Residential Addition Information

Permits for Residential Additions

Every addition to a home's living area needs a permit approved by the Building Inspections Division, however small the project. Additions include new conditioned living space as well as decks, patios and porches.

All work must meet the city's currently adopted codes, among them the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), as amended in line with the recommendations of the regional council of governments.

A printable Residential Addition Guide (PDF, 290KB) is available from Building Inspections.

Step 1. Gather the Required Information

Before a permit for a residential living area addition can be issued, you will need:

  • The project address and legal description
  • Contact information for the owner, contractor and/or architect
  • The square footage and the area affected
  • The class of work, a description of any electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, the project valuation and the property's market value
  • A site plan showing:
    • property lines
    • existing easements
    • where the addition will sit
    • dimensions of the addition
    • setbacks from property lines and from other structures
  • A floor plan labeling each room, its intended use and its square footage, with door and window sizes
  • Electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans
  • An energy code report showing compliance with the adopted IECC (a REScheck report, for example)
  • A braced (shear) wall design that is engineered or that demonstrates compliance with Chapter 6 of the IRC
  • A foundation plan designed and sealed by an engineer registered in Texas

Step 2. Apply Online

Building permit applications are filed through the City of Fredville's online permit portal. New users need a working email address to register, and setting up an account takes about five minutes.

Step 3. What Happens Next

Most complete applications are processed in 5 to 10 business days. Review can run longer when the applicant has to supply corrections or updates.

Help by Phone or In Person

Staff are glad to help with the online application by phone or at City Hall.

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Call: (555) 010-2235
  • Office: Building Inspections Division, City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive, Fredville, TX 75999
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees

  • You apply and pay through the online permit portal.
  • Building Inspections can give you a fee estimate for a residential living area addition permit before you apply.

At a glance

Fee
$0.50 per square foot of new area, $150 minimum
Who needs it
The property owner, or the licensed contractor the owner hires, before work starts
How to apply
Apply and pay in the online permit portal.
Application
Sample application for this permit
Turnaround
5 to 10 business days
Questions
(555) 010-2235, [email protected]

Fredville is a demonstration city built by Talk to Fred. Names, numbers and details on this page are sample content.