Permits, more accurately called building permits, are often required for many types of work. Adding a home addition, remodeling, performing electrical or plumbing work, installing an air conditioner, adding a workshop, and many other construction activities all usually require a permit when the work is within a municipality. And replacing a roof often falls into this group too.
What is a building permit?
When a property owner or contractor “pulls” or pays for a building permit it gives them legal permission to start construction of a building project.
The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum requirements established for construction, safety, fire, and zoning by the municipality and required by the adopted and amended building, fire and electrical codes.
Building permit applications are reviewed by city staff for compliance with city code and zoning regulations. And once the permit is issued the construction work is inspected by the municipality’s building inspectors for compliance with the adopted codes.
When do I need a permit?
If you are building a structure, remodeling or adding on, a building permit is generally required for the overall project, but not specifically for just the roof. The roof work is typically authorized under the general permit along with concrete, framing, masonry and other trades. (As a side note, electricians, plumbers and hvac contractors will have to pull their own permits underneath the general permit for these jobs.) If you are doing only roof repairs on a house, most municipalities do not require a permit for this type of work unless it involves replacement of decking- the plywood that is under the roofing material. And if you are completely replacing a residential roof some municipalities require a permit while others do not, unless you are replacing decking, then a permit may be required. See further down in this article for requirements of specific cities in our area. It should also be noted that most any commercial roof replacement will require a permit.
What happens if I don’t get a roofing permit?
Failure to purchase a permit to replace your roof when it is required can be risky and costly.
Who is supposed to purchase the roofing permit?
A permit can be purchased by the property owner but is typically purchased by the contractor.
What happens if I don’t get a roofing permit?
Not pulling a building permit when it is required can be risky. Typically, if a municipality discovers that work is being done without the required permit, they will immediately demand all work be stopped until a permit is obtained. And the cost of the permit is often doubled in this instance. There is also the possibility of incurring fines and having to remove work that has already been done to satisfy any inspection requirements.
What happens to the permit after the work is complete?
Some permits require inspections during the work that is being performed. For example, if plywood decking is being replaced, a municipality may want to inspect the installation of the decking to verify nail patterns. When only the roof replacement is permitted it is typical that most municipalities only want to perform a final inspection. This inspection usually involves a visual inspection of the roof from the ground and may include an attic inspection to check for things like loose exhaust vent pipes that could cause carbon monoxide problems. Once the final inspection is passed and complete, the building official will issue what is called a green tag. This could be a literal green tag that is left at the property stating the approval. Or it could just be entered into the municipality’s computer system as passed/approved. At that point, the permitting process is complete. In the event the inspection is not satisfactory, the building official will issue a red or yellow tag. In both instances, corrective action is required by the contractor before proceeding. Yellow tags mean that corrective action is required but a reinspection is not necessary. Red tags mean that corrective action is also required, and the work must be reinspected once corrected. NOTE that yellow tags are generally not issued for final inspections, but only for interim inspections if required. Also note that if an inspection is failed, it may cost an additional fee to have it reinspected.
How much does a roofing permit cost?
Here is a list of residential roofing permit fees for a few of the cities in our service area. Pricing is as of the time of the publication of this article.
Aledo: none
Arlington: $65.36+
Azle: none
Bedford: $75
Benbrook: none
Burleson: none unless replacing decking
Cleburne: none unless replacing decking
Colleyville: $50
Decatur: $77.38
Fort Worth: none unless replacing decking
Grapevine: $42
Hudson Oaks: none unless replacing decking
Hurst: $60
Irving: $100
Lake Worth: $75
Saginaw: $75+
Southlake: $100
Springtown: $50
Weatherford: $100, $350, $700 based on size
White Settlement: $175
Willow Park: none unless replacing decking
Other articles that may be of interest to you:
Is Your Home Ready for Winter?
Do I have to pay my deductible on my insurance claim?
5 Lies That Roofers Tell To Get Hired
How to Install a Cheap Roof