Building Department

The Building Department is committed to Shenandoah's bright future, assuring all new homes and buildings meet standards set forth to provide a safe environment for living, shopping, and business. It is our goal to serve this community with sincerity and due diligence.

The following information will assist you with most common submittals and/or questions.

We have tried to include all information that may apply to your situation, but this list may not be complete. The 2006 Editions of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IPC codes, and  the 2009 Edition of the IECC code by the International Code Council and the 2011 National Electrical Code are standard. 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. The Code of Ordinances is available in its entirety at a link on the home page.

Certificate of Liability Insurance: All Contractors, including sub-contractors, must provide the City of Shenandoah with a Certificate of Liability Insurance for the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) each occurrence, with the Certificate Holder listed as: City of Shenandoah, 29955 I-45 North, Shenandoah, Texas 77381.

State License: 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.

Rules and Regulations: All contractors, including sub-contractors must provide the City with a reviewed and signed copy of the rules and regulations (links below).

Residential Rules and Regulations

Commercial Rules and Regulations

Permitting

All Contractors must submit a permit application along with the required sets of plans, 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 for details.

Inspections

Inspections must be scheduled one business day in advance by the contractor by calling 832-585-8144 or by email at permits@shenandoahtx.us. 
 
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, e-mail a Customer Service Representative at email 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.

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 revised construction valuation.

Permits MUST be picked up and posted before a job begins on the front of the building or outside in a protective cover.

In the event of an emergency, please contact the City of Shenandoah at 281-298-5522.