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1. When is a building permit required?

A person, firm or corporation shall not, without first obtaining a permit from the Permit Department, do the following to a structure or building service equipment:

• Add to
• Alter
• Construct
• Convert
• Enlarge
• Equip
• Erect
• Improve
• Install
• Maintain
• Occupy
• Remove
• Repair
• Replace
• Use

2. How do I obtain a building permit?

To obtain a building permit the following will be required:

1. Site plan (plot plan) - including but not limited to the proposed improvement(s) noting building:
   • Adjacent public roadways
   • Driveways
   • Existing structures
   • North point
   • Separation and setbacks
2. Floor plan
3. Roof plan
4. Exterior elevations
5. Construction details
6. Structural plans (must include second floor framing plan when applicable)
7. Foundation plan (must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer)
8. Engineering letter for foundation design is required; this letter should include a statement that the foundation has been designed specifically for soil conditions of listed lot (Must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer)
9. Masonry on Wood (Must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer of built to COG detail)
10. Electrical plan (may be combined with floor plan)
11. Plumbing plan (may be combined with floor plan)
12. Berry Farms and Country Ridge need drainage studies submitted in addition to building plans.
13. Some neighborhood associations require a stamp of approval on plans. Please check with your association before submitting building plans.

Note

Foundation plan, details and engineer’s letter shall include:

1. Address
2. Subdivision
3. Lot
4. Block
5. Plan number

Plumbing Rough Inspection

A Form Survey sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Surveyor will be required to be on site for the Plumbing Rough Inspection.

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?

The amount of time varies based on the complexity of the work, but generally you can expect the following time frames:

1. Residential building permits may take up to 7 to 10 working days
2. Commercial building permits for new construction and remodeling could take up to 10 working days depending on the complexity

4. What inspections are required?

All inspections are to be called in by the general contractor to the Bureau Veritas at 817-335-8111 only. The general contractor is also responsible for keeping the lot and/or building site as clean as possible during construction. This will be strictly enforced. Port-A-Pots required on all sites.

Inspections

1. Building: layout staking foundation; framing; drives; walks; final
2. Plumbing: ground, top out and gas; final
3. Electrical: temporary pole; rough-in; final
4. Heating and AC: rough; final
5. Miscellaneous: swimming pool; lawn sprinklers; flat work

Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.)

City of Melissa requirements that must be completed prior to Certificate of occupancy being issued per city code; these requirements are for all properties within the City limits of Melissa:

1. All bathrooms and kitchen counter must have GFI plugs
2. Smoke detectors are required in all bedrooms and all halls leading to bedrooms
3. All driveways shall be of asphalt or concrete
4. Comply with all other City codes. The C.O. will be issued upon completion of the final inspections; a green tag stating the property is okay for C.O. is required to be furnished to City Hall

5. Do I need a permit for a private alarm system?

City of Melissa

No, the City of Melissa does not require a permit for an installation or activation of a private alarm system.

State of Texas

However, the State of Texas does require that an Alarm Installation and Activation Certificate be submitted to the local municipality in accordance to the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702.286 which states:

"An alarm systems company shall notify the municipality in which the alarm system is located of an installation or activation of an alarm system not later than the 30th day after the date of the installation or activation."

Certificate Form

Alarm Installation and Activation Certificate (PDF)

(Note: Please do not forward this form to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Bureau, the PSB-53 form must be sent to your local municipality).

This form should be turned into Code Enforcement by dropping off at the Development Services and Utility Billing Suite in the Melissa City Hall located at 3411 Barker Avenue or submitted by email.