PERMIT PROCESS

• Apply online at  www.mgoconnect.org
• Select Water Softener in drop down box when applying
• Pay Permit Fee 
• Application submittal process is complete, project # is assigned.
• Notification of approval will be sent via e-mail from noreply@scpdc.org .
• Request required inspections – All inspections must be requested at  www.mgoconnect.org by 3:00pm for the next business day.

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

1. Water Softener Plumbing Final Inspection – Must have a 1” visible air gap at drain line and Insulated water lines. Vacuum breaker on hose bib.

Approved permits are valid for six (6) months from date of issuance. If no inspection activity has taken place within the six (6) months, application and renewal fees for resubmittal is required. In order to close permit, all inspections must be completed. Permits are not required to be posted at project address. Inspector must have access to property at time of requested inspection. If no access, re-inspection fee may apply

Permit Process:

• Apply online at  www.mgoconnect.org
• Select Water Heater in drop down box when applying.
• Submit Application
• Notification of approval and fees to be paid will be sent via e-mail from noreply@scpdc.org .
• Pay Permit Fee  – Click here for link to fee schedule.
• Permit is issued once fees are paid.
• Request required inspections – All inspections must be requested at  www.mgoconnect.org by 3:00pm for the next business day.

Required Inspections:

Water Heater Plumbing Final:

• Location Access and Working Space: Shall be installed in accordance with Section M1305 and shall be located and connected to provide access for observation, maintenance, servicing and replacement. Working space: 30 inches x 30 inches.
• 18 inch stand: Required when water heater is installed in a garage. Water heaters listed as flammable vapor resistant and for installation without elevation and electric water heaters are not required to be elevated in the garage.
• Where a storage tank-type heater or a hot water storage tank is installed in a location where the water leakage from the tank will cause damage, the tank shall be installed in a pan constructed of one of the following: Galvanized steel or aluminum of not less than .0236 inch in thickness, plastic not less than .036 inch in thickness, or other approved materials.
• Corrosion Resistance: Pan Required for installation above 1st floor. Corrosive resistant ¾ inch drain line required to discharge at a visible location: exterior above grade, floor sink, mop sink. T&P line may NOT drain to Pan.
• Shutoff Valve: A shutoff valve is required on the cold water supply and is readily accessible. Dielectric unions not required for hot and cold lines.
• Pipe Insulation: Pipe insulation is required on first 5 feet of hot and cold water pipe and to within 6 inches of draft hood.
• Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief: A temperature and pressure relief valve is required. ¾ inch minimum drain line must run with fall to approved locations: Exterior of building and located between 6 and 24 inches above finished grade, floor sink, or mop sink.
• Combustion Air (Gas Water Heaters Only): Where located in a confined space (less than 50 cubic feet of area for each 1000 BTU input rating of water heater) a high and low combustion air opening must be provided within 12 inches of the top and bottom of the enclosure.
• Vent (Gas Water Heaters Only – Ref. footnote for G2428.2.3 of IRC): A double wall (type B) vent must be provided with a min. 1 inch to combustibles. Min. 5 feet vertical required between vent collar and vent cap. Vent may have offsets of up to 45 degrees and one offset of up to 60 degrees. Vent must terminate in a listed vent cap. Vent stack minimum 5 feet.
• Vent Connector (Gas Water Heaters Only): Single wall vent connector allowed to connect water heater to its vent. Vent connector must be exposed and cannot run into or through concealed construction. Minimum 6 inch clearance to combustibles. Min. pitch ¼ inch per foot.
• Gas Connector (Gas Water Heaters Only): Accessible and approved valve with maximum 3 feet of flex connector. Connector and valve must not be concealed.
• Tank-less Water Heaters: Follow manufacturer installation instructions & comply with Int’l Fuel Gas Code for gas line size & vent. A gas load calculation shall be provided on the jobsite when calling the first inspection

What is the Current Code for Water Heater Installation?

CLICK HERE to review Chapter 28 of the 2021 International Residential Building Code regarding Water Heaters

Water Heater Sizing:

Water Heater Sizing is typically sized by a Licensed Plumber or Design Professional  (Licensed by the State of Texas)

For general info on sizing, please see manufactures specs of water heater or visit energy.gov for info regarding water heater sizing.

Click link below to be directed to energy.gov water heater sizing:

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/sizing-new-water-heater

Things to consider when sizing:

• Size of Home
• Number of Fixture Units
• Location of Water Heater

Thermal Expansion Tank Info:

What is a Thermal Expansion Tank?

Thermal Expansion Tank:  A means of controlling increased pressure caused by thermal expansion.

When is a Thermal Expansion Tank required?

Any residential water system considered a closed loop system shall have a Thermal Expansion Tank provided.

What is a closed loop system?

Any water system that has a backflow prevention device, check valve, and/or pressure-reducing valve

Other FAQ:

Do I need a Licensed Plumber to install a Water Heater?

Yes, a State of Texas Licensed Plumber must install the water heater.

Can a handy man install a water heater?

No, only a Licensed Plumber can install a water heater or Homeowner.

As the homeowner can I pull my own permit and install a water heater? 

A Homestead Exemption permit may be issued to non-licensed individuals to perform plumbing, electrical and mechanical work within the dwelling premises that they own and occupy. Before beginning any work, the unlicensed person must first sign an affidavit stating that the applicant owns and occupies the structure and is responsible for conducting the work to code specifications, provide proof of ownership from Williamson County Appraisal District and pay all required permit fees. Homeowner exemptions do not apply to rental or commercial properties.

Homeowners Exempt Certificate

How long is a permit good for?

Approved permits are valid for six (6) months from date of issuance. If no inspection activity has taken place within the six (6) months, application and renewal fees for resubmittal is required. In order to close permit, all inspections must be completed. Permits are not required to be posted at project address. Inspector must have access to property at time of requested inspection. If no access, re-inspection fee may apply.

Quick Links:

www.mgoconnect.org

Adopted Codes

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Dollar Value of solar tube/attic fan and placement location.

PERMIT PROCESS

• Apply online at  www.mgoconnect.org
• Select Solar tube in drop down box when applying. If you are installing an electric attic fan, please have your electrician apply for an electrical permit or for homeowners, a homeowners exemption form is to be filled our prior to the issuance of the electrical permit.
• Pay Permit Fee 
• Application submittal process is complete, project # is assigned.
• Notification of approval will be sent via e-mail from noreply@scpdc.org .
• Request required inspections – All inspections must be requested at www.mgoconnect.org  by 3:00pm for the next business day.

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

1. Solar Tube/Attic Fan Inspection – Look at roof, to make sure shingles have been overlapped correctly. Look in attic to ensure that no truss was cut by installation. No visible water intrusion/leak, visible ceiling installation

Approved permits are valid for six (6) months from date of issuance. If no inspection activity has taken place within the six (6) months, application and renewal fees for resubmittal is required. In order to close permit, all inspections must be completed. Permits are not required to be posted at project address. Inspector must have access to property at time of requested inspection. If no access, re-inspection fee may apply.

Quick Links

Interactive Maps

A permit is required for installation of in-ground, or prefabricated swimming pools that are greater than 24 inches deep, spas or hot tubs, in either commercial or residential use.

Current Adopted Code: 2015 Swim Pool and Spa

You can apply online at www.mygovernmentonline.org

 Required Documentation:

• Swimming Pool Application
• Pool/Spa Agreement
• Impervious Cover Worksheet   / More info on impervious cover 
• Official Site Survey indicating the property lines,  impervious cover, proposed pool, existing fence, and pool equipment.
• Provide drawings and details of proposed pool indicating auto fill or no auto fill
• Copy of Official Subdivision Plat. Click here for directions for obtaining a copy of the subdivision plat

Swimming Pool Process:

1. Submit application along with required documentation as listed above online at www.mygovernmentonline.org
2. Pay fee once application is accepted and you receive notification
3. Allow ten business days for review
4. Permit is approved
5. Electrician requests electrical permit under main permit#/Plumber requests plumbing permit under main permit#
6. Layout Inspection
7. Pool Steel and Plumbing Rough
8. Deck Bond and Deck Steel
9. Swimming Pool Final

Are there any special requirements?

Impervious Cover

• 50% of the square footage of the water surface area of a residential swimming pool shall be counted as a pervious surface.  This does not include the apron of the pool, surrounding patio, or decking, all of which will count towards the impervious cover.
• Impervious cover limitations are established on the approved recorded plat. In the event, the recorded plat does not establish the impervious cover limitations the maximum impervious cover allowed shall be determined in accordance with the Unified Development Code Chapter 11.
• Click Here for link to Williamson County Clerk Public Records Search for subdivision plats.

Adopted Code: 2015 Swim and Spa Code

• A fence, wall or barrier is required that completely surrounds the swimming pool, tract, or lot. Barrier requirements are intended to provide against potential drowning and near drowning by restricting access to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.
• All doors with direct access to the pool shall be equipped with an alarm which produces an audible alarm when the door is opened.

Additional Information:  

Is a pool permit required in the ETJ or County? 

No. A swimming pool permit is only required inside the City Limits of Georgetown

A plumbing permit is required if the pool has an autofill device within the etj.

Is a Permit required for an above the ground pool? 

Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep do not require a permit.

Can a swimming pool be located within a setback? 

Per section 6.04.020 C 7 of the Unified Development Code, a residential swimming pool can be located entirely within the side and/or rear yard but must be set back at least three feet from side and rear property lines.

Can a swimming pool be located within a PUE or Easement? 

No

How do I know if the address is inside or outside the City Limits of Georgetown?

Visit our interactive maps page to figure out if the address is inside the City Limits of Georgetown

What is an official property survey? 

A property survey is a drawn record of the boundaries, orientation and easements associated with a lot of land.

What does an official property survey look like?

Click here for an example of a property survey

Where can I locate a copy of my property survey?

A survey is typically provided when you purchase a home and you should have been given a copy at your closing. Check with your closing documents and see if there is a copy in the paperwork and you already have it. If not contact the title company or your realtor. They should be able to either pull it from their files, or get it from the survey company for you.

Does the City of Georgetown have a copy of my survey?

The City does not maintain property surveys, but you may be able to get one through the title company, bank, or the survey company.

Does the Williamson County Clerk have a copy of my survey? 

No, the Williamson County Clerk’s office does not have copies of your property survey.

No, the Williamson County Appraisal District does not have copies of property surveys.

What is Impervious Cover? 

Per Chapter 16 of the Unified Development Code: Impervious Cover – Any hard-surfaced, man-made area that does not readily absorb or retain water, including, but not limited to, building roofs, parking and driveway areas, pavement, graveled areas, sidewalks, and paved recreation areas. Impervious Cover is subject to the determination of the Development Engineer. Includes and may be referred to as the term “Impervious Surface”.

Why is there Impervious Cover Limitations? 

Per Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Code : Impervious cover limitations are adopted to minimize negative flooding effects from stormwater runoff and to control, minimize, and abate water pollution resulting from urban runoff of rainwater or other non-point specific sources, pursuant to Texas Water Code § 26.177

Is there a variance to Impervious Cover Limitations?

Only in unique circumstances.

Impervious cover limitations may be established when a property is subdivided (Subdivision Plat). In this case, a restriction is added to the Plat detailing the maximum impervious cover for the subdivision and per lot. If your Plat identifies the maximum impervious cover allowed, a variance may not be granted.

If no impervious cover limitation is established by the Plat, a variance may be requested only for non-residential property over 5 acres.

Where can I find more information on Impervious Cover Limitations?

Important Information Regarding Photovoltaic/ Solar Applications : 

Effective October 1, 2021, City of Georgetown  will resume accepting Solar Interconnection Applications on a new portal. This new portal will allow a more streamlined process for submitting a Distributed Energy Resource (DER*) Interconnection Application.

All information regarding photovoltaic/ solar, backup generation, or any DER interconnection can be found at the new DER page.

The new Interconnection Portal can be accessed here.

*DER systems include: Roof Top Solar Photovoltaic Units, Residential Battery Storage, etc.

New Distributed Energy Resource (DER*) Installation and Interconnection Policy

On June 22, 2021, the City Council approved the new DER Installation and Interconnection Policy. The new policy will be effective as of October 1, 2021.  The approved fee schedule is shown below:

 *All fees identified as non-refundable. **As needed.

If you have any questions, please contact: interconnection@georgetown.org

Permitting Process:

A Photovoltaic Permit is required for any Photovoltaic Installation within the city limits of Georgetown or any where the City of Georgetown is the electrical provider.

If Oncor/PEC is the electric provider apply online atwww.mgoconnect.org

If City of Georgetown is the electric provider -Visit the DER page or The new Interconnection Portal can be accessed here.

Additional Links and Information:

Oncor interconnection requirements

Pedernales interconnection requirements

.

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Complete Residential Miscellaneous Application online at www.mgoconnect.org
• Official Site Survey indicating the property lines and proposed patio, deck & flat work location with dimensions and construction drawings to include footing details if raised masonry (12” footing required for seat walls, etc…).
• Please show impervious Cover Calculations on survey site plan and/or impervious cover calculation worksheet. Click here for more info on impervious cover

PERMIT PROCESS

• Apply online at  www.mgoconnect.org
• Select Deck, arbor, patio, patio cover in drop down box when applying.
• Pay Permit Fee when notification is sent.
• Application submittal process is complete, project # is assigned.
• Allow fifteen to twenty business days for plan review.
• Notification will be sent via e-mail from noreply@scpdc.org .
• Pay balance.
• Start construction.
• Request required inspections – All inspections must be requested at  www.mgoconnect.org  by 3:00pm for the next business day

REQUIRED INSPECTIONS

1. Foundation /Pre-pour Inspection – Proper dowel rods and spacing, proper mesh or steel installed, proper width and slope, expansion material and spacing
2. Set Back Inspection-Locate and Expose the Property Iron Pins and install a string line to form an outline of where patio is to be constructed/placed on property. If existing property pins cannot be located, the property boundary must be established by measurement from existing benchmarks or by placement of new property marks through a registered survey.**
3. Building Final Inspection – Property Iron Pins shall be left exposed for final inspection.

**The Owner/Contractor is responsible to properly locate the property lines; locate pins on survey, and assuring that the work is completed in compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. *Engineer stamped plans may be required if deck height is over 6’.

*If electrical or plumbing is part of project, additional permitting and inspections may apply.

Impervious Cover FAQ: Click here 

Additional information needed specific to your project?

Click here to submit an inquiry specific to your project

General Permitting Questions:

For any questions, please contact permits@georgetown.org

Required Inspections:

1.  Foundation /Prepour Inspection – Proper dowel rods and spacing, proper mesh or steel installed, proper width and slope, expansion material and spacing
2.  Set Back Inspection-Locate and Expose the Property Iron Pins and install a string line to form an outline of where patio is to be constructed/placed on property. If existing property pins cannot be located, the property boundary must be established by measurement from existing benchmarks or by placement of new property marks through a registered survey.**
3.  Building Final Inspection – Property Iron Pins shall be left exposed for final inspection.

*If electrical is part of project, additional permitting and inspections may apply.

**The Owner/Contractor is responsible to properly locate the property lines; locate pins on survey, and assuring that the work is completed in compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.

Submittal Requirements

• Complete Application online at www.mygovernmentonline.org
• Official Site Survey indicating the property lines and proposed Patio Cover, Pergola, Arbor location with dimensions and construction drawings.

Permit Process

• Apply online at  www.mgoconnect.org
• Select Deck, Arbor, Patio, Patio Cover in drop down box when applying.
• Pay Permit Fee when notification is received.
• Application submittal process is complete, project # is assigned.
• Allow ten (10) business days for plan review.
• Notification will be sent via e-mail from noreply@scpdc.org .
• Pay Permit Fees.
• Start construction.
• Request required inspections – All inspections must be requested online at  www.mgoconnect.org by 3:00pm for the next business day

Additional information needed specific to your project?

Click here to submit an inquiry specific to your project

General Permitting Questions:

For any questions, please contact permits@georgetown.org