The city hereby adopts the 2012 International Building Code, 2012 International Residential Code, 2012 International Fire Code, 2012 International Plumbing Code, 2012 International Mechanical Code, 2012 International Fuel Gas Code, 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, 2012 International Private Sewage Code; 2012 International Performance Code, 2012 Existing Building Code, 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, and the 2012 International Electrical Code.
(Ordinance 2021-1213-01 adopted 12/13/21)
(a) 
Whenever the word “municipality” is used in the building code, it shall be held to mean the City of Troup.
(b) 
Whenever the words “corporation counsel” are used in the building code, they shall be held to mean the attorney for the city.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.36)
(a) 
The office of building official is hereby created, and the executive official in charge shall be known as the building official.
(b) 
The building official shall be appointed by city council. His appointment shall continue during good behavior and satisfactory service. He shall not be removed from office except for cause after full opportunity has been given him to be heard on specific charges.
(c) 
During temporary absence or disability of the building official, the appointing authority shall designate an acting building official.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.31)
He shall be in good health, physically capable of making the necessary examinations and inspections. He shall not have any interest whatever, directly or indirectly, in the sale or manufacture of any material, process or device entering into or used in or in connection with building construction, alterations, removal and demolition.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.32)
(a) 
He shall receive applications required by this code, issue permits and furnish the prescribed certificates. He shall examine the premises for which permits have been issued and shall make necessary inspections to see that the provisions of law are complied with and that construction is prosecuted safely. He shall enforce all provisions of the building code. He shall, when requested by proper authority, or when the public interest so requires, make investigations in connection with matters referred to in the building code and render written reports on the same. To enforce compliance with law, to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to secure the necessary safeguards during construction, or to require adequate exit facilities in buildings and structures, he shall issue such notices or orders as may be necessary.
(b) 
Inspections required under the provisions of the building code shall be made by the building official or his duly appointed assistant. The building official may accept reports of inspectors of recognized inspection services, after investigation of their qualifications and reliability. No certificate called for by any provisions of the building code shall be issued on such reports unless the same are in writing and certified to by a responsible officer of such service.
(c) 
The building official shall keep comprehensive records of applications, of permits issued, and of certificates issued, or inspections made, of reports rendered, and of notices or orders issued.
(d) 
All such records shall be open to public inspection for good and sufficient reasons at the stated office hours, but shall not be removed from the office of the building official without his written consent.
(e) 
The building official shall make written reports to his immediate superior once each month, or more often if requested, including statements of permits and certificates issued and orders promulgated.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.33)
Any officer or employee or member of the board of adjustments and appeals, charged with the enforcement of this code, acting for the city in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself liable personally, and he is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties. Any suit brought against any officer or employee because of such act performed by him in the enforcement of any provision of this code shall be defended by the city attorney until the final termination of the proceedings.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.34)
The building official, in the discharge of his official duties, and upon proper identification, shall have authority to enter any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.35)
The fire limits of the city are hereby established as follows: following a straight line along the northside right-of-way of Bradford Street; eastside right-of-way of Carolina Street; southside right-of-way of Calvert Street; and westside right-of-way of Front Street.
(1983 Code, sec. 6.37)
Any alteration to the structural portion of any building shall conform to the requirements of this code. All buildings and structures now existing or hereafter erected shall be maintained in a safe condition.
(Ordinance 89-6, sec. 6.31, adopted 11/6/89)
When the building official issues a permit, he shall endorse in writing, or stamp, both sets of plans “reviewed.” One set of drawings so reviewed shall be retained by the building official and the other set shall be returned to the applicant. The reviewed drawings shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or his authorized representative.
(Ordinance 89-6, sec. 6.32, adopted 11/6/89)
(a) 
Before a certificate of occupancy can be issued, there shall be filed with the building official an emergency locater directory, for multifamily and hotel-motel occupancies.
(b) 
The specifications for the emergency locater system are on file in the building official’s office and shall be filed with the building official according to the specifications. This shall apply to apartment projects with 10 or more units.
(c) 
For multifamily dwelling projects permanent locaters shall be posted at conspicuous locations on the site. These locaters should be located near the entrances insofar as practical and shall be maintained for easy legibility for emergency vehicles and personnel.
(d) 
The interior streets shall be named and shall have street name signs that conform to the city street name sign standard.
(Ordinance 89-6, sec. 6.37, adopted 11/6/89)
An address shall be posted on the job site after the building permit has been issued prior to the first inspection being called, and a permanent address shall be installed on the building or buildings prior to the final inspection being called.
(Ordinance 89-6, sec. 6.38, adopted 11/6/89)
Portable buildings, modular prefab structures, mobile homes or other structures which cannot be inspected by the city inspection department or do not meet the foundation requirements as defined in the International Building Code shall not be permitted for any usage except as residential structures or residential accessory buildings.
(Ordinance 89-6, sec. 6.39, adopted 11/6/89)
(a) 
Residential construction.
(1) 
New construction:
Type
Permit Cost
Permit
$0.35 per square foot under roof + 4 inspections
Minimum fee
$75
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
Plan check fee
$150
(2) 
Residential alterations, additions and remodels where building permit required.
Alterations, additions and remodels:
Type
Permit Cost
Permit
$0.35 per square foot
Minimum fee
$75
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
Plan check fee
20% of total permit fee
(3) 
Cooling and heating systems.
Type
Permit Cost
Permit
$0.06 per square foot + 2 inspections
Minimum fee
$50
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
(b) 
Commercial, nonresidential and industrial construction.
(1) 
New construction, alterations, additions and repairs:
Type
Permit Cost
Permit based on cost
New = + 4 inspections
- $1k—5k
$50 for first $1k and $5 per $1k thereafter
- $50k
$300 for first $50k
- $50,001—100k
$4 per $1k up to $100k
- $100k
$550 for first $100k
- $100,001—500k
$3 per $1k up to $500k
- $500k
$2000 for first $500k
- $500,001 and up
$2.50 per $1k thereafter
Minimum fee
$100
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
Plan check fee
25% of calculated permit fee
(2) 
Cooling and heating systems.
Type
Permit Cost
Permit
$0.06 per square foot + 2 inspections
Mechanical commercial hood
$30
Minimum fee
$50
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
(c) 
Plumbing permits.
(1) 
Generally.
Water closet
$5 each fixture
Bathtub
$5 each fixture
Urinal (commercial)
$5 each fixture
Wall heater
$5 each fixture
Sink
$5 each fixture
Shower
$5 each fixture
Floor drain
$5 each fixture
Sewer service
$5 each fixture
Lavatory or basin
$5 each fixture
Grease trap
$5 each fixture
Beer or soda bar
$5 each fixture
Water service
$5 each fixture
Laundry or wash tray
$5 each fixture
Drinking fountain (commercial)
$5 each fixture
Fixed washing machine
$5 each fixture
Gas openings
$20 for the first 10 openings
$0.25 each additional opening
Boiler (commercial only)
$25
Gas meters (additional)
$10
Sand trap
$25
Temporary service
$25
Yard sprinkler
$40
Minimum fee
$50
Customer service inspection (TCEQ required)
$50
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
(2) 
Plumbing licenses and registration.
All plumbers performing work in the city must be a master plumber or journeyman plumber, who is licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners as provided by the Plumbing License Law of 1947, as amended, or is an apprentice plumber working under the direct supervision and control of a master or journeyman plumber. The city does not issue city licenses but registration is required.
(d) 
Electrical permits.
Circuits
$3.50 for the first 3 circuits
$1.50 each additional opening
Switches, base plugs, and fixtures, outlets (totaled together)
$3.50 for the first 5
$0.30 for each additional
Dryer
$3
Electrical water heater
$3
Heating unit
$3
Motor (1/2 HP to 5 HP)
$3
Motor (over 5 HP) (commercial only)
$10
Range
$3
Sanding machine (commercial only)
$3
Saw service (commercial only)
$25
Smoke detector
$3
Swimming pool
$50
Temporary service
$25
Minimum fee
$30
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
(e) 
New service or service change.
0 to 200 amps
$25
201 to 300
$30
301 to 600
$45
601 to 800
$65
801 to 1000
$80
1001 and over
$110
Inspection fee
$75
Reinspection fee (and each subsequent)
$75
(f) 
Electrical licenses and registration.
All electricians performing work in the city must be licensed by the state. The city does not issue city licenses but registration is required. A state electrical contractor's license is required. All electrical contractors must possess a bond as required by the state.
(g) 
Sign permits - commercial.
Wall sign/facade Sign
Less than 50 square feet
$35
Wall sign/facade Sign
More than 50 square feet
$60
Awning sign
Less than 50 square feet
$60
Awning sign
More than 50 square feet
$80
Projection sign
Less than 50 square feet
$60
Projection sign
More than 50 square feet
$80
Freestanding/monument sign
Less than 50 square feet
$60
Freestanding/monument Sign
More than 50 square feet
$80
Directional sign
$35
Gas tubing (neon, etc.)
$70
Billboard - single face
$150
Billboard - double face
$300
Electronic message center
$150
(h) 
Sign contractor registration.
The city does not issue city licenses but registration is required. If sign is illuminated, work must be performed by an electrician licensed by the state for sign work. All sign contractors must possess a bond as required by the state.
(i) 
Demolition permits — not a part of a board of adjustments action.
(1) 
Residential demolition permits are $50.
(2) 
Commercial/industrial demolition permits are $60 first 2k square feet plus $2.50 per 100 square feet thereafter.
(j) 
House moving permits.
(1) 
Generally.
Less than 500 square feet
$70
501 to 750 square feet
$80
751 to 1000 square feet
$90
More than 1001 square feet
$125
(2) 
House mover registration.
There is a $10 registration for house moving contractors and the contractor must possess a bond as required by the state.
(k) 
Miscellaneous permits.
Certificate of occupancy
$60
Certificate of appropriateness (historical district)
$60
Door/window replacement residential (remodel)
$10 each, minimum of $50
Commercial driveway/parking lot
$50
Residential driveway
$50
New residential fencing
$5
New commercial fencing
$25
Duplicate permit
$150
Renewal of expired permit
$200
Mobile home
$75
Temporary use permit
$30
Solar panel
$100 + electrical permit
Roof replacement - commercial
$200
Swimming pool
$150 + 3 inspections
(l) 
Related fee requirements.
(1) 
In the event any building, structure or work is started without a permit, the fees referenced herein shall be increased 100%.
(2) 
No fees shall be refunded or transferable.
(3) 
The applicant is responsible for ordering inspections at the appropriate juncture of work. Any missed inspections will carry a penalty of $75.
(4) 
Emergency repairs or replacements that occur on a weekend or holiday are required to be permitted the following business day. If not permitted the next business day, the fee is increased 100%.
(5) 
The applicant is responsible for other related fees and charges not enumerated in this section prior to receiving any approval from the city council, building official, or city manager in order to receive a certificate of occupancy.
(6) 
Permits expire after 365 days.
(7) 
If a permit expires and is not renewed within 30 days after the expiration date, the applicant will be required to obtain any other permit and resubmit plans and specifications as required for the appropriate category and pay the appropriate fees. An applicant will be allowed only one (1) renewal.
(m) 
Waivers.
(1) 
Fees required herein may be waived by the city manager or the chief building official upon application and finding by the city manager or chief building official that in the best interest of the citizens of Troup, and in furtherance of the purposes of this section, such fees should be waived.
(2) 
Inspection or reinspection fees may not be waived when paid to contract inspectors who are not employees of the city.
(Ordinance 2019-0715-01, ex. A, adopted 7/15/19; Ordinance 2024-1021-01 adopted 10/21/2024)