Do I Need a Permit?
The short answer? Likely.
Does Sour Lake have a Code?
It’s been said that the City of Sour Lake has no code. This is not true.
Sour Lake Ordinance | 155.04 MINIMUM STANDARDS.
In order to eliminate the existence of and to prevent in the future all uninhabitable and dangerous dwellings or buildings, the following minimum standards are hereby established and all the existing buildings, new construction and future installations shall be in accordance with the applicable ordinances of the city regulating the same.
Foundationally, cities exist for the sole purpose of managing the needs of people who live and work in close proximity. The only way we can effectively do this is through ordinances and code. So the question is, what does Sour Lake follow?
Sour Lake is a General Law City. This means that we exercise those powers that are specifically granted or implied by statute.
If you’re curious how that compares to some of the larger municipalities that surround us, it comes down to The Home Rule Amendment of 1912. This amendment gave cities with over 5000 inhabitants the power to adopt their own charter, thereby giving them the power of self-government, so long as they are not in conflict with state or federal law. This is probably where the confusion sets in for some, Sour Lake may not have it’s own charter (and therefor is not a Home Rule city), but that does not mean that we don’t have a code and a local ordinance.
The State of Texas has adopted the following codes for construction (This is the minimum standard). To access these codes for free, please click HERE.
Municipalities can make local amendments to these respective codes as well as adopt later editions of them at will.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors program currently adopts the 2018 IMC, IRC, IFGC.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has adopted the National Electric Code 2023 Edition, as it existed on August 25, 2022 and as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc. It became effective September 1, 2023.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners currently adopts the 2018 IPC, UPC, IRC, and IFGC.
The 2015 IECC is promulgated through the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) by administrative rule.
Sour Lake Ordinance | Section 10.08 REFERENCE TO OTHER SECTIONS.
Whenever in a section reference is made to another section hereof, the reference shall extend and apply to the section referred to as subsequently amended, revised, recodified or renumbered, unless the subject matter is changed or materially altered by the amendment or revision.
Within those codes, the following I-Codes are also referenced:
2018 IBC (Building Code)
2018 IEBC (Existing Building Code)
2018 ISPSC (Swimming Pools)
So, we’ve established we follow a code, but what needs a permit? Rather than listing everything that needs a permit, the code more clearly spells out what doesn’t need a permit.
Work that does NOT need a permit:
Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m2).
Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
Oil derricks.
Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Gas:
Portable heating appliance.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
Portable heating appliance.
Portable ventilation equipment.
Portable cooling unit.
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
Portable evaporative cooler.
Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.