RULES AND REPORTING FORMS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

In 2009, the Texas Legislature abolished the Texas Residential Construction Commission, eliminating State enforcement of statewide building codes - including building codes outside cities' jurisdictions.

In its place, the Legislature approved a law that allows counties limited, permissive authority to enforce building codes in the unincorporated area.  Tarrant County adopted these provisions on September 1, 2009.

Therefore, after September 1, 2009, in unincorporated areas of Tarrant County, all new residential structures and improvements to existing residential structures that increase the square footage or value by more than 50 percent shall be constructed to the International Building Code (IBC).   If a city has adopted building codes in their extra-territorial jurisdiction then the municipal regulation applies there.
 

Tarrant County does not have inspection authority or responsibility for residences and can not charge fees; instead the builder is required to:

            1. Notify the county of the location, approximate date of completion and version of IBC utilized for the new residential construction (see Notice of  Residential Construction in Unincorporated Area form);

            2. Obtain three inspections during different phases of the construction.

            3. Submit a notice of the inspections to the county and to the person for whom the new residence is being built, demonstrating compliance or non-compliance with the applicable building code, which is done by the inspectors (see Notice of Residential Construction Inspection Compliance in Unincorporated Area form).
 

Failure to obtain the inspections is a Class C misdemeanor and Tarrant County may also file for an injunction against a builder who does not file these required forms.

The required submittal of these forms do not apply to multi-family structures, manufactured, or modular housing, or to a builder who intends to occupy the residence themselves.

The forms can be completed on-line via email.  Alternatively, you can print them out and mail to:

Transportation Services
100 E. Weatherford St. Room 404
Fort Worth, Texas, 76196

If you have any questions, please contact Trasportation Services at 817-884-1250.