pdf

New commercial construction
– Water and Sewer Form filled out and signed https://www.copperascovetx.gov/files/forms/building/utility_connect.pdf
– Com check, filled out and signed https://www.energycodes.gov/comcheck
– 2015 IECC compliance certificate, filled out and signed https://www.energycodes.gov/comcheck
– Plot plan showing drainage arrows including sidewalks
– Commercial plans (including approved site plan)
– List of subcontractors

New residential construction:
– Water and Sewer Form filled out and signed https://www.copperascovetx.gov/files/forms/building/utility_connect.pdf
– Res check, filled out and signed https://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck
– 2015 IECC compliance certificate, filled out and signed https://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck
– Plot plan showing drainage arrows including sidewalks
– House plans (if duplex, firewall)
*Prior to Building Final Inspection, a Duck Leakage affidavit is required
https://www.copperascovetx.gov/files/forms/building/duct_leakage.pdf

Re-Roof Permits
– You will need to indicate in the comment section type of roof covering you will be using.
– Ensure you enter the cost of material on the permit application.

Residential doors/windows
– Number to be replaced

Retaining Walls
– Site plan
– If wall is over 24”, need engineered design with engineer stamp

Solar*
– Solar plans
– Wind load information
*Electrical permit required

Solicitor’s license
– Fingerprints, call PD to set up an appointment (No Walk-ins accepted)
– $1000 surety bond

Sprinkler Systems (see Irrigation Permits)
– Design plan with irrigators stamp and signature

Swimming pools/Hot tubs/Spas
– Site plan and pool specifications

Electrical Permits
– In the comment section of the permit request, please give a brief description of work being done. (ie… service upgrade, new service, electrical repair)

Gas Permits
– In the comment section of the permit request, please give a brief description of work being done. (ie… gas test, gas repair, annual gas test)

Mechanical Permits
– In the comment section of the permit request, please give a brief description of work being done. (ie… replacing both inside and outside units)

Plumbing Permits
– In the comment section of the permit request, please give a brief description of work being done. (ie… water heater, sewer line, repair of water line)