Code Enforcement Permits & Licenses
Available Permits
The Farmers Branch Code Enforcement Division is part of the Community Services Department. In addition to enforcing various codes, Code Enforcement also oversees several different permit and licensing programs. Below is a brief description of the programs Code Enforcement manages the following:
For more information, contact Code Enforcement.
- Garage Sales
- On-Demand Storage Containers
- Single-Family Rental
- Short-Term Rental
- Multi-Family Rental
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Garage Sales
- On-Demand Storage Containers
- Single-Family Rental
- Short-Term Rental
- Multi-Family Rental
- Certificate of Occupancy
Garage Sales
The Farmers Branch Code of Ordinances provides regulations for garage sales, including the following:
- Garage sale codes also include yard sales, patio sales, sample sales, rummage sales, and estate sales.
- Our codes allow a maximum of two garage sales per year, each not exceeding three consecutive days. Each garage sale must be at least seven days apart.
- Garage sale signs may be placed on any residential property with permission from the owner/occupant of the property.
- Garage sale signs may be placed on residential property one day in advance of the sale and must be removed within one day following the sale.
- Garage sale signs cannot be placed closer than ten feet to any public road.
- Garage sale signs cannot exceed three square feet in area.
- Garage sales are not to be used for operating businesses out of homes.
- Registration is required to hold a garage sale. Register online or download the form.
- To view a report of all permitted garage sales, residents can visit the Citizen Self Service portal.
On-Demand Storage Container Permit
Some residents and businesses order large storage containers to be temporarily placed on their property to store personal belongings, business inventory or to prepare for a move. These containers are legal in Farmers Branch but they require a permit to be placed. Certain regulations also apply to ensure the containers don't create a hazard for the neighborhood.
- Permit Fee: Varies by location
- When to Apply: Before your container is delivered
- Email questions to Code Enforcement
- Visit the On-Demand Storage Permits page
- Apply for an On-Demand Storage Container Permit
Single-Family Rental Permit
To get a Single-Family Rental License, visit our self-service website.
Short-Term Rental Permit
Short-term rentals are dwellings that are rented for 30 days or less. These rental properties are usually listed on websites like Airbnb and VRBO and are typically an alternative to hotel rooms for travelers.
A Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) is required to use a home as a short-term rental property, and an inspection of the property is typically required before a license can be issued. The City uses a third-party company called Host Compliance to issue and track STRPs, though all inspections are performed by City Code Enforcement staff.
- Application Fee: $120 per year
- When to Apply: Before advertising your property for rent
- Email questions to Code Enforcement
- Visit the Short-Term Rental Permit page
- Apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit
Multi-Family Rental Permit
Properties with three dwelling units or more require a Multi-Family Rental Permit (MFRP) to legally operate in Farmers Branch. This includes triplexes, quadplexes and apartment complexes. MFRPs expire every year on December 31, regardless of when they were issued.
We inspect Multi-family properties every year as a condition of their annual permit. The age of a complex determines the number of dwelling units we inspect. The Code Enforcement Division typically notifies property owners or managers of their annual inspection two weeks in advance so that tenants can be given proper notice. Code violations we find during these inspections incur an inspection fee of $150 per unit in violation and per building in violation.
To obtain or renew a Multi-Family Rental License, the property owner or manager must do all of the following:
- Complete and submit a Multi-Family Rental License Application
- Pay the required license fee of $13 per dwelling unit
- Pay the required inspection fee
- Contact Code Enforcement by email or phone at 972-919-1414 to apply
Fees and Deadlines
- Application Fee: $13 per dwelling unit
- Inspection Fee: $150 per unit in violation and per building structure in violation
- New Licenses Issued: January 1 every year
- License Expiration: December 31 each year
- Email questions to Code Enforcement
Certificate of Occupancy
A Certificate of Occupancy is required for commercial properties. Apply in our self-service portal.