Program Description

Protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare is our department’s highest priority.  The construction of safe buildings is achieved through the adoption and application of nationally recognized building codes adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.  The International Code Council or ICC is a nationally recognized association which publishes the International Building Codes.  The City of Kaufman has adopted these codes and our Building Inspector and Plan Review are charged with reviewing and inspecting all construction activities within the city, in conformance to these standards.

Through the issuance of building permits, certificates of occupancy, and fire & safety inspections, ensures that all structures conform to the adopted codes.  This division strives to ensure accessory structures, pools, fences and additions are safe and compliant.  Removal of unsafe structures in order to provide a safe environment is a top priority.

Forms

Forms are located to the left under the blue tab “Forms”.
Additional information and brochures are provided at the bottom of the page.
 

Building Inspector and Plan Reviewer

Bureau Veritas (BV) is a company contracted by the City of Kaufman to conduct residential and commercial building plan review.  Some minor plan applications may take 3-5 business days to review and can be approved by City Staff.  Regular construction plans take City Staff (Planning, Public Works and Fire Department) 7-10 days, plus 5-10 business days for BV to review and comment on an application.  The review time may need to be extended depending on the complexity of the plans and waiting on revisions.  

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 2015 International Fire Code, please contact the City of Kaufman Fire Department at 972-932-3538.

Bureau Veritas (BV) also does our inspections based on approved plans that have been permitted.  Inspections received by 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, will be performed the next business day.  Building inspection requests can be either called into Bureau Veritas at 877-837-8775 or 817-335-8111 or faxed to 877-837-8859 or 817-335-8110 or emailed to inspectionstx@us.bureauveritas.com.  If you do not have a permit through the City of Kaufman, BV will not set up an inspection for you.

When all inspections are completed, a final inspection shall be made prior to approving the occupancy of any building. 

Permit packets must be kept on site at all times. 
 

Contractor Information

All contractors need to be registered with the City of Kaufman before you apply for a permit.  These trades include: General Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, Mechanical, Sign, Backflow, Demolition, Fence, Fire Alarms, Fire Sprinklers, Fire Suppression, Foundation, Irrigation, Pool, and Roofing Contractors.

For large projects, the General Contractor will apply for the permit, but each of the trades will have to validate on the permit for their trade before the permit can be issued.

For smaller or individual permits, each trade that is registered will apply for and pay for their specific permit.

You can go to

MyGov

to register your trade. There are no fees associated with registering with the City of Kaufman.

Additional Information

Form Board Surveys

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.

Plan Review Fees

Plan Review Fees will need to be paid before staff will review your project.  It can be made in the form of cash, check or credit card. If you pay by credit card, there will be a 3% surcharge added to your permit.

Adopted Construction Codes

2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa
2015 International Residential
2015 International Property Maintenance
2015 International Plumbing
2015 International Mechanical
2015 International Fuel Gas
2015 International Fire
2015 International Existing Building
2015 International Energy Conservation
2015 International Building
2014 National Electrical