BUILDING PERMITS: are required for
New construction
Swimming pools more than 23 inches deep (also require a $ 250.00 water acquisition fee)
Storage or accessory buildings over 120 square feet
Remodeling, rehabilitation or demolition
New or replacement fences
Reroofing or Siding
Concrete slabs, driveways, sidewalks, foundation work, etc.
Storage or accessory buildings under 120 square feet do not require a permit however they should not be placed over a utility easement or interfere with drainage or maintenance of the property. Please notify the building department if you have questions.
A general contractor should be hired to get these permits and manage the construction. The City of Converse requires general contractors to be licensed and bonded to protect the homeowner from inexperienced or unreputable persons doing unsatisfactory work, leaving the job incomplete or accidents during construction. To apply for a general Contractor License click this link License Application.
ELECTRICAL PERMIT: This type permit covers any electrical work to be performed such as new wiring, rewiring, or repair of existing electrical wiring.
PLUMBING PERMIT: This type of permit covers any plumbing work to be performed such as plumbing installations, including lawn irrigation systems, alterations, repairs, new or replacement, Water heaters, water softeners, back flow valves appliances, fixtures, fittings when connected to a water, sewer or gas system.
MECHANICAL PERMIT: This type permit covers the installation of mechanical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilation, heating, cooling, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy-related systems.
INSPECTIONS can be scheduled by calling 658-8285 or Fax to 659-3557.
Most inspections can be made the day following notification Monday through Friday.
The individual securing the permit is responsible for requesting and ensuring that the required inspection is made.
Inspection procedures will be provided when a permit is issued.
All trade contractors must secure their individual permits for work to be performed and must be licensed and bonded in the City of Converse in order buy permits or to perform work. General or Home Improvement Contractors are required to be Licensed by the City of Converse and secure a $5,000.00 bond.
Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing and other Contractors Licensed by the State of Texas may register with the City of Converse by presenting their Master License, Identification and Insurance documents along with an annual $15.00 registration fee.
Homeowners are warned against securing a permit to have work performed by an unlicensed contractor. This makes the homeowner responsible for any accident or damage that may occur and the City of Converse has no way to ensure they complete the job. Contractors are required to secure bonds. In the event they fail to perform the work according to code; the City of Converse may file a claim against the amount of the bond. It is in the best interest of the homeowner to require the person or persons performing the work be licensed and secure the permit.
All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official/Inspector. If you have any questions regarding the application process or the permitting process, please contact the City of Converse Building Inspections Department at (210) 658-8285. Permits should be protected from the weather and posted in an area easily visible by the Building Official/Inspector.
CODES: The City of Converse uses the 2006 editions of the International Codes published by the International Code Council, Inc. including the International Energy Code and the 2008 edition of the National Electrical Code. Converse has recently adopted the Smart Code V 9.0 which can be found in the document center.
REQUIRED PLANS
Two complete sets of proposed construction plans drawn to an appropriate scale should be submitted for a building permit. An application for permit must be completed. Plans should be complete, legible and site specific, allowing the plan reviewer to review the drawings and specifications with as few questions as possible. Please submit plans as early as possible to allow for a review.
The following are basic requirements for proper submittal of plans:
COMPLETE SITE PLAN: To include:
 1. Show the entire lot, not just a part of a lot or lease lines.
2. Include all easements, right-of-way, existing structures and any proposed construction.
3. Include existing and proposed sidewalks, approaches and curbs.
4. Include existing and proposed parking layouts.
5. Show the location of the building within the site.
6. Include grade differentials.
7. Include Landscape details and area covered.
8. Accessibility details: ramps, parking, etc.
COMPLETE FOUNDATION PLAN: Foundation should be designed or engineered in accordance with the City of Converse applicable construction codes. All foundations 600 square feet or more are required to be engineered as prescribed by the IBC.
COMPLETE FLOOR PLAN: Drawn to an appropriate scale.
1. Plans for an addition to an existing building or lease space shall show the entire existing floor plan and use, as well as the proposed addition, noting all rooms and their use; i.e. receptionist, lunch room, den, bath, etc.
2. Any existing walls to be removed should be shown, as well as any new walls to be constructed.
ACCESSIBILITY details required by the American with Disabilities Act http://www.ada.gov/
TYPICAL WALL SECTION: Indicate the method of construction and fire-resistive capacity if applicable.
COMPLETE MECHANICAL LAYOUT: Include trunk lines, ducts, diffusers, etc.
COMPLETE ELECTRICAL LAYOUT: Include switch and outlet location (including GFCI), load information, size of feeders, switch and/or panel boards and conductors.
COMPLETE PLUMBING LAYOUT: Include type of material, size of drain, waste and vents, and gas and water piping. Show location of fixtures and appliances.
The applicant should also contact the Fire Department to determine if they have specific requirements that would apply to their projects.
Complete Construction Documents Relating to International Energy Conservation Code IECC:
SCHEDULE OF FEES: refer to ordinance # 620 in the Document Center
(FEES ASSESSED OR CHARGED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
No building or structure in the City of Converse shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy. Application
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