2019 Small Business Resource Guide 2019 Small Business Resource Guide | Page 14

C I T Y O F A R L I N GTO N – B U S I N E S S LO C AT I O N
Do I Need A Building Permit?
A building permit is required if you are considering any
type of construction project that includes new, repair/
alterations, remodeling, expansions, additions, or
renovations to your business.
A building permit is your legal permission to start
construction; without a building permit your project may
not comply with zoning requirements, fire codes, structural
safety standards, and other building code requirements.
It is the property owner’s or tenant’s responsibility to make
sure a building permit is obtained prior to commencing
construction or demolition, when required.
Your construction project must comply with the locally
adopted building codes for several reasons:
1. For your personal safety and that of your customers
visiting your business.
2. To ensure the economic well-being of the community
by reducing potential spread of fire and disease.
3. For the conservation of energy.
How Do I Apply For A Building Permit?
The ArlingtonPermits.com website is your online platform
to apply and track the status of your permits, licenses and
registrations for the City of Arlington. Alternatively, you
may bring in your permit application to the One Start
Development Center for processing.
Building permits may be applied for by the property owner
or by an agent (contractor, engineer, architect, or tenant) on
behalf of the owner. If your contractor is applying, be sure
to ask them to include your contact information on the ap-
plication, such as your email address. This will ensure that
you are kept informed by email updates throughout the plan
review and inspection process. Please note, when your per-
mit is approved for issue, only a contractor registered with
the City of Arlington may pick up the permit and plans.
How Much Will It Cost To Apply For A
Building Permit?
Commercial Building Permit fees are based on the
value of the project. You can access the building permit fee
calculator on the City’s Planning and Development website
to estimate the cost of your permit. Customers only need
to enter the estimated construction value and the calculator
will generate a fee estimate.
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How Long Will It Take To Get My Building
Plans Approved?
Depending on the type of permit, the review time will
vary. The Plan Review Times can be found on the City’s
Planning and Development website under Permit Applica-
tions and Forms. If you are new to this process, we recom-
mend you make an appointment with city staff to go over
your submittal documentation. This will ensure your plans
are accurate and ready for review. Your building permit will
be granted once your plans meet city building codes. If there
are problems with your submittal, your dedicated project
manager will provide you with a list of deficiencies that will
have to be addressed prior to getting your building permit
approved. Staff will help you by performing timely reviews.
What Happens When I Receive My
Building Permit?
Once your contractor picks up an issued permit and
city-stamped plans, construction can begin. If you have
a contractor, they will need to register with the city at the
One Start Center before they can obtain a permit, if they
have not already done so. The general contractor will be
responsible for scheduling required inspections. During
the inspection process, knowledgeable staff can assist both
the property owner and/or contractor on completing their
projects in accordance with City of Arlington building codes.
Inspectors work closely with other regulatory bodies in the
city, such as the Fire Marshal’s Office and Health Services,
to ensure all applicable local regulations are followed.
Are There Additional Considerations To
Open/Expand A Commercial Business?
standards. For existing buildings, the level of compliance
often depends on the scope of work being performed.
On any job that has a construction value that exceeds
$50,000, the project must be registered with the State
of Texas through Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation (TDLR), and the accessibility plan
review and inspections are performed by a Registered
Accessibility Specialist hired by the owner, architect,
or general contractor. The project number provided
by TDLR must be included on the building
permit application.
• Fire Department Requirements
Fire Permit requirements vary based upon the business
type and the business operation.
It is beneficial for applicants to be very detailed when
describing their business and the operations inside the
business. By doing so, the plans examiner can accurately
review your business plans and practices and let you know
what Fire Department requirements will be required.
Fire Permits must be applied for by a licensed contractor,
and inspections for fire permits must be scheduled by the
contractor doing the work. Examples of fire permits are
fire alarm, fire sprinkler system, kitchen hood suppression
systems, special extinguishing systems and access control
systems. The contractor’s plans must be turned in and
approved prior to work being done. Plans can be turned
in for review at the One Start Center. After plans have
been approved and work is completed, an inspection
can be scheduled. Typically, inspections can be
scheduled within three days of the call-in request.
Before a business can move into a commercial space, a Certif-
icate of Occupancy (CO) must be obtained and a life safety
and fire inspection must be passed. If you are leasing a
move-in-ready unit, you may apply for this before moving in
the space. If you are remodeling the space and have an active
building permit, you can apply for the CO before your final
inspection, and the CO and building permit can be complete
at the same time. Inspections can typically be requested and
scheduled up to the day before the inspection is needed.
How Do I Schedule Inspections?
There are two ways to schedule your inspections:
1. Online using the permit and inspection website,
ArlingtonPermits.com
2. Calling the 24-hour Building Inspection Request
Line at 817-207-1111.
3. For fire inspections, call 817-459-5539.
If an inspection is requested by 7 a.m., the inspection
will be scheduled the next business day. Please remember,
the inspection line is only for inspection requests. For
cancellations or any other inspection concerns, please
call the One Start Center.
How Do I Find A Qualified Architect,
Engineer, Or Contractor?
The city cannot recommend an architect, engineer
or contractor; however, it is always suggested to receive
at least three written quotes.
• B
 ack Flow Assembly
Back flow prevention assemblies are required at all
commercial facilities, irrigation systems, and construction
meters. The purpose of the back flow prevention assembly
is to protect the public water supply and also to protect the
customers and employees inside of the business. Reduce
Pressure Zone (RPZ) Back Flow Assembly is required
on the incoming water line to any commercial facility.
RPZs are required to be installed at carbonated beverage
machines and any other point-of-use application regarded
as a high health hazard.
• A
 DA Compliance
Most buildings are required to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Texas
Architectural Barriers Act, which is the State of Texas’
version of the ADA. New buildings and parking areas
must be fully compliant with accessibility design
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