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Building Safety in Arlington, TX (2026)

7 verified building safety rules for Arlington, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Lead Paint

Federal and Texas rules require lead-based paint disclosures before sale or rent of pre-1978 housing in Arlington. Renovations must use EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting certified contractors and follow lead-safe work practices.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Renovation

Few Restrictions

U.S. EPA - Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program (Lead-Safe Certification Rule)

However, when painted surfaces are not maintained, paint can deteriorate, peel, chip or crack and become a hazard. Old or worn lead-based paint, especially on surfaces subject to constant friction like doors or window sills, can produce chips and dust that become a hazard when inhaled or ingested. Any renovation, repair or painting project in a pre-1978 home or building that has lead-based pain...

Elevator Maintenance

Elevators in Arlington fall under the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754 elevator program administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Annual inspections by licensed inspectors are required and reports must be on file with the building.

Elevator Inspection and Permit Rules

Light Restrictions

Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 754.019 (Elevators, Escalators, and Related Equipment — Duties of Owners)

Sec. 754.019. DUTIES OF OWNERS. (a) The owner shall: (1) have the equipment inspected annually by a registered elevator inspector, unless the equipment has been removed from service in accordance with commission rules; (2) obtain an inspection report from the inspector evidencing that all equipment in a building on the real property was inspected in accordance with this chapter and rules adopte...

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Arlington requires fire sprinkler systems in most new commercial buildings, multifamily structures, and certain large single-family homes under the locally adopted International Fire Code. Existing buildings undergoing major remodels may also need retrofits.

Fire Sprinkler Requirements in New Construction

Some Restrictions

Tex. Local Government Code Sec. 233.155 (Fire Sprinkler Systems - Local Authority Limits)

Sec. 233.155. ENFORCEMENT OF STANDARDS. (a) If proper notice is not submitted in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c), the county may take any or all of the following actions:(1) refer the inspector to the appropriate regulatory authority for discipline;(2) in a suit brought by the appropriate attorney representing the county in the district court, obtain appropriate injunctive relief to...

Childcare Center Rules

Arlington childcare centers must comply with the Texas Health and Human Services minimum standards plus local building, fire, and zoning codes. Inspections include fire egress, lead and asbestos checks, and outdoor play area safety before licensing.

Childcare Facility Building Safety Rules

Some Restrictions

Tex. Human Resources Code Sec. 42.041 (Child-Care Facility - License Required)

Sec. 42.041. REQUIRED LICENSE. (a) No person may operate a child-care facility or child-placing agency without a license issued by the department.(b) This section does not apply to:(1) a state-operated facility;(2) an agency foster home;(3) a facility that is operated in connection with a shopping center, business, religious organization, or establishment where children are cared for during sho...

Door Locking Hardware

Arlington commercial and multifamily buildings must follow International Building Code egress hardware rules so doors release in a single motion during emergencies. Special hardware is allowed for schools and daycares only when specific code conditions are met.

Door Locking Hardware and Egress Rules

Light Restrictions

Texas Property Code Sec. 92.153 and Sec. 92.156 (Security Devices)

Sec. 92.153. SECURITY DEVICES REQUIRED WITHOUT NECESSITY OF TENANT REQUEST. (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b), (e), (f), (g), and (h) and without necessity of request by the tenant, a dwelling must be equipped with: (1) a window latch on each exterior window of the dwelling; (2) a doorknob lock or keyed dead bolt on each exterior door; (3) a sliding door pin lock on each exterior slidin...

Green Building Code

Arlington enforces the International Energy Conservation Code and other International Code Council standards adopted by Chapter 10 of the City Code. Builders must meet insulation, air-sealing, and equipment efficiency thresholds before final inspections.

Energy and Green Building Code Adoption

Light Restrictions

Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 388.003 (Texas Building Energy Performance Standards)

Sec. 388.003. ADOPTION OF BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. (a) To achieve energy conservation in single-family residential construction, the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, is adopted as the energy code in this state for single-family residential construction. On September 1, 2016, the energy efficiency chapter of t...

Building Permits

In Arlington it is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a building permit from the city's Building Official. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are also required.

Arlington Building Permit Required Before Any Construction

Some Restrictions

Construction Chapter, Article IV, Section 4.02 — Commercial Site Plan and Permits Required

Section 4.02 Commercial Site Plan and Permits Required A. It shall be unlawful for any Registrant or person without first obtaining a separate building permit for such work from the Building Official: 1. to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure; ... Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing and mechanical work...

Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington city rules.

Building Safety in Tarrant County