• Who has to get a building permit? ▲

  The owner of the building is ultimately responsible for obtaining a building permit. However, any agent who has the owners’ authorization and is acting on behalf of the owner may apply for the building permit.

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• What law regulates the County authority to require building permits and what types of projects does the county fire code apply to? ▲

  The County receives its authority to require certain types of permits from the TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 – SUBCHAPTER C, 233.061- 233.067 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/SOTWDocs/LG/htm/LG.233.htm#233.067

  Under Local Government Code 233, the adopted county fire code applies to commercial establishments; public buildings; and multifamily residential dwellings. Please refer to each definition for what is included in those categories.  The county fire code does not apply to the construction of single-family dwellings, duplexes, and triplexes, and does not apply to purely agricultural buildings where no workers are present and where the public does not enter.

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• When is a building permit required in the unincorporated areas of the county? ▲

  A building permit is required in the unincorporated areas of the county any time an individual, company, corporation, or group of individuals acting as an organization constructs, builds, or erects a new building to be used for commercial, public accessible, or multi-family residential purposes; OR a pre-built building is moved onto a piece of property; OR anytime an existing building undergoes a “substantial improvement”. Please refer to the definition of “substantial improvement.

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• What is a "substantial improvement"? ▲

  Grayson County utilizes two definitions to determine what a substantial improvement is and these are found in the TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 – SUBCHAPTER C, 233.0615. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/SOTWDocs/LG/htm/LG.233.htm#233.0615

   

  These include the repair, restoration, reconstruction, improvement, or remodeling of a building for which the cost exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the building’s value, according to the certified tax appraisal roll for the year preceding the year in which the work has begun; or a change in occupancy classification involving a change in the purpose or level of activity in a building, including the renovation of a warehouse into a loft apartment; or any alteration of a structure that modifies any component of the means of egress (exits, exit accesses, or exit discharge) or required fire protection system(s).

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• What is a multi-family residential building? ▲

  A multi-family residential building is defined in TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, TITLE 7, CHAPTER 233 – SUBCHAPTER C, 233.062(a)(3).

  A “Multi-Family Dwelling” means any residential structure consisting of four (4) or more residential dwelling units. A dwelling unit is any single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.  https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/SOTWDocs/LG/htm/LG.233.htm#233.062

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• What do I have to do to get a fire or building permit? ▲
  Apply online use the MGO Permit link. https://mgoconnect.org/cp?JID=195&PID=64

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• What other fire permits may be required for Commercial or multi-family? ▲
  • Fire Alarm
  • Fire Sprinkler
  • Fuel Storage Tank
  • Certificate of Compliance
  • Hood System
  • Controlled Egress
  • Automatic Vehicle Gate

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• Will the County conduct annual Fire Inspections? ▲

  We will inspect upon business owner request. Many businesses are required to have annual fire inspections for insurance or licensing requirements.

  Local Gov. Code 352 also requires we inspect a business upon receipt of a fire or life safety complaint.

  If you are needing an inspection, please use the MGO Permit Link below: https://mgoconnect.org/cp?JID=195&PID=64

  If you need to report a life safety or fire hazard, please contact our office.

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• Do I need to submit my project plans to the State for an accessibility plan review? ▲

  Generally speaking, all projects that have an estimated project cost of $50,000 or more US Dollars are required to be submitted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for compliance with the Elimination of Architectural Barriers Act, a state law that ensures projects comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your project is under $50,000, you are still required to comply with the law, you just do not have to submit your plans. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ab/abfaq.htm#g5

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