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1. What codes does the City currently use?

The City of Burleson currently uses the following codes: 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code, 2015 International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 International Fire Code, 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2017 National Electric Code (NEC).

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

A Home Occupation, as defined by the City of Burleson's Code of Ordinances, is an occupation in a dwelling unit that meets the following qualifications: 

1. No person other than members of the family residing on the premises are engaged in the occupation on the premises. 

2. The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation is clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants, and not more than 250 square feet of floor area of the dwelling unit are used in the conduct of the home occupation. 

3. There is no visible evidence of the conduct of the home occupation from outside the building. 

4. The home occupation is not conducted in an accessory building. 

5. Any sales in connection with the home occupation are clearly secondary, and there are no sales from the dwelling. 

6. Traffic is not generated by the home occupation in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood, and any need for parking generated by the conduct of the home occupation is met off the street and other than in a required front yard. 

7. Equipment, processes or work is not used or conducted in the home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment, process or work is used or conducted which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuation in line voltage off the premises. 

8. The following occupations are specifically excluded as home occupations: operation of beauty culture schools, beauty parlors, barber shops, lawn mower or other small engine repair, automotive repair, television, radio, or electronic repair and bicycle repair. 

To find out where in Burleson Home Occupations are permitted, please see the Zoning section of the City's Code of Ordinances. You may contact the Development Services Department for assistance at 817-426-9611.

Code of Ordinances

3. What is the fax number for Building Inspections?

The fax number for Building Inspections is 817-426-9362.

4. What is required to register as a contractor with the City of Burleson?

The City of Burleson requires registration for the following contractors: electricians, mechanical, plumbing, irrigation, back flow testers, and fire prevention. The following lists the required documents for each type of registration: 

Electrician: Copy of state license, Copy of current driver's license, Proof of insurance and Registration form

Mechanical: $100 fee, Copy of state license, Copy of current driver's license, Proof of insurance and Registration form

Plumbing: Copy of State license, Copy of current driver's license and Registration form 

Irrigation: Copy of State license, Copy of current driver's license, Proof of insurance and Registration form 

Back flow testers: Back flow certification card, Copy of current driver's license, Current meter calibration certificate, General liability insurance and Registration forms for Company and Tester.

Fire Prevention: $50 Fee (except for fire alarm), Copy of State license, Proof of insurance, Completed application form 

Please note: A completed form consists of business name, address, phone number, register's name, address, email address, and phone number.

Contractor Registration Application

5. Where do I get a Certificate of Occupancy, register my business, and get a tax ID number?

The City of Burleson requires a new business or business that changes ownership to fill out a Certificate of Occupancy form. An inspection is required to receive permanent power. There is a charge based on square footage. For tax ID number information, you will need to contact the state comptroller's office at 800-252-5555. For information on registering a business name, contact the Johnson County court clerk's office at 817-556-6323. Certificate of Occupancy Form

6. Do I need a permit for a garage sale and if so how do I obtain one?

The City of Burleson requires a permit for garage sales. More information is available on the Garage Sales Information page.

No more than one sign shall be posted on any residential property advertising such sales.

No more than three signs shall be allowed for each permit issued.

Signs can not be placed on utility poles or on any state rights of way and may not be closer than 10 feet to the street pavement. Signs cannot be placed on vehicles. Additional sign(s) placed off premise must be on privately owned, developed, occupied property, subject to permission of the property owner.

Sales are limited to two per calendar year and are not to exceed three consecutive days in length.

Any sign in violation of the regulations is subject to removal by City ordinance, and the related sale holder will be cited.

On-premise signs may be posted 24 hours before the sale, but must be taken down within 24 hours after the sale.

Permits may be obtained at City Hall in the Building Permits and Inspections Office. Call 817-426-9632 for more information. Garage Sale Information

7. Is a permit required for a storage building?

The City of Burleson requires a permit for storage buildings.
Requirements are as follows:

Provide street address

Note location of adjacent street(s)

Identify primary structure

Provide dimensions of proposed accessory structure

Note location and width of any utility easements

Note location of any other accessory structures, including swimming pools

Note setbacks from property lines and adjacent structure(s)

Minimum setbacks are as follows:

Rear: May abut, but not encroach into utility easement. If there is no rear yard easement, minimum rear setback is (3') three feet.

Side (interior lot lines): May abut, but not encroach into utility easement. If there is no side yard easement, minimum side setback is (3') three feet

Side (adjacent to side street): Structure must be set back at least 10 feet from a side property line adjacent to a side street. If a platted building line greater than 10 feet is in place, structure must be located at, or behind platted line.

Separation between primary and accessory structures: Separation between these structures must be at least 10 feet.

Permits may be purchased at City Hall in the Building Permits and Inspections Department. Call 817-426-9632 for more information.

8. Is a permit required for a fence?

Yes, a permit is required. Privacy fences may be no more than eight feet in height. For additional regulations, see Code of Ordinances, Chapter 36.

Code of Ordinances

9. Is a permit required for a swimming pool?

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

Swimming Pool Requirements

10. How can I request an inspection?

There are two ways to request an inspection: online through the City website or by calling the inspection request line number 817-426-9636. This is an automated line. You will need to provide your name, contact number, address being inspected, the type of inspection, and the application number. Your inspection request must be submitted by 8:00 p.m. the day before you need your inspection.


Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inspections are performed between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you need to cancel or re-schedule a scheduled inspection please call 817-426-9632.

You can now view the requested inspections each day as well as the results of the previous days inspections.

11. Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

The total height of a new or reconstructed retaining wall, and the proximity to permanent construction determines if a permit will be required.  This table provides the guidelines to determine when a permit is needed.  For more information on retaining walls, please contact Building Permits and Inspections at 817-426-9632.

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

Yes, permits are required. Please contact Building Permits and Inspections at 817-426-9632.

Code of Ordinances