Building Safety in Converse, TX

If you live in Converse or are thinking about moving there, building safety are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Converse has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building safety, and some of them might surprise you.

Building Permits

Converse requires a $150 permit before residential roof replacement, issued only to city-registered roofing contractors, and residential roofing material must meet a minimum Class A, B, or C fire rating under UL 790 or ASTM E108.

Key details: Residential permit fee: $150.00 flat. Contractor registration: Required before permit issued. Roof material standard: Class A/B/C, UL 790 or ASTM E108. Enforcing office: City Building Department.

Reroofing without a permit or using an unregistered roofing contractor can draw a stop-work order and permit denial from the building official; non-compliant roof covering material fails inspection.

Plumbing Permits

Converse has adopted the 2024 International Plumbing Code and requires a permit for plumbing work, with fees set by a published city fee schedule.

Key details: Adopted code: 2024 International Plumbing Code. Residential repair/replace permit: $100 per dwelling unit. New single/two-family construction: $175 per dwelling unit. New commercial shell permit: $400 flat fee. Violation penalty: $200–$2,000 fine per day.

Working without a required plumbing permit, or violating the adopted plumbing code, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 8-5: a fine of $200 to $2,000 per day the violation continues.

Electrical Permits

Converse requires an electrical permit for wiring, service, and equipment work under the 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted citywide by ordinance, with permits issued only to state-licensed electricians or their registered agents.

Key details: Adopted code: 2023 NFPA National Electrical Code. Residential repair permit fee: $100.00 per dwelling unit. New single-family permit fee: $175.00 per dwelling unit. Licensing authority: TX Dept. of Licensing and Regulation. Governing sections: Sec. 8-1, Sec. 8-101, Sec. 8-103.

Doing electrical work without a permit, or using an unlicensed electrician, is unlawful under Sec. 8-1; the building official can deny or suspend permits and revoke a contractor's city registration.

Elevator Maintenance

Elevators in Converse are regulated by Texas Health and Safety Code Ch 754 and administered by TDLR. Owners need an annual Certificate of Compliance, a TDLR inspection, and licensed elevator contractors for work.

Key details: Regulator: Texas TDLR. Statute: Health and Safety Code Ch 754. Code: ASME A17.1 and A17.3. Certificate: Annual Certificate of Compliance required. Max Fine: Up to $5,000/day.

Operating an elevator without a current Certificate of Compliance is a violation of Texas Health and Safety Code 754.019 and can result in administrative penalties from TDLR up to $5,000 per day. Continued operation after TDLR seals an elevator out of service can lead to criminal penalties. Injuries on non-compliant elevators create significant civil liability for the building owner.

Converse is more permissive than most cities when it comes to elevator maintenance. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Converse's building safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Converse is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Converse's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.