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Single Scope Projects

Fences

Replacement of existing fences of wood, chain-link or similar material, and less than seven feet (7’) in height shall not require a building permit. If the fence exceeds these heights, or the fence is being installed in a location where there is not already and existing fence, then a building permit is required. A homeowner can perform this work at their homestead and does not need to register as a contractor with the City, but must apply for a building permit prior to beginning any construction. If a contractor is used in such an instance, that contractor must be registered with the City of Caldwell. 

Fences must not interfere with traffic vision at intersections of public streets or intersections of driveway/parking lot entrances and public streets. Please reference our Traffic Vision Site Triangle diagram for further information. 

  • Residential fence permits are $25.00
  • Commercial fence permit fees are based on the valuation of the project
  • The permit fee is required to be paid upon approval of the application. Submission for a fence permit should be made through our online permitting software, Cloudpermit.

If a fence permit is required:

  • A copy of a site plan or property survey of your property with dimensions indicating the location of the fence on the property, along with construction drawings to include footings, material, etc.

Once the permit has been issued, construction must begin on the project within 180 days. Failure to start construction or to have the appropriate inspections completed could result in the expiration of the permit and delay in construction.

  • Foundation Repair

Once all required work has been completed and passed inspection, the permit will be deemed as complete and closed out. 

Foundation Repairs

Foundation repair permit fees are based on the valuation of the work.

The permit fee is required upon approval of application. Submission for a building permit should be made through our online permitting software, Cloudpermit

  • Residential fence permits are $25.00
  • Commercial fence permit fees are based on the valuation of the project
  • The permit fee is required to be paid upon approval of the application. Submission for a fence permit should be made through our online permitting software, Cloudpermit.

A plan with dimensions indicating how the structure will be repaired and indicating the location of piers or piles being added.

Foundation repairs are required to be stamped by a registered professional engineer

Once the permit has been issued, construction must begin on the project within 180 days. Failure to start construction or to have the appropriate inspections completed could result in the expiration of the permit and delay in construction.

A final inspection is required upon completion of work.

Once all required work has been completed and passed inspection, the permit will be deemed as complete and closed out. 

Retaining Walls

A permit is required for the installation of retaining walls over feet (4) feet in height, unless supporting a surcharge. Retaining walls are required to be designed by a Professional Engineer - refer to section 404.4 of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and section 1807.2 of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). Contractors must be registered with the City of Caldwell before applying for permits or starting work.

Retaining wall permit fees are based on the valuation of the project.

  • A copy of a site plan or property survey with dimensions indicating the location of the retaining wall on the property.
  • Plans with dimensions indicating how the structure will be constructed. Plans must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Texas.

Once the permit has been issued, construction must begin on the project within 180 days. Failure to start construction or to have the appropriate inspections completed could result in the expiration of the permit and delay in construction.

Depending on how the retaining wall is constructed, inspections may vary.

  • Footing Inspection
  • Wall Inspection
  • Final Inspection
  • Once all required work has been completed and passed inspection, the permit will be deemed as complete and closed out.

Roofing/Re-Roofing

Re-roofing of residential structures requires a building permit when replacing shingles, or replacement of decking and shingles. A homeowner can perform this work at their homestead and does not need to register as a contractor with the City, but must apply for a building permit prior to beginning any construction. If a contractor is used, that contractor must be registered with the City of Caldwell. All materials used for residential re-roofing purposes must have a minimum class C fire rating.

  • Residential and commercial re-roofing permit fees are based on the valuation of the project.
  • The permit fee is required to be paid upon approval of the application. Submission for an irrigation permit should be made through our online permitting software, Cloudpermit.
  • Property Information – Full street address
  • Scope of Work – Clear statement indicating partial or full re-roof, if roof decking is being replaced, if the work is a full tear-off or an overlay, and square footage
  • Material Information – Brand, type, and fire-resistance rating of new roofing material

Once the permit has been issued, construction must begin on the project within 180 days. Failure to start construction or to have the appropriate inspections completed could result in the expiration of the permit and delay in construction.

Depending on how the retaining wall is constructed, inspections may vary.

  • Footing Inspection
  • Wall Inspection
  • Final Inspection
  • Once all required work has been completed and passed inspection, the permit will be deemed as complete and closed out.
  • A copy of a site plan or property survey with dimensions indicating the location of the retaining wall on the property.
  • Plans with dimensions indicating how the structure will be constructed. Plans must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Texas.

Signs

Most permanent exterior signs, illuminated displays, and freestanding structures require a permit for installation in the City of Caldwell. Local zoning rules, electrical codes, and wind-load safety standards dictate these requirements.

Permanent freestanding signs like monument, pole, and pylon signs anchored to the ground require a permit and engineer-sealed drawings for the construction of the sign structure.

Building mounted and projecting signs also require a permit and may also require engineer-sealed drawings for the anchorage of the signs depending on the size, weight, anchorage substrate, and projection distance of the sign from the substrate it is anchored to.

Illuminated signs require a permit and all electrical work is required to be performed by a licensed and insured electrician.

Sign and sign structures must not interfere with traffic vision at intersections of public streets or intersections of driveway/parking lot entrances and public streets. Please reference our Traffic Vision Site Triangle diagram for further information.

Sign permits are not required for the following items:

  • Routine maintenance of signs such as repainting.
  • Repairing or replacing small non-electrical and non-structural components.
  • Sign face changes that do not include structural or electrical alterations or modifications to existing systems and also do not require new installation of structural or electrical components.
  • Sign permit fees are based on valuation of the project. The permit fee is required to be paid upon approval of the application.
  • Submission for a sign permit should be made through our online permitting software, Cloudpermit. Sign contractors must register with the City of Caldwell previous to applying for sign permits.
  • Signs including electrical work do not require a separate permit submittal for the electrical portion of the sign. The details of the electrical system need to be included with the rest of the documentation and plans for the sign, and the electrical contractor will need to register with the City of Caldwell previous to the sign permit being issued.

General Sign Plans

  • Includes height, width, and total surface area of the sign. The height at which the sign is installed. Anchorage plans for how the sign is mounted

Site Plan or Survey (property lines must be based on an accurate boundary survey)

  • Shows the exact location of the sign, with distances to property lines, setbacks, site triangle, curbs or other signs, and nearby utility easements

Structural and Foundation Plans

  • Required for freestanding, monument, pylon, or other types of freestanding tall signs. Requires a seal from a professional engineer.

Electrical Plans

  • Required if the sign is illuminated or digital, detailing power connections and lighting/brightness specs.

Once the permit has been issued, construction must begin on the project within 180 days. Failure to start construction or to have the appropriate inspections completed could result in the expiration of the permit and delay in construction.

Depending on the complexity of the project, the following inspections may be included:

  • Electric Underground – conduit and ditch cover up inspection.
  • Electric Ceiling Cover – required for running new circuits to wall/building mounted signs.
  • Electric Final – final inspection of the electric system of the sign.
  • Foundation Pier or Foundation Beam – For free standing signs if needing a pier or if needing a slab, inspection of rebar, depth and width of excavation, and thickness of slab.
  • Sign Final – Final inspection of sign.

Once the structure is complete and final approval has been given by the Building Department, a Certificate of Completion will be issued for the structure.

Swimming Pools & Spa

  • Swimming pools or spas that exceed 24 inches in depth require a permit. A pool barrier is required for all areas surrounding a swimming pool. This barrier may be required to include an alarm device for any doors that lead from the home into the pool area. All work must meet the requirements of the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). If a contractor is used, that contractor must be registered with the City of Caldwell.
  • All public or commercial pools and spas must be separated from the water distribution system using a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA/RPZ) device or Air Gap.
  • All residential pools and spas must be separated from the water distribution system using a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) device or Air Gap.
  • Backflow devices must be independently tested by a licensed backflow tester. Reports must be submitted to permits@caldwelltx.gov.
  • Swimming pool permit fees are based on the valuation of the project.
  • Trade permits associated with pools are $80.00 and are applied for through Cloudpermit separately by the trade contractors themselves.
  • The permit fee is required to be paid upon approval of the application. Submission for a swimming pool permit should be made through our online permitting software, Cloudpermit.
  • A copy of a property survey of your property with dimensions indicating the location of the swimming pool on the property, including dimensions to property lines, all easements and rights-of-way, setback lines, and all structures.

Once the permit has been issued, construction must begin on the project within 180 days. Failure to start construction or to have the appropriate inspections completed could result in the expiration of the permit and delay in construction.

  • Pool Steel
  • Electric Pool Steel and Light Fixture(s) Bonding
  • Pool Deck Steel
  • Electric Pool Deck Steel Bonding
  • Plumbing Yard Line(s) (for pool fill lines connected to potable water and gas lines, if applicable)
  • Plumbing Final (pool fill line and backflow device) or Plumbing Gas Final (pool fill line, gas line, and backflow device)
  • Electric Final
  • Pool Final
  • Once all required work has been completed and passed inspection, the permit will be deemed as complete and closed out.
  • A copy of a site plan or property survey with dimensions indicating the location of the retaining wall on the property.
  • Plans with dimensions indicating how the structure will be constructed. Plans must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Texas.

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