Building Inspection Division
Permit/Voucher Program
Procedural Guidelines Permit/Voucher
The Permit/Voucher program allows a contractor, licensed in his/her trade, to replace and/or modify certain mechanical and plumbing equipment or re-roof existing buildings by installing a voucher sticker and filing the appropriate follow-up paperwork in lieu of obtaining a permit prior to installation and scheduling of an inspection. Due to the unexpected or inconvenient times this work may need to be performed, the program offers many benefits of saving time, money, and the ultimate convenience for the customer, contractors, and city staff.
Who can purchase the Permit/Vouchers?
Permit/Vouchers are non-transferable and non-refundable. They may be purchased only by licensed bonded or insured (as code requires) contractors in good standing with the City of Abilene.
The Process
Apply for participation in the program by signing and dating the Permit/Voucher Program Agreement after reading and agreeing to its terms. Vouchers may be purchased in groups of 5 with a maximum of 10 per contractor issued at one time. Additional vouchers may be purchased when forms for one or both of the first batches are returned. Upon installation of the equipment, the pre-numbered voucher sticker is to be applied to the appliance. A three-part form is provided for each sticker. The contractor must complete the v oucher/permit form in its entirety. The contractor retains the yellow copy, leaves the white copy for the c ustomer, and turns in the pink copy to Building Inspections where a permit will be written and assigned for follow-up inspection or permanent record of compliance. The form must be filed no later than the 5th day of the following month from which the voucher was used. Inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance to applicable law. Customer complaints will be inspected and any code violations handled in strict accordance of the law.
Applicable Uses
Permit/vouchers are permitted for the following installations:
- Water heater replacement *
- Water softener replacement
- A/C Condensing unit replacement
- Central heating unit replacement *
- Central refrigeration unit replacement, and
- Re-roofing applications of up to 40 squares where existing deck is in good condition and left in place
- Temporary Power Pole
Significant modifications or re-locations are not permitted under this program and the regular permit and inspection process shall be required. It is a benefit to place the voucher sticker where it can not be damaged and is easily recognized. Permit/voucher stickers shall be placed in a readily visible location on the appliance, as close to the manufacturer’s product identification/serial number placard as possible. Re-roofing vouchers are to be placed on the electrical meter can.
* Changing an appliance from gas to electric or electric to gas is considered a significant modification and standard permits and inspections are required.
Code Compliance Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the permit/voucher holder to know and comply with the codes and requirements of this program. Failure to comply can result in loss of this privilege and/or fines. Three consecutive rejects will result in loss of this privilege.
How to reinstate privileges
A written appeal to the appropriate board (Board of Building Standards for re-roofing, and the MPE Board for mechanical and plumbing) may be made for reinstatement within 30 days.
Limitations
There will be no refunds for the cost of the permit/vouchers whether they are lost, stolen, or for any other reasons. Vouchers are not transferable to another contractor for any reason. Any attempt to transfer will result in loss of privilege.
Who can purchase the Permit/Vouchers?
On the Permit/Voucher Form (printable version at bottom of page) is a space to identify who in your company has approval to obtain vouchers. This form must be on file prior to purchasing any voucher/permit stickers. When the vouchers are obtained, this name will be verified. If purchasing by mail, the vouchers will be mailed to the address of the company identified on the Contractor's Registration on file in Building Inspections.
Cost
Vouchers are sold in groups of 5 for a fee of $150.00. Each appliance or piece of equipment requires a separate voucher sticker. Vouchers may pay by check, cash, or charge, if a charge account has been set up and approved through the Accounting Department.
Printable Permit/Voucher Program Agreement
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you will need to download the latest version to view and print this form. There is no cost for the reader software.
Permit/Voucher Form (PDF - 8kb)
Commercial Permit Application (Word - 72kb)
