Residential Remodels & Additions
Planning to add an addition to your home? Before you begin, you will need to acquire permits and submit plans.
Listed below, are the types of permits required to add an addition to a residential home, depending on the complexity of the project:
- Residential Building Permit for construction of architectural and structural elements (if applicable)
- Electrical Permit for all electrical installations
- Plumbing Permit for all installations of plumbing and gas piping systems.
- Mechanical Permit for the installations, alterations or extensions of new duct work; or the addition or extension of a mechanical heating or cooling system.
- Engineered Foundation for additions
Permit Process:
Application Submittal
Complete an online residential remodel application online at www.mgoconnect.org with the following required construction documents in PDF format :
- An official survey, scaled plat with Impervious Cover Calculations or Impervious Cover Calculations Worksheet (for additions)
- A site plan indicating location of addition. Must include dimensions, impervious cover calculation, setback lines, drainage easements, and Public Utility Easements.
- Engineered Stamped Foundation Plan (for additions or foundation repair)
- Architectural scale drawing of the new structure which shows the following:
- Floor plan which indicates:
- Dimensions & identification of all rooms & spaces
- Location, size and types of all windows & doors
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors locations
- Roof framing plans indicating all beams, rafters, trusses & columns
- Floor framing plans indicating all joists, beams & columns
- If trusses are being used, truss package shall be submitted
- Typical exterior & interior wall sections
- Exterior elevations showing the front, right, left & rear of structure
- Architectural drawing of any stairs, railings, interior walls, fireplaces, rock walls & retaining walls
- Electrical riser diagram, load calculations & panel location
- Plumbing riser diagram, and plumbing fixtures listed
- HVAC diagram and calculations
- 2021 International Energy Code Compliance report. Compliance can be shown by using the REScheck form that is available at www.energycodes.gov
- A clear distinction between existing construction, alterations to existing, and new work. Separate ‘existing’ and ‘proposed’ within the plans will make the distinction easier to review
- If the address is located in the downtown or old town overlay – a Certificate of Appropriateness may be required.
- Floor plan which indicates:
Plan Review
Residential Plan Review is fifteen (15) business days to twenty (20) business days from the time your application is accepted. Once the permit is issued you will receive notification via email from no-reply@scpdc.org and the amount of the permit.
Permit Approval
Once the permit is issued you will receive notification via email from no-reply@scpdc.org and the amount of the permit. The Trades (if applicable to the project) will obtain Trade Permits under the projects main permit number.
After all fees are paid and all applicable trades (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) have obtained permits, then construction may begin and inspections can be requested.
Inspections
All inspections must be requested online at www.mgoconnect.org before 3:00PM for the next business day in most cases. (Required inspections will be listed in the project/permit files under the requirements tab)
Fees
The cost for permits varies depending upon each project.
For an overview of permit fees, see: Construction Fee Schedule
Important Links:
Code of Ordinances related to Building and Construction
Chapter 6 of the Unified Development Code – Residential Dimensional and Design Standards
Chapter 6 of the Unified Development Code – Residential Single Family District
Chapter 8 of the Unified Development Code – Residential Fences
Chapter 8 of the Unified Development Code – Residential Landscaping Requirements
Chapter 9 of the Unified Development Code – Off Street Parking Requirements
Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Code – Impervious Cover Requirements
Chapter 12 of the Unified Development Code – Driveway and Sidewalk Requirements
Energy Code Compliance aka RES Check
How long is a permit valid?
Any permit expires 6 months after the last approved inspected activity on the site.
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
Irrigation Systems
An Irrigation Permit is required before you install any lawn irrigation system which you permanently connect to the City’s water supply.
A lawn sprinkler permit is not required when making repairs to the piping of an existing lawn irrigation system unless the back-flow prevention device is being replaced.
After the system has been installed and completed. A state certified back flow prevention tester must test the back flow device and a cross connection test report must be completed at www.vepollc.com . The backflow report must be completed at www. vepollc.com within 72 hours of test completion and the inspection to notify the city the back flow test report was completed must be requested via www.mgoconnect.org
Click here for Backflow Prevention Testing Info
Where to apply:
Apply online at www.mgoconnect.org for a lawn sprinkler permit, select irrigation application and upload the irrigation plan that is sealed/stamped /signed by a Licensed Irrigator and as built plans if the irrigation system includes a new water service/water meter.
Water Meter Needed: Additional requirements may required if installing a new water tap.
Fee Schedule: Click here for fee schedule
Contractors: All contractor must be registered. Click here to register.
As a homeowner can pull my own permits?
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.
TCEQ Landscape Irrigation information: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/irrigation
For additional questions, please contact permits@georgetown.org
Fences
A Fence Permit is required to erect a new fence on a property located within our City limits, with the exception of agricultural uses, as well as pet or livestock, garden, or similar fencing provided the fence is in a property that has a perimeter fence. Required permits must be obtained prior to initiating any work.
For minor alterations to an existing fence, such as replacements of pickets, panels, posts or other materials, a permit is only required if the changes exceed one third (1/3) of the facing of the existing fence. Any vertical or linear addition or the relocation of an existing fence requires a new permit. Please note that all fences must be kept in good repair and in a safe and attractive condition, consistent with the design established with the Fence Permit.
Below is a list of questions to assist you in obtaining a Fence Permit:
Accessory Building (Storage Building/Garage/Carport)
Per Chapter 6, section 6.06 of the Unified Development Code, a permit is required for an Accessory Building (Storage Building, Garages, & Carports) within the City Limits of Georgetown. The following requirements must be met except as specified:
- Accessory structures and buildings (Storage Building, Garages, & Carports) shall meet the dimensional standards of the base zoning district, except as specified in this Section of the UDC.
- The accessory structure shall only be located on a lot with a principal structure, unless two adjacent lots have common ownership, in which case the structures may be located on different lots. In such instance, the accessory structure shall be located in the rear yard as determined by the lot with the principal structure on it.
- The square footage of an accessory structure shall not exceed 25% of the square footage of the principal structure. For the purposes of this calculation, the square footage of a garage shall not be considered part of the principal structure.
- Accessory structures measuring 8 feet or less in height are allowed in the setbacks in the rear yard up to 3) feet from the property line, but may not extend into any P.U.E. Properties in the Old Town Overlay District must follow the procedures outlined in Section 4.09.040, Special Exception for Setback Modification and the approval process pursuant to Section 3.15.
- Garages and carports, whether attached or detached from the principal structure, shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from property line street from which the associated driveway takes access or a minimum of 10 feet when taking access from a public alley.
- No more than 30% of the rear yard may be covered with accessory buildings or structures. All impervious cover requirements in Section 11.02 shall be met.
- Accessory dwelling units located in accessory structures in the AG, RE, RL, and RS Districts are allowed subject to the limitations provided for in Section 5.02.020.B or within a Housing Diversity Development without limitations (as detailed in Section 6.07.020).
- Per Code of Ordinances Sec. 15.03.110. – Section 401.1.2 All foundations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with engineering practices and within the scope of this code. Upon completion of the foundation construction or concrete application an engineer’s certification shall be required for inspection purposes. The certification shall contain no opinions or disclaimers and shall provide that the foundation was inspected and meets the engineered design, live and dead loading, and soil condition per requirements of the 2015 International Residential Building Code.” Exception: This shall not apply to accessory structures less than 200 square feet and are considered as portable on skids.
- If the address is located in the downtown or old town overlay – a Certificate of Appropriateness may be required.
How to apply for an Accessory Building Permit
Submittal Requirements for Storage Building/Garage/Carport:
- Completed application online at www.mgoconnect.org
- Official Site Survey indicating the property lines and proposed accessory building location with dimensions. Please include Impervious cover calculations
- Foundation Plans –If Accessory building is over 200 sq ft, an Engineered Foundation Plan must be provided per City Ord# 15.03.110 Sec 401.1.2.
- Construction drawings to include framing, dimensions, type of foundation, or indicate portable on skids***.
Permit Process:
- Apply online at www.mgoconnect.org
- Select Accessory Building in drop down box when applying
- Upload supporting construction documents
- Application accepted for review
- Project # is assigned. Click here for fee schedule
- Payment must be made in order to initiate plan review process
- Allow ten (10) to fifteen (15) business days for review
- Notification will be sent via e-mail from noreply@scpdc.org
- Pay balance (if applicable)
- Request required inspections – All inspections must be requested at www.mgoconnect.org by 3:00pm for the next business day
Required Inspections:
- Set Back Inspection-Locate and Expose the Property Iron Pins and install a string line to form an outline of where accessory building 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.**
- Building Final Inspection – Property Iron Pins shall be left exposed for final inspection.
Please Note:
**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. ***If a permanent foundation is proposed, pre-pour inspections will apply. ****If electrical or plumbing is part of project, additional permitting and inspections apply.
Common Questions:
Can I place a carport on my existing driveway?
Carport can be placed on existing driveway if it meets the required twenty-five foot (25ft) setback from property line.
Can I place a carport in the yard or on gravel?
All parking must be on a an approved paved surface. A Paved Surface per Unified Development Code is an area surfaced with single or multiple-course surface treatment, asphalt, concrete, pervious concrete, or grasscrete pavement constructed on a base course or similar all-weather surface. Does not include gravel, grass, stones, decomposed granite, or similar unpaved materials. Also does not include existing concrete strip driveways allowed for residential parking areas called “Approved Surfaces” in Section 10.16.010 of the City Code.
Additional Engineering requirements may apply for pervious concrete, pavers, grasscrete, and other paved surface applications.
My property is in the downtown/old town overlay. Is there any special provisions I must meet?
Please click here for more info regarding a Certificate of Appropriateness
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?
To determine if the City of Georgetown does have a copy of your property survey, an open records request will have to be completed. The City of Georgetown has adopted the Texas State Library & Archives Commission retention schedule.
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.
What is a plat?
A plat is the official map of an addition or subdivision, showing the number and dimensions of lots, public rights-of-way, and easements. The plat must be filed with the County Clerk after the City has approved it.
What is the difference between a plat and a property survey?
A plat usually shows the dimensions of the property before the improvements are made. A plat will often cover more than one lot or parcel of land. For example, a developer will have a plat of an entire subdivision drawn; A survey usually only shows one lot.
Does the Williamson County Clerk have copies of subdivision plats?
Yes, the Williamson County Clerk’s office does keep copies of the subdivision plats.
How do I search online for a copy of a subdivision plat?
Please click here for directions to search for a subdivision plat
Does the Williamson County Appraisal District have a copy of my 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
Where can I find more information on Impervious Cover Limitations?
Impervious Cover FAQ or visit Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Code.
I live in the Old Town Overlay/Downtown Overlay, are there additional requirements?
If you live in the Old Town Overlay/Downtown Overlay a Certificate of Appropriateness may apply. For more info, please click here
MyGovernmentonline.org Instructions
Please click here for instructions to apply online
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
Trade Permits
Permitting Info:
Apply online at www.mgoconnect.org for the following Trade Permits:
- Electrical Only*
- Plumbing Only* **
- Mechanical Only*
*For any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical trade permits, you must be a registered contractor. If you are the homeowner and plan do to the work yourself, then a Homeowners Exempt Form must be submitted along with your permit application.
**Plumbing, Electrical, and/or Mechanical Permits requested as part of new construction project must be requested under the main permit number for that particular new construction project. Please contact general contractor for permit number.
Click here for directions to apply for a Trade Permit under a Main Project Permit Number
Once the permit is issued, you will receive notification to pay from no-reply@scpdc.org.
Requesting Inspections:
All inspections must be requested online through your www.mgoconnect.org account by 3:00 PM for next business days in most cases.
Inspections will be conducted Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM 2:00 PM for the following types of permits (or any inspections that require the homeowner to be present):
- Water Heater
- Mechanical Change Out
- Solar Tubes/Attic Fans
- Water Softener
For all other questions, please email permits@georgetown.org
Fire Protection Application Package
Download this .pdf for a checklist, guidelines and application for Fire Protection for your business.
Sign Permits & Standards
The City of Georgetown regulates the permitting, design, location, construction, erection, modification, use, maintenance, and removal of signs within the City of Georgetown and its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). A sign may only be erected, placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in conformance with the requirements of the ordinances.
Applications:
Apply online atwww.mgoconnect.org for any of the following permits:
Permit Fee:
Sign Permit: See Fee Schedule
Rules & Regulations:
Chapter 10 Sign Standards of Unified Development Code
HARC/ Downtown Overlay / Old Town Overlay:
Historic & Downtown Sign Standards and Information
For questions regarding HARC/Downtown Overlay/ Old Town Overlay signs, please email: historic@Georgetown.Org
Plan Review:
The plan review for a permanent sign is fourteen (14) business days from the time your permit application is accepted and payment is made.
The plan review for a Temporary Banner is up to three business days from the time your permit application is accepted.
Once your permit is approved, you will receive notification via email from no-reply@scpdc.org
Sign Violations/Complaints:
For concerns or complaints about a possible sign violation submit a concern/complaint by clicking here
General Sign Questions:
For general sign questions, please email Sign Permits
Inspections:
All inspections must be requested before 3:00p.m. online at www.mygovernmentonline.org for the next business day in most cases. We do not accept inspection request via telephone.
My Government Online:
My Government Online Customer Portal Directions
My Government Online Tech Support – (866) 957-3764
Demolition Permit Application
Download this checklist and application when you are considering demolishing an existing structure within the City of Georgetown City Limits:
Asbestos Survey Information:
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
Certificate of Occupancy
All businesses in the City of Georgetown require a valid Certificate of Occupancy Permit prior to occupying the business space or opening to the general public. All businesses in the ETJ may require a fire permit. This applies to all stand-alone buildings as well as leasable tenant space in multi-tenant buildings. In addition, a Certificate of Occupancy is not transferable. Anytime the business owner, business address or business name changes, a new Certificate of Occupancy is required.
If any construction is planned such as demolishing, adding or moving walls, window or doors a building permit will be required.
If adding or moving and electric, plumbing, or HVAC a building permit will be required.
If a change of use is planned, a building permit will be required. For example, if the previous use of the space was an office and the new use of the space will be for a restaurant then building permits will be required before a certificate of occupancy can be applied for.
Please contact our office for more information regarding building permits by emailing permits@georgetown.org or click here.
For fire permits please visit: https://fire.georgetown.org/fire-life-safety/
Form Questions:
If you have any questions regarding Commercial Service Applications or questions regarding css.georgetown.org, please email customercare@georgetown.org
If you have any questions regarding Certificate of Occupancy Application, please email permits@georgetown.org
Quick Links:
Fire Marshal Office and Fire Permit Requirements for Businesses in ETJ
Contractor Registration
Who needs to be registered?
The following contractors need to be registered with the City of Georgetown (no cost) via mygovernmeonline.org:
- General Contractor
- Plumbing Contractor
- Electrical Contractor includes master
- Master Electrician Only
- Journeyman Electrician
- Mechanical Contractor
- Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm
- Sign Contractor
- Electrical Sign Contractor
- Journeyman Sign Contractor
- Building Maintenance Electrician
- Apprentice Electrician
- Hood System Installer
- Swimming Pool Contractor
- Water Softener Contractor
- Licensed Irrigator
- Roofing Contractor
How to register:
To register with the City of Georgetown:
- Create an account at www.mgoconnect.org
- After account is created, click on the permits & licensing tab
- Select contractor registration and complete information
- Upload a copy of drivers license and copy of trade license
- Submit contractor registration to jurisdiction
How to apply for a permit:
After you have created an account at www.mgoconnect.org and registered under the permits & licensing tab you may apply for a permit, request inspections, print, and pay for permits online.
For technical support creating your account or registering , please contact 1-866-957-6734
Directions to Create an Account
Mygovernmentonline.org directions:
Click here for mygovernmentonline.org directions and handouts
Is there a fee to register?
No
Verify a License required by the State of Texas:
Verify a License required by the State of Texas by visiting TDLR or clicking here
As the homeowner can I pull my own permits?
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.
Other Info:
All permits are processed electronically through www.mygovernmentonline.org.
All inspections must be requested online through www.mygovernmentonline.org