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Storm Property Damages
Public advised to utilize professionals in repairs and refurbishing
As the reconstruction of homes and businesses is now in effect to address the damages the recent Storm has left behind, the Development Services Department reminds the public that professional results can be obtained when using a contractor that is registered and bonded.
Contact DSD first
When initiating the reconstruction of property, it is important to remember most construction work does require permits, and that the Building Permits and Inspections Division is on-hand at 541-4558 to provide any information regarding project building code requirements.
A great deal of the damage to properties has been with electrical systems, both residential and commercial. Motors, switches, relays, receptacles and wiring have been waterlogged and are failing, arcing or shorting out, causing a loss of electrical service or fire hazard. Flood damaged electrical service and devices require a registered and bonded electrician to evaluate the extent of the damage and install replacement parts.
Many Natural gas systems in structures have been damaged, causing the piping to become contaminated. The result of this contamination is causing regulators and meters to become inoperative and therefore in need replacement. This replacement requires a plumbing contractor or Gas company technician to do the work.
Similarly water piping and sewer lines that were displaced or broken require a plumbing contractor to replace them. The water line repairs require inspection to assure proper connection to maintain a potable water system. The sewer lines also require inspection to maintain proper sanitation and disposal.
The City of El Paso will be field checking workmen or contractors for City registration and bond status. This field check will apply to out of town contractors or tradesmen as well as local tradesmen. Ask the person doing your repair work if they are registered and bonded with the city. Use those contractors who are. Although there is an urgency to get repairs started, it should not be done at the risk of having unprofessional work or non-compliant work performed.
Some of the storm damage repair work that would not require permits is:
RESIDENTIAL work that involves:
- accessory structures less than 200 SF in floor area
- retaining walls not over 4' in height measured from the bottom of the footing
- fences, other than rock wall fences, not over 6' in height
- sidewalks or driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- cabinets, painting, tiling, other similar finish work
COMMERICAL work that involves:
- accessory structures less than 120 SF in floor area
- retaining walls not over 4' in height measured from the bottom of the footing
- fences, other than rock wall fences, not over 6' in height
- sidewalks or driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 6' high
- Painting, tiling, other similar finish work.
By contacting DSD, any uncertainty about a tradesman's registration or bonding information can be clarified. Using contractors that are registered or licensed will facilitate the repair and refurbishing of your home or business.
- A contractor must be registered with the City for permit issuance from the Building Permits and Inspections Division (BP& I)
- To check if a contractor is registered, contact DSD or click on the following link, http://www.elpasotexas.gov/building_services/contractor2.asp
- DSD will verify and clarify all building information needed
- Most permits for storm damage repairs have minimum fees and are expedited, allowing work to start quickly.
For more information please contact the DSD Business Center at
541-4600 or 541-4700
 Print Version
Newsletter produced by the City Communications & Public Affairs Office.
If you would like to subscribe to receive the Community Newsletter,
send an email to communitynewsletter@elpasotexas.gov, with your name and email address.
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