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Building Safety

McKinney's Building Safety: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles building safety a little differently. In McKinney, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Elevator Maintenance

Elevators in McKinney multi-family, commercial, and public buildings are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754, requiring annual inspections and state-licensed mechanics.

Key details: Regulator: Texas TDLR. Statute: TX H&S Code 754. Inspection: Annual by QEI. Code: ASME A17.1. Single Family: Exempt from state.

Operating without current inspection certificate: up to $5,000 per day per elevator. TDLR may order elevator out-of-service.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find McKinney gives residents more flexibility on elevator maintenance.

Building Permits

McKinney requires a building permit before construction. Chapter 122, § 122-25 of the City Code adopts the 2024 International Building and Residential Codes, whose permit provisions make an approved permit mandatory before you erect, alter, move, or demolish almost any structure citywide.

Key details: Governing section: McKinney Code § 122-25. Codes adopted: 2024 IBC & IRC. Enforcing agency: Building Inspections/Permits Dept.. Max fine: Up to $2,000 per day. Permit exemption: Accessory structure ≤120 sq ft.

Building without a required permit is a misdemeanor. Fines reach $2,000 per offense for fire-safety, zoning, or public-health violations and $500 for other offenses, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

McKinney'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 McKinney is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that McKinney can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.