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Q. When is a building permit required?
A. Before erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, converting, occupying, or changing a building or its service equipment, a person, firm or corporation must first obtain a permit from the building and development department.

Q. How do I obtain a building permit?
A. A person must complete an application and submit it along with the required plans as described in the plan submittal procedure.

Q. How long does it take to get a permit?
A. The time varies based on the complexity of the work, but generally you can expect the following:

  1. Residential 2 to 7 days
  2. Simple Add-On 1 to 2 days
  3. Commercial 7 to 14 days

Q. How much will my building permit cost?
A. Refer to fee schedule for permits.

Q. Who can obtain an electrical permit?
A. A licensed contractor who is registered with the city must obtain most permits. A homeowner may personally install electrical equipment as long as he performs the work on his own homestead.

Q. How do I obtain an electrician's license in the City of Mount Pleasant?
A. Due to the fact that as of September 1, 2004 you must be licensed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to work as an electrician anywhere in the State of Texas, the City of Mount Pleasant no longer issues licenses per se, but you must be registered with us. To register with the city, you may apply by providing a copy of your state license, or you must be shown on a List of Passing Examinees furnished to us by the International Code Congress that indicates the exam you passed.

Q. How much will an electrical master and Journeyman license cost?
A. Master is a $50.00 fee; Journeyman is a $5.00 fee

Q. How much will my electrical permit cost?
A. Refer to electrical permit fees.

Q. Can I install a lawn sprinkler system at my residence?
A. Yes, but you must have the backflow prevention device tested by an approved tester as required by TNRCC and supply the city with a certificate on the test. For more information call (903) 575-4137.

Q. Must I have a state license to install lawn sprinklers on property other than my own?
A. Yes, the State of Texas has a license for this occupation and it is strictly enforced.

Q. How much will a lawn sprinkler permit cost?
A. The cost is $25.00 per system.

Q. How long does it take to get a permit to repair or replace electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or sign equipment?
A. It generally takes only a few minutes if you will let the permit clerk know exactly what you are planning to do.

Q. Who is allowed to do service call work in the City of Mount Pleasant?
A. Only a contractor who has a master's license, or an employee of the contractor who has a master's license, may conduct business as a service company.

Q. Who is allowed to do plumbing work in the City of Mount Pleasant?
A. Only plumbers licensed by the State of Texas are allowed to work in the plumbing trade.

Q. May a homeowner plumb or repair plumbing in his own home?
A. Yes, but the homeowner must be able to show proof of a homestead exemption and be currently living in the home.

Q. Who is allowed to do heating and air conditioning work on buildings in Mount Pleasant?
A. Anyone who has the proper license from the State of Texas and is registered with the city may perform mechanical work.

Q. May I fax a copy of my mechanical license and insurance to the building department office?
A. Yes, the fax number is 903-577-4111.

Q. Do I need a permit to put a storage building in my backyard?
A. Yes, you will need a site plan that shows the proposed location on the property and the distance from property lines and existing structures.

Q. Do I need a permit to pour a concrete slab, build a garage, porch or deck?
A. Yes, you will need a drawing for the proposed work you will be doing.

Q. Do I need a permit to replace shingles, sheetrock, windows or doors?
A. Cosmetic work such as these do not require a permit unless they are being done where none existed before.

Q. In what order do I need to call for inspections?
A. You must call for inspections in the following order:

  1. Plumbing rough-in
  2. Slab inspection
  3. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing top outs
  4. Building framing
  5. Sheetrock inspection on fire rated walls before covering
  6. Final inspections

Commercial projects require additional inspections by the engineering department and fire marshal and, if food is sold, by the health department.

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