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1. Do I have to get a permit to work on my own home?

This will depend on the nature or kind of work being performed. You will need to contact the Building and Development Department (2751 SH 35 Bypass; 361-790-1125) to determine if a permit is required or not.

2. How much does a building permit cost?

Recently, Governor Abbott signed H.B. 852, which does not allow a municipality to consider the value of the dwelling or the cost of construction on improving the dwelling when determining the cost of a permit. These are the dominant methods used by cities, including Rockport, to calculate building permit fees.

With the bill becoming effective immediately, Rockport did not have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive, alternative fee schedules that comply with the Legislature’s mandate.  Until  the City is able to develop a comprehensive plan, it will be using the International Code Council’s (ICC) Building Code’s square foot methodology for determining fees as an interim measure. (Residential permits $0.60 a sq.ft. all other trades $0.10 sq.ft.). Once the City’s fee schedule is developed and adopted by City Council, it will be posted on the web site.

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?

According to State Law (Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 917, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. For text of section as added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1130, 1. see 214.904 post), a building permit application will be approved or denied within forty-five (45) days. However, the goal of the Building Department is to complete plan review and have a building permit ready to issue within ten (10) business days for one and two family residential and twenty (20) days for all other development. This, however, depends on the number of applications ahead of you, resubmittal of plan corrections or other requested items (engineering, etc.), which may extend the overall time period.

4. What type of work requires a permit?

All work pertaining to building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical, unless exempted by the adopted codes. For a list of exemptions, call the Building and Development Department (361-790-1125) or go by that office at 2751 SH 35 Bypass.

5. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Call the Building Dept. Inspection Line at (361) 790-1177.

6. What codes does the city enforce?

2012 International Building Codes, 2008 International Electrical Codes, City Zoning Ordinance, City Tree & Landscape Ordinance, and other applicable city ordinances and state laws.

7. What do I do if I have a complaint?

You may file a written complaint, e-mail (see "Fix-It Form" on home page), or phone in your complaint to 790-1125. Common violations include trash, junk or high weeds in the City, a dangerous house, or abandoned cars on public or private property.

8. Does the City accept anonymous complaints?

Yes. Unless otherwise requested by the complainant, all complaints remain anonymous.