City of Burleson

Do I need to register my burglar alarm with the City? If so, where do I do this?
Yes, for information on registering burglar alarm systems, call the Burleson Police Department at 817-295-7146.

Who do I contact if I want to solicit or pass out flyers?
For information on a solicitor's permit, contact the Burleson Police Department at 817-295-7146.

What are the specifications for operating a business from my home?
For information on home occupation requirements, see Ordinance B-379 for specifications or contact the Community Development Department at 817-447-5400, ext. 236.

What is the fax number for Planning and Engineering/Building Inspections?
817-426-0971.

What is required to register as a contractor with the City of Burleson?
The City of Burleson requires registration for the following contractors: Master & Journeyman Electricians, Mechanical, Plumbing, Irrigation, Back Flow Testers and Fire Prevention. A registration application is available in PDF format.

Master & Journeyman Electrician: Copy of state license, (master) $100.00, (journeyman) $25.00 and completed form.
Mechanical: Copy of State Certificate, proof of insurance, $100.00 and completed form.
Plumbing: Copy of License, proof of insurance, $100.00 and completed form. Irrigation: Copy of License, proof of insurance, and completed form.
Back Flow Testers: Copy of current Driver's License, Backflow Certification Card, current Meter Calibration Certificate, General Liability Insurance and completed form.
Fire Prevention: Copy of State License, proof of insurance, $50.00 (except for fire alarm) and completed form. (Completed form consists of business name, address, phone number, register's name, address and phone number).

Where do I get a certificate of occupancy, register my business and get a tax id number?
The City of Burleson requires a new business or business that changes ownership to fill out a Certificate of Occupancy form. An inspection is required to receive permanent power. There is a charge based on square footage. For tax id number information, you will need to contact the State Comptroller's Office at 800-252-5555. For information on registering a business name, contact Johnson County Court Clerk's Office at 817-556-6323.

What information do you need to submit for a building permit?
Residential: Two (2) copies of the following documentation:

Site Plan (showing drainage arrows/grading), and elevations for all four walls
Floor Plan (optional)
Foundation Plans
Energy Code Compliance Form
Completed Application

Commercial: Three (3) copies of the following documentation:

Architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing & mechanical plans
Foundation Plans
Floor plans showing each room, proposed use, square footage of each area and exits
Wall section and elevations
Roof framing plan
Texas registered professional/Engineer's seal and signature is required on structural pages.
Approved site plan
Written confirmation that the structure has been designed to comply with the energy code requirements of the 2003 IECC. (COM Check)
Provide project number to confirm that the construction has been registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards

Remodel or interior finish out permits will require submission of the following:

Three (3) sets of construction plans containing:

Plot plan showing off-street parking, existing building and address key.
Floor plan showing each room, proposed use, square footage of each area and exits
Typical detail of non-bearing walls to be constructed
Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical plans
Written confirmation that an asbestos inspection/survey has been conducted of the space to be renovated

Do I need a permit for a garage sale and if so how do I obtain one?
City of Burleson Ordinance B-745 requires a permit for garage sales (sale of second-hand goods) and .Amendment to Ord. B-745 (A0308) Garage Sale (second-hand goods), is effective 04-24-08.

Only one city issued sign will be allowed for use. No more than one sign shall be posted on any residential property advertising such sales.
No off-premise signs are allowed.
Permit cost is $5.00.
Garage sale signs must be visible from the street but can not be placed on utility poles or on any state right-of-way and may not be closer than (10') ten feet to the street pavement.
On-premise signs may be posted 24 hours before the sale, but must be taken down no more than 24 hours after the sale
Sales are limited to (2) two per calendar year and not to exceed (3) three consecutive days in length.

Permits may be purchased at City Hall - Community Development Office. Call 817-447-5400, ext. 287 or 229 for more information.

Is a permit required for a storage building?
City of Burleson's Ordinance B-582 requires a permit for storage buildings. Requirements are as follows:

Provide street address
Note location of adjacent street(s)
Identify primary structure
Provide dimensions of proposed accessory stucture (see masonry ordinance
B-714)
Note location and width of any utility easements
Note location of any other accessory structures, including swimming pools
Note setbacks from property lines and adjacent structure(s)
Minimum setbacks are as follows:
Rear: May abut, but not encroach into utility easement. If there is no rear yard easement, minimum rear setback is (3') three feet.
Side (Interior Lot Lines): May abut, but not encroach into utility easement. If there is no side yard easement, minimum side setback is (3') three feet
Side (Adjacent to Side Street): Structure must be set back at least (10') ten feet from a side property line adjacent to a side street. If a platted building line greater than (10') ten feet is in place, structure must be located at, or behind platted line.
Separation between primary and accessory structures: (10') Ten feet

Is a permit required for a fence?
Yes, a permit is required. Privacy fences may be no more than 7 feet in height. For additional regulations, see Ordinance B-582, Section 40.

Is a permit required for a swimming pool?
Both in-ground and above ground pools require permits as provided for in City Code of Ordinances, Section 5-150. View or print a summary of the requirements now. (pdf format) For pool enclosure information see Ordinance B-315.

What does the ordinance define as junk and trash?
Ordinance B-291defines trash as "all animal, vegetable, and inorganic matter subject to discard which is not typically generated from within a household, residence, or business, including shrubs, shrub and grass clippings, yard cleaning, leaves, tree trimmings, stoves, refrigerators, pieces of metal scrap, feathers, furniture, dead animals, rock, shingles, building materials, and similar waste. For more information please contact the Code Enforcement Department at 817-447-5410, ext. 223 or 304.

What does the ordinance define as a junk vehicle?
A junk vehicle is vehicle that is inoperative (ie. won’t start and move under its own power) and does not have either current registration or safety inspection, OR a vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled or discarded, OR a vehicle that remains inoperable for a continuous period of more than 45 days. For junk vehicle regulations, see Ordinance B-674 or contact the Code Enforcement Department at 817-447-5410, ext. 223 or 304.

What does the ordinance define as high grass?
For most properties, “high grass” is defined as “uncultivated grass over one foot high or growing in rank profusion”. Weeds over 48” inches tall can be abated (mowed) without notice. See Ordinance B-685 or contact the Code Enforcement Department at 817-447-5410, ext. 223 or 304.

What is the ordinance for sign placement and are permits required?
Yes, permits are required. See Ordinance B-700 or contact the Code Enforcement Department at 817-447-5410, ext. 223 or 304.

Is there an ordinance about parking an RV or camping trailer?
Yes. Camping trailers may be parked on a residential lot provided its location does not create a nuisance or hazard to adjoining property owners. The City Manager has authority to determine if the location is a nuisance and to order it be (a) relocated on the lot or (b) screened from view. See Ordinance B-522 for additional regulations or contact the Code Enforcement Department at 817-447-5410, ext. 223 or 304.

What number can I call to request an inspection?
The inspection request line number is 817-447-5400, ext. 615. This is an automated line that is available 24 hours a day. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any inspection called in before 8:00 a.m. will be made that day and inspections called in after 8:00 a.m. will be made the following day.

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
See Ordinance B-687 for information on retaining walls.

What codes does the City currently use?
2003 IBC, 2003 IPC, 2003 IMC, 2003 IECC and 2002 NEC.

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This page last updated April 28, 2008

Building Permits and Inspections Frequently Asked Questions

Building Permits and Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions