What do these permits involve in Kaufman County?

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Fire Code Building Permit (unincorporated Kaufman County)

A business that builds in unincorporated Kaufman County needs a building permit from the Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office. The Fire Marshal's Building Permits page states that a building permit application is required to "construct a new building, substantially improve an existing building, or change the use or occupancy type of an existing building", and that "All plans submitted to the Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office must be stamped by a licensed design professional (architect or engineer)." The page gives the fee formula as gross square footage times the cost per square foot times .003 (0.3%). The Building Permit Fee Schedule in the county's adopted fire code uses the same formula with the ICC Building Valuation Data cost per square foot, and Step 4 states: "The minimum fee for a building permit is $500." The code adds that the building permit fee includes the initial Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance, and that the owner is responsible for renewing the Certificate of Occupancy annually, at which time the annual fire inspection is conducted. Per the code's fee table, a change of occupancy classification and a substantial improvement are charged the building permit fee. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office, 469-376-4122. The figures are as printed in the fee tables of the county's adopted fire code, published on the Fire Marshal's Helpful Resources page as "2024 IFC Amendments" and headed "Kaufman County Fire Marshal Permit Fee approved Oct 29, 2024". This applies in unincorporated Kaufman County: the fire code states that it "applies to the unincorporated areas of Kaufman County, Texas". A business inside Forney, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall or another city should contact that city about its own requirements.

Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance (new business or change of ownership)

A business opening in an existing building in unincorporated Kaufman County needs a Certificate of Occupancy from the Fire Marshal's Office. The Fire Marshal's Certificate of Occupancy page states: "All public buildings, commercial establishments, and residential buildings with four or more units are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Fire Marshal's Office before occupying the building." A new certificate is required when a new business will operate in the building or space, or when the ownership of an existing building or business changes. Per the same page, a business that has already applied for a building permit receives its certificate at the final inspection, and the page sets out exceptions for home offices and for home businesses without employees or customers on site. Per the fee table in the county's adopted fire code, a new Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance for a new business or change of ownership in the same occupancy class as before is $200, and occupying a building without obtaining a new C.O. adds $100 on top of the new C.O. fee. The page also states that public buildings and commercial establishments must renew the certificate annually: a fire inspector inspects the building, and "Upon passing the inspection, the Certificate of Occupancy will be renewed for a period of one year." Contact the Fire Marshal's Office, 469-376-4122, for the renewal amount. The figures are as printed in the fee tables of the county's adopted fire code, published on the Fire Marshal's Helpful Resources page as "2024 IFC Amendments" and headed "Kaufman County Fire Marshal Permit Fee approved Oct 29, 2024". This applies in unincorporated Kaufman County: the fire code states that it "applies to the unincorporated areas of Kaufman County, Texas". A business inside Forney, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall or another city should contact that city about its own requirements.

Fire Construction Permits (hood suppression, sprinkler, alarm, tenant finish-out)

Fire protection work and tenant build-outs in unincorporated Kaufman County need a construction permit from the Fire Marshal's Office. The Fire Marshal's Construction Permits page states that a construction permit application is required to install, modify, or remove any system or equipment permitted under the fire code, and that "All plans submitted to the Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office must be stamped by a licensed design professional (architect or engineer)." Per the construction permit table in the county's adopted fire code: an automatic fire-extinguishing system (installation, modification), such as a restaurant or coffee shop kitchen hood system, is $255; an automatic sprinkler system is $340 under 250 heads and $425 over 250 heads; a fire alarm and detection system is $340 under 250 heads or devices and $425 at 250 or more; a Tenant Finish Out (modification of tenant space) is $340; and installing or modifying a motor vehicle repair room or booth is $255. The contractor doing the work usually applies. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office, 469-376-4122. The figures are as printed in the fee tables of the county's adopted fire code, published on the Fire Marshal's Helpful Resources page as "2024 IFC Amendments" and headed "Kaufman County Fire Marshal Permit Fee approved Oct 29, 2024". This applies in unincorporated Kaufman County: the fire code states that it "applies to the unincorporated areas of Kaufman County, Texas". A business inside Forney, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall or another city should contact that city about its own requirements.

On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Permit

A business on a septic system in unincorporated Kaufman County needs an OSSF permit from Kaufman County Development Services. The On-Site Sewage Facilities page states: "Kaufman County requires Septic Systems to be permitted prior to be being put into operation." The Development Services FAQ says "Kaufman County is an Authorized Agent" of the TCEQ, that "Kaufman County requires 1 acre of usable space", that any work on an OSSF must be done by a licensed installer, and that maintenance contracts on aerobic systems "must be submitted to Development Services 30 days prior to the expiration of previous contract". The FAQ adds that the cities of Oak Ridge and Terrell are authorized agents for their own city limits, and that Development Services handles all other city limits. Section 12 of the county's OSSF order, passed December 23, 2019 and approved by TCEQ on February 11, 2022, states that fees are payable to Kaufman County and that "A fee of $10 will also be collected for each on-site sewage facility permit to be paid to the credit of the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account". The county's Subdivision and Land Development Regulations state: "Annual BOD/ TSS testing is required for any non-residential OSSF". Contact Development Services, (469) 376-4127.

Floodplain Development Permit (unincorporated Kaufman County)

A business developing land in a FEMA-mapped floodplain in unincorporated Kaufman County needs a Floodplain Development Permit from Kaufman County Development Services. The Engineering Department page states: "A Flood Plain Permit is required any time development occurs in any unincorporated area designated by the FEMA map to be in a flood plain." The county's Floodplain Order, effective January 2023, states that "A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this order" and provides for reasonable fees as set by the Commissioners Court. Per the minutes of the Commissioners Court regular meeting of April 8, 2025, the court approved fee changes adopting in-house floodplain permits and review fees. The Floodplain Management Program Fee Schedule (marked "Original 3/31/2025"), linked from the county's current Engineering Department page, sets a Single Family permit at $500, a Minor permit at $1,500 and a Major permit at $2,500, where Major covers "Activities & Development Projects causing Major impacts to the Floodplain, such as Clearing/Grading, Tree Removal, Infrastructure, or Adding more than 5 Buildings or Other Support Structures." A drainage study is $300, an H&H study $2,500 when required, and a FEMA map modification submittal $1,700. Contact Development Services, (469) 376-4127.

Stormwater Management Permit and Stormwater Maintenance Permit (commercial)

Commercial development in unincorporated Kaufman County goes through stormwater review by Kaufman County Development Services. The Stormwater Management page states: "Kaufman County requires a review of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)." Per the minutes of the Commissioners Court regular meeting of April 22, 2025, the court approved new fees associated with the Stormwater Management Program. The Stormwater Management Program Fee Schedule (marked "Original 4/9/2025"), linked from the county's current Stormwater Management page, prices a Stormwater Management Permit for commercial and industrial developments of less than 1 acre at $500 with additional reviews at $150, and for commercial, industrial and subdivision developments of greater than 1 acre at $650 with additional reviews at $200; a noncompliance follow-up inspection is $350 each and a failed stabilization or reinspection $150 each. After construction, a commercial Stormwater Maintenance Permit is $500 initially, and its renewal is $250 while active or $500 once expired. Ask Development Services at stormwater@kaufmancounty.net whether a project needs the permit. Contact Development Services, (469) 376-4127.

Culvert (Driveway) Permit — County Right-of-Way

A business that installs a driveway or culvert in a Kaufman County road right-of-way needs a culvert permit. The Culvert Permits page of Kaufman County Development Services states: "A culvert permit is required for the installation of driveways and culverts within the County Right-of-Way, as stated in the Kaufman County Subdivision and Land Regulations; Section 11.03." The applicant returns the application and fee to Development Services, which forwards it to the Commissioner of the precinct where the property is located; the Commissioner's office determines the culvert size and contacts the applicant, usually within 3 to 5 business days. Development Services does not install culverts. The page states that the permit "will expire 12 months from the date of issuance". The Development Services Payments page lists the culvert payment as "Total Amount due: $75.00". This applies to county roads, not to state highways or city streets. Contact Development Services, (469) 376-4127.

911 Address Application

A new business location in unincorporated Kaufman County that needs a street address applies to Kaufman County Development Services for a 911 address. The Development Services Payments page states: "An Address Application is required for a new address. Submit a completed application and required forms (deed and survey) or bring into our Development Services office." The same page lists the address payment as "Total Amount Due: $40.00". After the payment is posted, Development Services sends the address assignment letter. Development Services, 101 N. Houston Street, Kaufman, is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, closed from noon to 1 pm. Contact Development Services, (469) 376-4127 or publicworks@kaufmancounty.net.

Permit	Issuing agency	Fee	Renews	Last checked
Fire Code Building Permit (unincorporated Kaufman County)only if it applies to you	Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office	Gross square footage x ICC Building Valuation Data cost per square foot x 0.003; the minimum fee for a building permit is $500. The fee includes the initial Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance.	per project	2026-10-31
Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance (new business or change of ownership)	Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office	$200 per new Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Compliance for a new business or change of ownership in the same occupancy class; occupying a building without obtaining a new C.O. adds $100 on top of the new C.O. fee	renewed annually after a fire inspection ("renewed for a period of one year", Certificate of Occupancy page)	2026-10-31
Fire Construction Permits (hood suppression, sprinkler, alarm, tenant finish-out)only if it applies to you	Kaufman County Fire Marshal's Office	Automatic fire-extinguishing system (installation, modification), such as a kitchen hood system, $255; automatic sprinkler system (< 250 heads) $340, (> 250 heads) $425; fire alarm and detection system and related equipment (less than 250 heads/devices) $340, (250 heads/devices or more) $425; Tenant Finish Out (modification of tenant space) $340; motor vehicle repair rooms and booths (install, modify) $255.	per permit (each installation or modification)	2026-10-31
On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Permitonly if it applies to you	Kaufman County Development Services	A $10 state fee for each OSSF permit, paid to the credit of the TCEQ Water Resources Management Account (OSSF order section 12). The county's own permit fee is not published in the order, on the On-Site Sewage Facilities page or in the Development Services FAQ; contact Development Services for the current amount.	per system; aerobic system maintenance contracts must be submitted 30 days before the previous contract expires	2026-10-31
Floodplain Development Permit (unincorporated Kaufman County)only if it applies to you	Kaufman County Development Services	Single Family (up to one single family residential home or building structure) $500; Minor ("Activities & Development Projects causing Minor impacts to the Floodplain, such as Clearing/Grading, Tree Removal, Adding up to 5 Buildings or Other Support Structures") $1,500; Major ("Activities & Development Projects causing Major impacts to the Floodplain, such as Clearing/Grading, Tree Removal, Infrastructure, or Adding more than 5 Buildings or Other Support Structures") $2,500. Drainage Study $300; Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Study $2,500 when required by the Certified Floodplain Manager/Engineer; Regulatory FEMA map modifications (CLOMR, LOMR, LOMR-F, etc.) $1,700. Applicants also cover 3rd party review fees if applicable, and additional reviews (3 or more) due to required corrections require an additional Permit/Review Fee submittal per review.	per project	2026-10-31
Stormwater Management Permit and Stormwater Maintenance Permit (commercial)only if it applies to you	Kaufman County Development Services	Stormwater Management Permit, Commercial & Industrial Developments less than 1 acre: application $500, additional reviews $150; Commercial, Industrial & Subdivision Developments greater than 1 acre: application $650, additional reviews $200. Noncompliance follow-up inspection $350 each; failed stabilization/reinspection $150 each. Post-construction Stormwater Maintenance Permit (Commercial / Industrial / Subdivision): initial $500; renewal $250 (active) or $500 (expired). The application fee includes the initial document review, 1 additional review and 1 final stabilization inspection.	per project for the Stormwater Management Permit; the Stormwater Maintenance Permit is renewed	2026-10-31
Culvert (Driveway) Permit — County Right-of-Wayonly if it applies to you	Kaufman County Development Services	$75 per culvert permit ("Total Amount due: $75.00", Development Services Payments page)	expires 12 months from the date of issuance	2026-10-31
911 Address Applicationonly if it applies to you	Kaufman County Development Services	$40 per address application ("Total Amount Due: $40.00", Development Services Payments page)	one-time, per new address	2026-10-31

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