Development & Planning FAQs
These FAQs answer common questions about permits, inspections, zoning, and planning in the City of Tyler. Scroll down to see more frequently asked questions.
Getting Started
This section covers the most common "Do I need a permit?" questions.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Yes. A permit is required for all retaining walls.
If the wall is over four feet in height, you must submit engineered plans that are signed and sealed by a licensed engineer.
Do I need a permit to replace sheetrock?
Yes, a permit is required even if you are only replacing sheetrock and not altering any walls or the structure.
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway?
A permit is required only if you are replacing the driveway approach, which is the section that connects your driveway to the street.
Driveway approaches must:
- Be at least four feet wide.
- Comply with City standards.
- Allow people to walk across the sidewalk safely.
- A plan must be approved before work begins.
Do I need a permit to remodel my pool?
It depends:
- No permit is needed if you’re only resurfacing the pool or replacing tile or coping.
- Yes, a permit is needed if you’re changing decking or electrical bonding.
Please remember, pool alarms and fences must also meet safety codes.
Do you have a list of third-party energy testers?
Applying for Permits
Once you know you need a permit, this section explains how to apply and what to expect.
How long does it take to review a building permit?
Once all documents are submitted correctly, the prescreening process takes up to two business days.
After that:
Please note that if staff requests corrections, the review time will restart.
When does a building permit expire?
Building permits are valid for six months from the issue date. If you are actively working and scheduling inspections, staff can extend the permit.
What are the ADA accessibility rules for Tyler?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) enforces accessibility for projects costing $50,000 or more. For more information, visit TDLR’s Architectural Barriers FAQ page.
What is COMcheck?
COMcheck is a free U.S. Department of Energy program that helps confirm commercial or tall residential buildings meet energy-code requirements.
How can I get electricity turned on at my business?
It depends on your situation:
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Same business use: You’ll need a Certificate of Occupancy.
-
New business use: You’ll need a review to confirm the space meets requirements. Submit floor plans, restroom counts, exits, and parking details.
-
Landlord without tenants: Apply for a Clean and Show permit.
Submit online your Certificate of Occupancy(PDF, 117KB) or a Clean and Show permit(PDF, 111KB).
Construction and Inspections
Find out when you can build, how to schedule inspections, and what happens after.
Is construction limited to certain hours?
Yes. According to City Code Section 4-90, construction near homes or hotels is limited to:
When will my inspection happen?
If your inspection was called in before 7 a.m. to the inspections line and meets all the requirements to proceed, it will most likely take place the same day. To verify inspection dates and results, log in to your eTRAKiT account.
My inspection failed. How do I find out what to fix?
Log in to your eTRAKiT account, open your permit, go to the Inspections tab, click More Info, and that is where you can read the Notes section for correction details.
How do I schedule another inspection?
Log in to eTRAKiT, select your permit, click on Request Inspection, choose the type and date, select Add Inspection, and then Submit. You will receive an email when it’s scheduled.
How do I know if my trades have pulled their permits and scheduled inspections?
Log in to your eTRAKiT account, open your permit, and look under the Permit Info tab to see linked trade permits and inspection details. Each trade must schedule its own inspections.
Property, Zoning, and Development
Learn how to find your property's zoning, setbacks, and other development details.
How can I tell if an address is inside the city limits?
Visit SmithCountyMapSite.org to see if a property is within the City of Tyler.
What are my property’s setbacks?
What is my property zoned?
Go to SmithCountyMapSite.org and type your address to see your zoning classification.
Can I have a certain type of business or activity on my property?
How long does a zoning change take?
It typically takes 45 to 60 days, due to required public notices, hearings, and staff review.
How long does it take to approve a subdivision plat?
Most first reviews are completed within 10 business days.
Final approval varies based on project size and the number of review rounds.
Can I get a copy of a plat?
Yes. You can obtain a copy at the Smith County Clerk’s Office, located at 200 E. Ferguson St., Suite 300, on the lower level.
Can I put a modular home on my property?
Yes, if your property is zoned for Residential Single-Family, modular homes must comply with the standards set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Learn more at TDLR.gov.
Can I put a shipping container home on my property?
Where are the water and sewer lines?
You can view where water and sewer line are at SmithCountyMapSite.org. Maps may be outdated, so confirm locations with City staff. For help, call the Water Service Center at (903) 531-1182.
Contractor Registration and Payments
This section explains how contractors can register with the City, link permits, and make payments through eTRAKiT.
Do I need my own permit, or can I use the general contractor’s?
You must have your own permit. Once approved, it will be linked to the general contractor’s permit.
If you’re not yet registered, submit the Master Registration Form(PDF, 109KB) and required documents.
I got a message that says, “Select Payment,” but I already paid. What should I do?
This task must be marked complete before your permit can be issued. We’ll verify payment and registration.
If any fees remain, log in to eTRAKiT, add them to your cart, and pay online.
Planning Department
Learn more about what the Planning Department handles and where to go for other issues.
What does the Planning Department do?
The Planning Department guides how Tyler grows and develops.
Main responsibilities include:
What does the Planning Department NOT do?
The Planning Department does not handle: