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Community Development
Community Development Department works with developers who want to bring commercial and residential projects to Shenandoah and guides them through the process of complying with city codes and ordinances. The department is responsible for issuing development permits and performing residential and commercial inspections for new construction or renovations to existing structures.
Code
The following codes are standard:
- 2018 Editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code
- 2020 National Electrical Code
We have tried to include all information that may apply to your situation, but this list may not be complete. The codes adopted by the City of Shenandoah serve as a minimum standard and there may be a stricter standard found in our Code of Ordinances.
All contractors shall submit a permit application and plans, submitted digitally if applicable, to the city. There is a two-week plan review process unless special circumstances/delays occur which could extend the plan review process.
No work may be performed until a permit has been issued by the city and permit fees received. Any work begun before the permit is issued will result in additional fees. Refer to the Permit Fee Schedule (PDF) for details.
Permit Applications
Inspections
Inspections must be scheduled one business day in advance by the emailing or by calling 832-585-8144.
Emergency Inspections
Typically, same day inspections are not performed unless there is an emergency. Examples of an emergency include, but are not limited to, non-functioning power, water, or sewer. For problems occurring after hours, email a Customer Service Representative describing the problem you had and provide the permit number, job address and specific type of inspection you are requesting.
Any improvement or remodeling to a property is required to have a development permit submitted to the city. General maintenance does not require a permit.
Contact Us
In the event of an emergency, please contact the City of Shenandoah at 281-298-5522.
All contractors, including sub-contractors must provide the city with a reviewed and signed copy of the rules and regulations:
Commercial Insurance Requirements
Commercial general contractors shall provide general liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence along with workers' compensation coverage; the City of Shenandoah is required to be the Certificate Holder.
Commercial subcontractors shall provide general liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence unless Texas state law requires a lesser amount in which case the city will accept the lesser amount; the City of Shenandoah is required to be the Certificate Holder.
Residential Insurance Requirements
Residential general contractors shall provide general liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence; the City of Shenandoah is required to be the Certificate Holder.
Residential subcontractors shall provide general liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrences unless Texas state law requires a lesser amount in which case the city will accept the lesser amount; the City of Shenandoah is required to be the Certificate Holder.
Contractors that are licensed by the state must provide the city with a copy of their current license and driver's license. A Master may sign a statement that allows a person with a Journeyman's License to perform work under their license.
General Contractor Responsibilities
It shall be the responsibility of the General Contractor (GC - includes titles of Construction Manager/ Superintendent), to have all applicable applications and permits completed by the responsible party or trade.
Modifications or changes to construction plans after having been reviewed for code compliance by the city will again require review and approval by the city; changes may not be made without written approval. A revised permit application will be required, with a revised construction valuation.
Permits must be picked up and posted on the front of the building or outside in a protective cover before a job begins.