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Building Inspections/Permits

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1. What is the contact number / location of the Planning & Engineering office?

Planning & Engineering Department includes:

• Planning & Zoning
• Building Permits & Inspections

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
Phone No: 210-658-4175
Fax No: 210-658-8065
Address: 200 S Main Street
P.O. Box 826
Cibolo, Texas 78108

Inspection Times: 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. No set appointment times. Homeowners may request an AM or PM inspection if the inspector needs to enter the home to complete the inspection (which includes the garage).

2. What permits, if any, can be issued without a plan review?

The following non-commercial permits can be issued at time of submittal without a plan review:

• Fence (new, replacement)
• Water softener
• Water heaters
• Irrigation
• HVAC (replacement equipment)
• Electrical
• Plumbing

This list may not be all inclusive. If you have any questions, please contact the permit office.

If there are any questions on the project at time of submittal, the front office may defer approval to an inspector which may delay the issuance of the permit.

3. Are permits required for roofing?

Permits are not required for a re-roof project, however, any structural work will require a permit and inspection (s).

4. Do I need a permit to build a shed in my backyard?

Yes. If building the shed yourself, a permit must be obtained. Following are requirements for submittal (include, but may not be limited to):
• Miscellaneous Permit Application (available at City Hall or on the City website)
• Site plan showing the proposed location (see setback requirements below)
• Site-Built sheds require detailed frame drawings and elevations (what the shed will look like).
• Indicate whether the shed is on a slab, blocks or piers (permanent) or is portable
(transportable, moveable, not attached to the ground)

If the shed is 100 square feet or less and is portable:
• No permit required
• Setback requirements will still apply.
• If placed on a concrete slab, a permit and inspection for the concrete slab will be required.
(Inspection will be done before any concrete is poured)

If you are hiring a contractor to build the shed, the contractor must apply for the permit.

5. What are the setbacks for a shed?

A shed must be a minimum of:
• Three (3’) feet from the back and side property lines
• Minimum of five (5’) feet from any other structure
• Sheds on skids cannot be placed in or on an easement unless written permission is obtained from the utility company
• Sheds built on a concrete slab are not allowed in an easement

A shed may be allowed to be placed against a fence ONLY if a minimum twenty (20’) feet street, alleyway, or public dedicated drainage easement exists on the other side of the fence.

A shed may be allowed to be placed against a fence ONLY if a minimum twenty (20’) feet street, alleyway, or public dedicated drainage easement exists on the other side of the fence.

6. Do I need an inspection when the shed is completed?

Yes. A final inspections is required on all sheds. Depending on the size of the shed, additional inspections may be required. This information will be provided at time of permitting.

Sheds on a slab will require 2 (two) inspections:
• Slab pre-pour (prior to pouring concrete)
• Final
• To schedule an inspection, please call our office.

7. How long does it take to get the shed permit?

• A shed permit, in most cases, can be issued at the time of submittal
• A site built shed may require a plan review, depending on size
• A shed built on a permanent foundation will require a plan review

A minimum of 3 to 5 business days is required, although, plan review time may vary depending on workload and availability to accomplish a review.

8. Is a permit required for pools (above / in ground) hot tub / spa?

If a pool, spa or hot tub has potential water depth of 24 inches or more a permit is required.

9. What are the requirements for an above ground pool?

• An above ground pool cannot be placed in an easement
• Minimum 5’ from side and rear property lines
• Pool may be as close to the house as homeowner wants
• 25 foot supply cords are permitted for above ground or storable pools; but must be GFCI protected
• 3 foot supply cords (provided with pool) are intended for permanent connection and not for storable applications – must have GFCI receptacle at pump
• Must be 12 AWG minimum wire size
• No extension cords are allowed
• Pool shall be surrounded by a barrier. The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade.
• Pool alarms are required to be installed on the back door(s) IF it is a barrier to the pool. Use UL Listed Device 2017. The door alarm will be verified at time of final inspection
• Gates shall open outward away from pool and are required to have a self-closing / self-latching device. The gate device will be verified at time of final inspection
• A separate electrical permit may required
• Inspections are required on pool and electrical work

A minimum of 3 to 5 business days is required, although, plan review time may vary depending on workload and availability to accomplish a review.

This list may not be all inclusive. If you have any questions, please contact the permit office or informational handout on City website at Cibolotx.gov > Doing Business > Planning & Engineering > Building Permits & Inspections > Informational Handouts > Pool / Spa Requirements

10. What are the setback requirements for an in ground pool?

• Minimum 5 feet from side and rear property lines (to pool edge)
• Minimum 10 feet from any other structure
- If the pool is closer than 10 feet to the foundation of the home (includes patio poured with foundation of home) than an Engineer letter is required stating that it will not affect the foundation of the home.
• Pool cannot be placed in an easement
• Pool alarms are required to be installed on the back door(s) IF it is a barrier to the pool. Use UL Listed Device 2017. The door alarm will be verified at time of final inspection
• Gates shall open outward away from pool and are required to have a self-closing / self-latching device. The gate device will be verified at time of final inspection
• Pool shall be surrounded by a barrier. The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade.
• An electrical permit is required
• Inspections are required on pool and electrical / plumbing work

A minimum of 3 to 5 business days is required, although, plan review time may vary depending on workload and availability to accomplish a review.

This list may not be all inclusive. If you have any questions, please contact the permit office or informational handout on City website at Cibolotx.gov > Doing Business > Planning & Engineering > Building Permits & Inspections > Informational Handouts > Pool / Spa Requirements

11. Is a separate permit required for installation of propane tanks to heat the in ground pool?

Yes. The propane company will obtain the permit and schedule the required inspections.

12. Do I need a permit to pour a patio or build a deck?

Yes. If building a concrete patio / wood deck, a permit is required. If hiring a contractor, the contractor must apply for the permit.

Please note, no permit will be issued which will exceed the allowable impervious coverage amount for any lot. Impervious coverage is any hard surface / man-made area that does not readily absorb or retain water. Please contact City staff for information.

Following are requirements for submittal (include, but may not be limited to):

• Miscellaneous Permit Application (available at City Hall or on the City website)
• Material list
• Site plan showing proposed location, distances from property lines
• Detail frame drawing (deck)
• Copy of contract (if hiring contractor)

A minimum of 3 to 5 business days is required, although, plan review time may vary depending on workload and availability to accomplish a review.

13. What are the requirements for flat-work?

You may find the flatwork requirement handout online - Cibolotx.gov > Doing Business > Building Permits & Inspections > Informational Handouts or at the permit front office.

14. Do I have to permit to replace my hot water heater?

Yes. Whether installing the water heater yourself or hiring a contractor to do the work - a permit is required. If you hire a contractor, the contractor must apply for the permit. A final inspection is required.

15. Do I need a permit to replace my Air Conditioner / Heating System?

Yes. This work must be permitted and completed by a State licensed contractor. A final inspection will be required.

16. Can I do my own electrical / plumbing work?

Yes. You may do electrical and plumbing work on your homestead, a permit and inspection(s) will be required.

17. Do I have to permit remodel work?

Yes. Most remodel work requires a permit. If you are not sure, please contact the permit office.

18. What type of work does not require a permit?

You are not required to apply for a permit if you are doing non-structural work, such as:

• Painting
• Flooring
• Direct replacement of ceiling fans
• Direct replacement of doors
• Landscape work
o Installation of an irrigation system DOES require a permit.
• Direct replacement of windows
• Gutter work
• Siding
• Roofing (non-structural)

This list may not be all inclusive. If you have any questions, please contact the permit office.

19. Can I install my own irrigation system?

Yes, you may install your own irrigation system, but it is preferable and often less costly in the long run to have it done by a State licensed Irrigator. Irrigators are required to know materials and calculations for pressure and how to design zones to save on water usage. An inspection is required. A licensed master plumber MUST pull a permit to install the backflow device. The device must be tested by someone who is certified. The test paperwork must be left on-site for the inspector to pick up at time of inspection. Drip irrigation is required if the grassy area is 4’ of less.

20. Is drip irrigation required?

Drip irrigation is required if the grassy area is 4' or less.

21. Do I need a permit to install / replace a fence?

Yes. Requirements for a residential fence permit submittal (including but not limited to):

• Miscellaneous Permit Application (available at City Hall or on the City website)
• Site plan showing location of work
• Copy of contract (if hiring contractor)

If you are hiring a contractor, the contractor must apply for the permit.

Please see permit front office for commercial fence permit requirements.

22. Do I need an inspection when the fence is completed?

Yes. A final inspection is required.

23. If I need emergency work done on the weekend or after business hours; do I need to wait until the contractor can get a permit?

No. We understand that sometime emergencies happen. Your contractor can complete the work and then apply for the permit the next business day. An inspection is required.

24. Does the City of Cibolo require contactors to register?

Yes. Any contractor doing work which requires a permit, must be registered with the City.

25. What if I start work without a permit? (as a homeowner)

We understand that people come from different cities, which have different requirements. We suggest that before you start any work, you contact our office to see if a permit is required.

If you have started a project; the best option is to stop where you are and contact our office.

26. If I want to register as a contractor; what are the requirements?

To register with the City of Cibolo, you must provide:

• Completed Contractor Registration Form
• Certificate of General Liability Insurance (listing the City of Cibolo as a certificate holder)
• Copy of Driver’s license (must match State license, if applicable)
• State license (if applicable)
• $75.00 (if applicable)

Registrations are valid for a year from the date of registration

Additional information is available online at Cibolotx.gov > Doing Business > Building Permits & Inspections > Contractor Registration

27. Are there penalties for starting work without a permit?

Yes. The penalty is 2.5 times the original permit cost.

28. Do I need a garage sale permit in the City of Cibolo?

No. The City of Cibolo does not require a permit to have a garage sale. Please be aware that there are requirements on the placement of your signs (include, but may not be limited to):

• Do not place any signs on stop lights / signs, utility poles or pedestals, etc.
• Do not place any signs in the right-of-way
• If you place signs on private property; obtain the property owner’s permission
• Signs must be picked up within 24 hours after the sale
• Do not block vehicle or pedestrian views and / or safe sight distance at any intersection, curb or corner
• Signs cannot be closer than 10 feet to edge of road service or easement with underground utilities
• Signs cannot exceed 8 square feet
• If the signs are placed illegally – our inspectors may pick up and dispose of them