How Richardson Handles Building Safety: A Practical Guide

Richardson maintains 116 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building safety. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Richardson falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Building Permits

Richardson requires a city building permit before you erect, alter, repair, move, or demolish any structure. The city adopted the International Building Code, 2021 Edition, whose Section 105 mandates the permit; only a small detached shed with a roof area under 40 square feet is exempt.

Key details: Adopted code: Intl. Building Code, 2021 Edition. Governing section: Richardson Code sec. 6-27. Permit-exempt: Shed roof under 40 sq ft. Enforced by: Building Inspection Division. Each day: Separate punishable offense.

Building without a permit triggers a stop-work order from the Building Inspection Division and a misdemeanor citation; each day the unpermitted work continues is a separate offense punishable by fine.

Plumbing Permits

Richardson enforces the 2021 International Plumbing Code, with Appendices C and E, as the Richardson Plumbing Code under Sec. 6-287. Any plumbing work requires a permit through the Building Inspection Department, and the city has amended dozens of IPC sections to fit local conditions.

Key details: Adopted code: International Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition. Sewer depth minimum: 12 inches below grade. Water heater access: Required above 8 feet elevation. Storm drain design rainfall: 5 inches, 100-year hourly rate. Appeals body: Board of Adjustment.

Performing plumbing work, or changing tenancy or ownership of a building or lease space, without the required permit or certificate of occupancy violates the Richardson Plumbing Code. Failed inspections require correction and a paid reinspection fee before the Building Inspection Department will sign off, and unresolved code disputes are appealable only to the board of adjustment, not directly to municipal court.

Electrical Permits

Richardson requires a city-issued permit or contractor's voucher before any electrical wiring, fixture or equipment is installed, altered or repaired within city limits. All work must conform to the National Electrical Code, 2020 edition, adopted by ordinance and enforced by the building inspection department.

Key details: Permit authority: Building inspection department. Adopted code: National Electrical Code, 2020 edition. Late-start penalty: Permit fee doubled (Sec. 6-92). Cable restriction: NM/NMC/NMS limited to 1-2 family, multifamily. Contractor requirement: City registration + state license.

Working without a permit doubles the electrical permit fee under Sec. 6-92, in addition to other penalties this article allows. Electrical inspectors may order service disconnected where wiring is unsafe, unpermitted, or interferes with fire department operations (Sec. 6-74), and the building inspection department can withhold inspections, vouchers or permits from a registered contractor who fails to correct deficient work within ten days of written notice (Sec. 6-96). Interfering with an inspector's official duties is a separate offense under Sec. 6-76.

The Bottom Line

Richardson'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 Richardson is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Richardson's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.