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1. What are the specifications for operating a business from my home?

Home occupations shall include any professional and personal services meeting the standards and criteria stated below, but shall not include activities at the premises involving retail and wholesale sales and services, automotive or similar repair businesses, automotive body repair businesses or other such similar businesses.

A permit is required from the Community Development Department of the City. The home occupation must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the dwelling unit.

A home occupation permit cannot be transferred through the sale, leasing, or rental of the premises on which said home occupation is located or in any other manner.

Application for a permit shall contain the following:
a) Name of applicant;
b) Location of residence where the home occupation will be conducted;
c) Total floor area of the residence;
d) Area of room or rooms to be utilized in the conduct of the home occupation;
e) A sketch with dimensions(s) showing the floor plan and the area to be utilized for the conduct of the home occupation; and
f) The exact nature of the home occupation.

Any person may seek revocation of a home occupation permit by making application the the City. In the event that the City determines that the permit holder is in violation, the permit shall be immediately revoked.

All home occupations shall comply with the following standards and criteria before permits can be issued:
a) The home occupation shall be conducted only within the principal building.
b) No more than one (1) additional person other than the residents residing on the premises shall be employed at the premises.
c) There shall be no alteration or change to the outside appearance, character, or use of the building or premises or other visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation, other than one sign not exceeding one (1) square foot in area, non-illuminated, mounted flat against the wall of the principal building.
d) No home occupation shall occupy more space than twenty percent (20%) of the total floor area of a residence, exclusive of any open porch, attached garage, or similar space not suited for or intended to be occupied as living quarters, provided, however, that in no event shall such home occupation occupy more than 500 sq ft.
e) No commodities or goods of any kind shall be sold on the premises, nor displayed on the premises for sale elsewhere.
f) No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation which creates noise, vibrations, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses outside the dwelling unit, nor shall there be any combustible materials located anywhere on the premises which might prove hazardous to the public's welfare. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises or causes fluctuations in live voltage off the premises.
g) No articles or materials used in connection with such home occupation shall be stored on the premises other than in the principal building so used; limits herein established; (sic) however, the heights of these structures or appurtenance thereto shall not exceed the height limitations within any airport flight approach zone.

To find out where Home Occupations are permitted in Chandler, please see the Zoning section of the City's Code of Ordinances. You may contact the Community Development Department for assistance at 9903)849-6853.

2. Does a contractor need to be registered in the City of Chandler?

No person shall engage in the business of contracting to furnish labor and materials for the erection, construction or repair of buildings, structures or signs for which a building permit is required without first obtaining an annual license.

Any person desiring to construct or repair a structure owned by that person and who personally performs such work shall not be required to obtain the required license, but shall be required to obtain the customary permit.

3. Where do I get a Tax ID number?

For tax ID number information, you will need to contact the state comptroller's office at (800)252-5555.

4. What information do you need to submit for a building permit?

RESIDENTIAL

Three (3) copies of the following documentation:
a) Site plan(showing drainage arrows/grading and elevations for all four walls)
b) Floor plan
c) Energy code compliance document
d) Completed application

COMMERCIAL

Three (3) copies of the following documentation:
a) Architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans
b) Foundation plans
c) Floor plans showing each room, proposed use, square footage of each area and exits
d) Wall section and elevations
e) Roof framing plan
f) Texas registered professional/engineer's seal and signature is required on structural pages
g) Approved site plan

Provide project number to confirm that the construction has been registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standard

REMODEL OR INTERIOR FINISH-OUT PERMITS

Three (3) sets of construction plans containing:
a) Plot plan showing off-street parking, existing building and address key
b) Floor plan showing each room, proposed use, square footage of each area and exits
c) Typical detail of non-bearing walls to be constructed
d) Electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans
e) Written confirmation that an asbestos inspection/survey has been conducted of the space to be renovated.

5. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

The City of Chandler does not currently require a permit for garage sales.

6. Is a permit required for a fence?

Yes, a permit is required with a site plan submitted showing the location of the fence. Privacy fences may be no more than eight feet in height. For additional regulations, see Code of Ordinances, Article 3.07.

7. Is a permit required for a swimming pool?

Both in-ground and above-ground pools require permits as provided for in the City Code of Ordinances, Article 3.08.

8. What telephone number can I call to request an inspection?

Inspections are requested by calling City Hall (903) 849-6853 or (903) 571-3885.

9. What is the ordinance for sign placement and are permits required?

Yes, permits are required. Please contact Building Permits and Inspections at (903)849-6853.

10. What codes does the City currently use?

The City of Chandler currently uses the following codes: 

• 2009 International Building Code,
•  2009 International Residential Code, 
• 2009 International Plumbing Code, 
• 2009 International Mechanical Code, 
• 2009 International Energy Conservation Code,
• 2011 National Electric Code.