BUILDING INSPECTION

The Building Inspection Department, under the supervision of the Town’s Director of Public Works, provides for the health, safety and general welfare of the Town by development, implementation, and enforcement of building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes, zoning ordinances and code of ordinances. The Department also interprets and enforces specific provisions of certain state statutes such as The Texas Plumbing License Law, The Texas Engineering Practice Act, The Texas Architectural Licensing Act, The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and The Texas Department of Health.

Permits are required for all new construction, remodeling, repairs, additions, demolition, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work. Permits are also required for signs, fences, underground lawn sprinklers, swimming pools, patio covers, canopies, accessory structures, and painting. Permits provide for examination of the plan prior to construction to assure conformance to building and zoning requirements. Once Construction has begun, inspections must be obtained before concealing work. Permits and accompanying inspections help assure safe construction with sound materials. Permits are required prior to beginning construction.

Although the individual performing the work is required to make application for a permit, the property owner is responsible for making sure that a permit is obtained. The Town’s ordinances require that the electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and irrigation work be done by individuals that are licensed by the Town of Highland Park or the State of Texas.

The Building Inspection Department also enforces the Zoning Ordinance. The Town of Highland Park Zoning Ordinance contains information that is vital when additions or new construction is desired. The Zoning Ordinance prohibits an accessory building from containing kitchen facilities, being rented, or being used for commercial purposes. A copy of the Zoning Ordinance may be purchased in the Building Inspection Department or is available at this link: Zoning Ordinance with the most recent amendments at this link: Approved Zoning Changes Phase 1 .

Objectives for Fiscal Year 2009-2010

• Provide quality redevelopment for the Town.
• Provide timely and accurate plan review and permit processing.
• Continue to provide professional, courteous and efficient service to the public.
• Continue to monitor construction sites to maintain a clean and orderly appearance within the Town.
• Work with the Town’s zoning consultant to address concerns with Single-Family zoning regulations, Multi-Family zoning regulations and Business Sign standards.
• Work with the Town's Public Works Department to implement and maintain the Town's Water Conservation & Drought Contingency Plans.

Department Staff

Paul Vermeer, Building Official .......... (email N/A)

Don Young, Construction Coordinator.. dyoung@hptx.org

Kirk Smith, Building Inspector............ ksmith@hptx.org

Mary Kuebler, Building Insp. Clerk... mkuebler@hptx.org

Location:
Town Hall, 1st Floor
4700 Drexel Drive
Dallas TX 75205
Phone: 214-521-4161
Fax: 214-559-9335