Permits and Inspections

Responsibilities

The Inspections Division is responsible for ensuring that all new commercial establishments and public buildings in unincorporated Kaufman County are built in compliance with the adopted Fire Code and that all existing buildings are maintained to prevent fire and life safety hazards.

Code Requirements

Kaufman County has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code with amendments.

Licensed Design Professional Requirement

Per Texas Occupations Code 1001.402 and 1051.551, Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office shall not accept any plans that are required to be prepared by a licensed design professional (engineer or architect) and do not bear the engineer’s or architect’s seal. Please ensure that any plans submitted for review bear the appropriate seals.

Access your Portal

Kaufman County Permits Opens in new window

  • Apply for permits, 
  • View your property records,
  • Schedule an inspection,
  • Submit third-party ITM reports.

Determine what year the building was built. It may be helpful to look up your property on the Kaufman Central Appraisal District website.

Buildings built in 2006 or earlier:

  1. If there will be a change in ownership, but the use / occupancy type of the building will remain the same, you will need to apply for a new Certificate of Occupancy.
  2. If there will be a change in use or occupancy type, you will need to apply for a building permit.
  3. If there will be a change in both use / occupancy type and ownership, you will need to apply for a building permit.

Buildings built in 2007 or later:

  1. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office to determine if a building permit is on file for the address.
  2. If a building permit is not on file, you will need to apply for a building permit.
  3. If a building permit is on file, and you will be changing the building's use or occupancy type, you will need to apply for a building permit.
  4. If a building permit is on file, and there is no change in use / occupancy type, but there will be a change in ownership, you will need to apply for a new Certificate of Occupancy.
  5. If a building permit is on file, and your Certificate of Occupancy expired more than one year ago, you will need to apply for a new Certificate of Occupancy.
  6. If a building permit is on file, and your Certificate of Occupancy is about to expire or has expired within the last year, you will need to renew your Certificate of Occupancy.