Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a Magnolia address; does it mean that I live in the City Limits of Magnolia?
A: The City of Magnolia city limits are approx. 4.5 square miles and the ETJ (Extra Territorial Jurisdiction) is a half mile beyond that. The Magnolia mailing address is much larger than our city limits. Please call if you are unsure as to whether you are in the city limits.
Q: Do I have to get a permit for my sign?
A: Nearly all signs in the City of Magnolia (and in our ETJ) need to be permitted. Please contact our permit department to find out if you need to apply for a sign permit.
Q: Do I have to renew my sign permit every year?
A: Yes, you have to renew the sign operating permit every year. Sign permits expire on the 1st of April and the renewal cost is $25 per seven signs on the property of the business.
Q: I want to put up a sign advertising my business on someone else’s property is that allowed (Off-Premise sign)?
A: According to our sign ordinance #344, no new off-premise signs are allowed in the City or the ETJ.
Q: I would like to put a second home on my property. What do I need to do?
A: The first thing you need to do is subdivide the property. There cannot be two homes on one property. Subdividing property requires the process of replatting and that can be lengthy so please start early if you plan on doing this!
Q: I am moving my business into the City of Magnolia in a rented out/existing building. What do I need to do?
A: If you are making any alterations to the building beyond cosmetic, you will need to submit plans along with an application for a building permit. If you are just moving into the building without doing any kind of work on it, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. All new businesses have to apply for the Certificate of Occupancy even if they are not doing any work on the building. Our inspector will come out and inspect the building to make sure it is safe (according to the building code) for occupancy. This inspection does not include the health department or the Fire Marshal!
Please contact Montgomery County to schedule appointments with the Health Dept. and the Fire Marshal.
Q: How long does it take to get a permit approved?
A: Permit approval usually takes about two weeks depending on the project or if any revisions are needed. In that case, it could take longer.
Q: Do I have to get a permit to install a water heater in my home?
A: Yes. State law requires that the City perform an inspection of water heater replacements. If hiring a contractor to replace your water heater (gas or electric), the plumber must obtain a permit before the work is performed (unless it is an emergency replacement being done while the permit office is closed) and make sure an approved final inspection from the City is obtained. If the permit cannot be obtained before the work is performed due to the permit office being closed, a permit must be obtained on the next business day. The work must comply with the current codes and ordinances.
Q: How long is my permit good for after being issued?
A: Permits expire 180 days from the date of issuance or the date of your last inspection.
Q: What is Platting?
A: A plat provides for the subdivision of land that can be legally defined (i.e. Lot 29, block 19 of the Happy Trails subdivision). Subdivision plats are required to show how land will be subdivided. The plat must reflect adequate streets and right-of-way for the project. The plat is checked to assure it abides by all development rules.
Undeveloped land must be platted before development occurs. If land is platted, it can be replatted to further subdivide the existing subdivision plat or change the use of the property (i.e. from single-family to multi-family). Typically, a replat will make changes to the layout of lots, reserves, building setback lines and easements.