City of Martindale

The city FAQ says all projects involving construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, major repair, improvement, removal, or demolition of structures require a permit.

• Exempt Detached structures no greater than 120 square feet
• Exempt Fences under 6 feet
• Exempt Oil derricks
• Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less
• Exempt Low driveways/sidewalks
• Exempt Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons
• Exempt Finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and countertops

Building code

The city uses the International Building Code permit exemptions in its FAQ and contracts permit review/inspection through Bureau Veritas.

Permit validity

The older city building permit form states permits become null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days.

Owner-builder

If the property is in the scenic corridor or historic district, a certificate of appropriateness may also be required.

1. 01
   Email the city's construction permit application and supporting documents to permits@martindale.texas.gov.
2. 02
   Include plats or building plans, relevant project images, certificate of insurance, and proof of licenses for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.
3. 03
   City staff review for completeness; incomplete applications are not processed.
4. 04
   Bureau Veritas, the city's contracted reviewer and inspector, performs permit review and may trigger additional city engineer, planning/zoning, council, or related review depending on project type.
5. 05
   After review, the city notifies the applicant whether the permit is approved or rejected and provides Bureau Veritas notes.
6. 06
   Pay online or in person at City Hall once the final fee is calculated.
7. 07
   Pick up and post the yellow permit placard visibly from the street for the duration of construction.

New residential dwelling construction: $785 for 0-1,500 square feet; $785 plus $0.35 per additional square foot from 1,501-10,000 square feet; $3,760 plus $0.15 per additional square foot over 10,000 square feet. Revised plan review only: $200 per master plan or address for a new plan on a previously reviewed dwelling; $150 per master plan or address for altered construction plans after permit issuance. Commercial, multifamily, and non-dwelling residential projects: plan review and inspection fee equals actual cost assessed to the city by the third-party review entity.

Typical sequence: Bureau Veritas performs permit application reviews and inspections for the city. Final inspection is required for all permits. The permit placard must remain posted and visible throughout construction.