Building Permits:
Anyone desiring to build, remodel, or add to a structure, must fill out an application for a building permit. All applications for building permits must be accompanied with the plans of the proposed construction. The sealed plans must consist of the data for the site, roof, walls, floor, foundation, and elevations. Plans for commercial buildings valued at $50,000. or more are required to be submitted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for compliance of the Texas Accessibility Standards (1-512-539-5669). TDLR – https://www.tdlr.texas.gov Barriers Project Registration. Commercial plans call for pertinent information prepared by architects and structural engineers. The REScheck or COMcheck is now mandated by the State of Texas for energy conservation.
Submitting Permits Online:
Building permits are processed by the permit technicians for the City of Pharr. The technicians route the building plans and applications to the different departments for review of the plans.
Electrical, Plumbing, A/C Permits:
Permits are issued to licensed and bonded contractors. Commencing work without a permit will result in doubling the permit fee. Contractors must apply in person at the City of Pharr Building and Safety Division, provide the necessary information and pay the appropriate fee (calculated in accordance to the type of work to be done).
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
| Building Contractors | $100.00 Building Registration Annual Fee. $5,000 Bond Req./100,000 Liability Insurance |
| Electrical Contractors | Proof of 300,000 Liability Insurance. Copy of Electrical State License & Contractor State License. |
| Mechanical Contractors | 300,000 Liability Insurance. Copy of License. |
| Plumbing Contractors | 300,000 Liability Insurance. Copy of State License. |
| Sign Contractors | 300,000 Liability Insurance or 500,000 bond. $50.00 Sign Registration Fee, $25.00 Renewal. |
| House Movers | $5,000 Bond. $50.00 Mover Registration Annual Fee. |
Electrical Meter Request:
The electrical companies will disconnect an electric meter if it is inactive or the customer requests that the service be disconnected. The following procedures will help to expedite the process to re-activate the electrical service:
- The property owner/renter must obtain an electrical permit for the location. This permit may be obtained by the owner/renter by applying in person at the Building Safety Division.
- The electrical inspector will conduct an inspection of the electrical system at the property. A tag of approval or denial will be left at the site once the inspection is completed.
- oval or denial will be left at the site once the inspection is completed.
- If the system complies with the current adopted electrical code, the Building Safety Division will be able to provide a clearance to the electrical company. Otherwise, deficiencies will require correction by a certified electrician.
- The owner/renter must contact the electrical company of their choice and ask for the E.S.I.D number (a 17-digit number) or account number. The owner/renter must provide this number to the Building Safety Division who will include it when emailing the clearance to the electrical company.
- Electrical meter reset permit is $45.00
Certificate of Occupancy:
Certificates of Occupancy are issued to new or existing buildings. Buildings must first be inspected and approved for occupancy by Zoning, Building Safety, Fire. and Health Divisions, if applicable.
Owners or renters proposing to operate a new business must apply for a license and a Certificate of Occupancy prior to operating a business.
Manufactured Home Permits:
Only models manufactured after 1975 are allowed in the City of Pharr. Models older than 1975 and/or are sub-standard are not allowed. Before any manufactured home can be moved into the City of Pharr, these are the following requirements to follow:
New manufactured homes:
- Prior to moving the home, the seller or buyer must submit to this department a manufactured home application and obtain the city’s Development Services approval.
- A site plan is submitted with the application. This verifies that the home will not encroach on the front sides and rear setbacks.
- $50.00 placement fee (driveway included) shall be charged for the placement of a new manufactured home in a legally recorded subdivision for manufactured homes.
- Skirting and a driveway are required before electricity is connected.
Used manufactured homes or manufactured homes older than 5 years:
- The building official or his deputy must conduct a visual inspection of the manufactured home prior to it being moved.
- $100.00 inspection fee plus fifty cents per mile of travel round trip from city hall (non-refundable), if outside city limits must be paid by the seller or buyer before the placement fee permit is issued.
- If the manufactured home is in good condition and it complies with all applicable codes, the seller or buyer must submit to this department a manufactured home application. Prior to moving the home, the seller or buyer must obtain the city Development Services approval.
- $50.00 placement fee (driveway included) shall be charged for the placement of a used manufactured home in a legally recorded subdivision for manufactured homes.
- Skirting and a driveway are required before electricity is connected.
