Foundation repair permits in Arlington and nearby cities

Each city around Arlington writes its own rules for foundation work, and they don't all publish the same detail. Here's what we found for each, and where we couldn't confirm something we say so.

Arlington

The City of Arlington has required building permits for structural repairs to foundations since November 1, 2011, according to its Permitting & Inspections page. The city points to its technical bulletins for details, which we haven't reviewed, so call Planning and Development Services at 817-459-6502 (City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 2nd floor) to confirm what your repair needs. Permits are handled online through ArlingtonPermits.com. The city's December 2024 DIY permit guide also points residents to that department for anything it doesn't cover.

Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie is the most explicit. Its residential permit page says any foundation repair needs an approved permit from the Building Inspections Division. Its foundation repair permit page lists what to submit:

• A stamped engineer's letter and plans showing where the affected areas are, and whether plumbing lines will need testing
• Separate permits for any water, sewer or gas line repairs
• Property details, the owner and contractor, the scope and square footage, and the job's value

Applications go through the city's online self-service portal, and the city says review takes about 5 to 10 business days. Building Inspections: 972-237-8230.

Mansfield

Mansfield's local amendments to the 2018 International Residential Code require any foundation the code regulates, including an addition to an existing foundation, to be designed and sealed by a Texas-registered engineer. That wording is aimed at foundations being built or added to. We didn't find a Mansfield document that applies it to repairs, so ask the city's Building Safety department what your repair needs.

Kennedale

We didn't find a published foundation repair checklist for Kennedale. Its monthly permit reports do show foundation work going through the city: the August 2023 report lists a single-family remodel permit to adjust piers, reshim and add drainage, valued at $13,102.60 with a $90 permit fee. Ask Kennedale's Community Development department how it handles yours.

Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens

Pantego says most construction or repair projects need a permit, with wall coverings, floor coverings and minor repairs as the exceptions. Contractors pulling a permit for an owner first register through the town's online portal. Building: 817-617-3700.

Dalworthington Gardens' residential permit packet requires every contractor to register with the city before work starts, and says foundation plans must be certified by a structural engineer and inspected by one. The packet covers residential permits in general, so ask the city at 817-274-7368 how that applies to a repair.

Checking an engineer

When a city asks for an engineer's seal, the engineer has to hold a Texas license. You can look anyone up by name or license number on the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors' public roster.