Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Inspections and Permits
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Inspections and Permits
Yes. Anyone wishing to operate a food services establishment or sell any food products to the public within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas must obtain a permit, except for cottage food operations.
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Inspections and Permits
Refer to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/statutes-laws-retail-food-establishments
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Inspections and Permits
The manager of the establishment is required to have a Certified Food Manager's certificate.
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Inspections and Permits
Please review the current Master Fee List for permit costs.
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A permit must be obtained from the Inspection Department before: erecting, construction, enlarging, alternating, converting, occupying, or changing a structure. If doubtful, call our office at 903-798-3912.Inspections and Permits
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Varies depending on the complexity of the project and all required plans, paperwork, etc have been submitted:Inspections and Permits
- New Residences-one to two workdays
- Remodel Residences-one to two workdays
- New Commercials-five to 14 workdays
- Remodel Commercials-three to five workdays
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A permit is not required for cosmetic upgrades, such as; carpet, paint, wall paper, or sheetrock. But if in doubt, call our office: 903-798-3912.Inspections and Permits
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Yes, above and in-ground swimming pools require Building Permits and they must be fenced in.Inspections and Permits
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The fence must be a minimum of 4 1/2 ft high with a self closing, self latching gate. Picket fences must not allow a five inch sphere pass between the pickets. The same is required for the areas between the bottom of the fence and the ground.Inspections and Permits
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The following applies:Inspections and Permits
- A Texas State License Master Electrician, Plumber, Mechanical registered with our city with proof of insurance
- Homeowner: must own, occupy the residence, and do the work
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Through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website.Inspections and Permits
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Yes, a site plan or plot plan of your property must be submitted showing the location of the storage building, carport, and detached garage; such as, the distance from property lines, existing structures, and any utility easements and encroachments.Inspections and Permits
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The following applies:Inspections and Permits
- Homeowner permit: must own, occupy, and do the work. A plan layout is required indicating the sprinkler heads and the location of the required shut-off valves, RPZ, backflow prevention. The RPZ will require a test by a TCEQ licensed tester and supply Texarkana Water Utilities, TWU, with a certificate on the test.
- Commercial and hired residential contracts: require a Texas State License Contractor registered with the city.
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If all information is current and correct, same day.Inspections and Permits
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No, they must be obtained in person, in our office, located 220 Texas Blvd, 3rd floor.Inspections and Permits
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All service work must be done by Texas State Master licensed electrical, plumbing, mechanical contractors, and also registered with the city with proof of insurance. Their employees may conduct service work, which includes sewer cleaning services.Inspections and Permits
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No, unless you currently hold a Texas State License for any of the above services. Although you own the house, occupancy is not in effect until after the house has been completed, inspected, and finalized.Inspections and Permits
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Yes, our fax number is: 903-798-3912. Permits must be obtained in our office, unless you are currently on account with our Inspections Department.Inspections and Permits
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No permit is required, unless the slab is to be utilized for a structure.Inspections and Permits
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Yes on all the above.Inspections and Permits
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Yes, if the entire unit is being replaced. Window glass or a door without replacing the frame does not require a permit.Inspections and Permits
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Only once. If there is more than one layer on the structure, the existing roofing must be pealed off and the deck re-felted before the new shingles are installed.Inspections and Permits
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Only CPVC is allowed.Inspections and Permits
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No permit is required for fences, but they must be installed within private property lines. Fences may not exceed eight feet in height above adjacent grade.Inspections and Permits
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A Certificate of Occupancy is not issued until all required building and, if necessary, Fire Department Inspections have satisfactorily been completed. The certificate will be mailed to the occupants address within five workdays of completion of all finals.Inspections and Permits