LOCATION & HOURS

Building access is at the rear of 209 S. Washington at the northwest corner of Madison Street and Chestnut Street
(Gray Door:  Development Services and Dept. of Public Works)

Monday thru Friday:  8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Office #:  972-932-2216
Metro#:  972-962-5321
Fax#:  972-932-0636

Staff

Marcy Ratcliff , Director - kaufmanplanning@mycvc.net

Joy Henderson, Planning Technician - jhenderson@mycvc.net

Bureau Veritas Inspection Services

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Building Inspections division is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the different codes and ordinances related to building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.  The codes are implemented through inspections of new construction and remodeling of existing structures.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

Provide quick and efficient inspections services to builders, contractors, and developers

Continue successful procedures for the condemnation and demolition of substandard structures

Administer cost recovery programs for permits and fees

Implement the zoning ordinance regulations

OBJECTIVES

Develop and implement a new contractor registration system

Provide more Building Inspection information on the City's web site

Increase enforcement activity regarding substandard structures

ADOPTED CODES

• 2005 National Electrical Code
• 2003 International Building Code*
• 2003 International Existing Building Code
• 2003 International Residential Code *
• 2003 International Plumbing Code *
• 2003 International Mechanical Code *
• 2003 International Fuel Gas Code *
• 2003 International Energy Conservation Code*
• 2003 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2003 International Private Sewage Disposal Code
• 2003 International Fire Code *

* with amendments

Form Surveys Required as of September 1, 2007
A form survey sealed by a State of Texas Licensed surveyor will be required to be on site for the plumbing rough inspection for new construction of both residential and non-residential structures.

Exception:  A form survey will not be required for structures which are to be located a distance greater than 36 inches back from any and all property lines, setback lines and easements as shown on an approved site plan or plat

*SCHEDULE OF FEES COMING SOON*

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Single Family Permits:

1.  Application Form Completed
2.  Construction Document Submittals: Two (2) copies of complete set
3.  Site Plans (plot plans) drawn to a scale of 1” = 20’.  Site plans must show lot dimensions, footprint of building and distance from building to property lines, platted buildings, driveways, all easements, and the address and legal description of the lot.
4.  Grading Plan – Must show water flow direction as required by the Director of Public Works
5.  Floor Plans – Drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’.  Floor plans must show all dimensions, room names, size and type of windows and doors, cabinets and fixtures and ceiling heights.
6.  Exterior Elevation Plans – Drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’.  Exterior elevation plans must show exterior materials, percentage of masonry coverage, windows and doors, roof slopes, chimneys and overhangs.
7.  Structural Plans – Where required, drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’.  Structural plans must show second floor framing, ceiling framing, roof framing, headers, and beams.
8.  Foundation Plans – (Must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer) Drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’.  Foundation plans must show all dimensions, location and spacing of beams, location of post-tension cables (if applicable), location and sizes of rebar (if applicable), concrete specifications, slab thickness, beams sizes and details, post-tensions cable details(if applicable), other notes and requirements by the Engineer, and the address and legal description of the lot.
9.  Engineer’s Foundation Design Letters – Letters must include a statement that the foundation has designed specifically for soil conditions of listed lot and that design is in accordance with the 2003 International Residential Code, must be sealed by the State of Texas Licensed Engineer that designed the foundation plans, and must show the address and legal description of the lot.
10. Masonry on Wood Details – If applicable, include masonry on wood details must be sealed by a State of Texas Licensed Engineer or built to the 2003 International Residential Code details.
11. Plumbing Plans – (may be combined with floor plan) Drawn to a scale of ¼” = 1’.  Plumbing plans must show location of fixtures, water heaters, and gas outlets.  Must show size and location of water meter and sewer as required by Director of Public Works.
12. Energy Compliance Report

Commercial Permits:

1.  Application Form Completed
2.  Construction Document Submittals: Three (3) copies of complete set *   An additional set of plans will be required for fire sprinklered buildings *   An additional set of plans will be required for projects which require a      health review
Note:  Drawings containing labels such as “not for construction” or “for pricing only” will not be accepted for permit application.
3.  Professional License:  Each drawing and document shall be sealed, signed, dated and designed by a State of Texas Registered Architect, Registered Engineer, Registered Interior Designer, where applicable as required by the State of Texas Engineering and Architect Practice Act.
4.  Required Drawings and Documents:  (The City of Kaufman Building Inspection Department may request additional information if necessary).
     Drawings must be drawn to scale, dimensioned and of sufficient clarity.
          a.  Site Plan(I)
          b.  Floor plans and roof plans
         c.   Exterior elevations – note materials to be used and % of masonry coverage
         d.  Door schedules, window schedules, hardware schedules
        e.  Construction details; interior elevations and interior finish schedules
          f.   Structural plans must include foundations plans, roof and floor framing plans, wall sections and details
          g.  Mechanical, electrical and plumbing site plans and schedules
          h.  Plumbing plans (including riser diagrams)
          i.   Certified Energy Compliance Report
          j.   Asbestos Survey (for renovation or demolition permits)(II)
         k.  Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations architectural barriers project registration information (III)

Notes:
(I)    The Plat must be approved and the Site Plan must be released by the Planning/Engineering Department before a permit will be issued.
(II)   Texas Department of Health, Asbestos Program Branch (1-512-834-6600, www.tdh.state.tx.us/beh/asbestos/default.htm)
(III) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (1-800-803-9202, www.license.state.tx.us)

PLAN REVIEW

Bureau Veritas is a company contracted by the City of Kaufman to conduct residential and non-residential building plan reviews and building inspections based on approved plans.  Some minor plan applications may take 1-3 business days to review and can be approved by City Staff.  Regular construction plans take City Staff (Planning, Public Works and Fire Department) 1-3 days, plus 5-10 business days for Bureau Veritas to review and comment on an application.  The review time may need to be extended depending on the complexity of the plans.  You may contact Development Services at 972-932-2216 or Bureau Veritas’ Plan Review Department for the status of your permit at (817) 335-8111 or (972) 980-8401 or at the toll free number (877) 837-8775.

Fire Sprinkler permits are permitted by Development Services, but reviewed in house by the Kaufman Fire Department.  Submit your plans to the Development Services Department and they will be forwarded to the Fire Department for review.  If you have any questions regarding fire sprinklers or the 2003 International Fire Code, please contact the City of Kaufman Fire Department at 972-932-3538.

BUILDING INSPECTIONS

You must contact Bureau Veritas to request a building inspection(s).  A building inspection can not be scheduled unless a building permit has been issued.  Please state the building permit number and/or the address and city of the job site.  Any of their permit technicians can assist you.  Inspections requested by 5:00 pm Monday–Thursday will be performed the next business day.  Inspections requested on Friday will be performed on Monday.  Inspection requests can also be faxed to the Bureau Veritas Office.

Inspection Line:                (817) 335-8111 or (972) 980-8401
Inspection Fax Line:                    (817) 335-8110 or (972) 980-8400
Toll Free Number:             (877) 837-8775
Toll Free Fax Line:             (877) 837-8859

Please keep in mind Development Services and Bureau Veritas deal with new construction type of inspections.  Fire and Safety Inspections required for building occupancy are performed by the Kaufman Fire Department.  Fire and Safety Inspections are scheduled through the Water Department.

FIELD INSPECTIONS

Inspectors assigned to the City and can be contacted via cell phone.  Please call Development Services at (972) 932-2216.   When your plans are approved you will receive information on your building inspector.