Effective September 1, 2025, in accordance with S.B. 1202 and S.B. 1252 of the Texas 89th Legislature, the procedures outlined below must be followed when a home back-up power system installer chooses to engage a third-party provider (TPP) for plan review and inspection services. Home back-up power systems include generators and energy storage systems; however, this does not include power production systems, such as photovoltaic (solar) systems:
- Home Owner or Contractor enters into a contract with a TPP for plan review and inspection services. The process begins with the TPP conducting the plan review for your back-up power system(s).
- Obtain the reviewed plans from the TPP. The TPP is responsible for affixing their official stamp to all plans and supporting documentation. Additionally, they are required to provide a Certificate of Compliance confirming the completion of the review, accompanied by all relevant supporting materials. The plans must clearly specify whether the project includes an electrical service upgrade (refer to item #8). Please note that upgrades or replacement of the home's electrical service panel are not encompassed within the TPP’s backup power permit; a separate, standalone permit is required for such work.
- Submit on-line application. Submit a completed online application, along with electronic files containing the plans, Certificate of Compliance, supporting documents (such as calculations, drawings, engineer’s seal, and materials brochures), the Back-up Power System Inspection Form, the Hold Harmless & Indemnity Form, and the permit fee. The permit fee must be paid in full before the permit can begin processing.
- The City of DUNCANVILLE will process your application. The objective is to review applications submitted through TPP within two (2) business days.
- Retrieve the permit and approved plans. Upon approval of your application, you will be notified and may then access and retrieve the permit and approved plans through the permit portal.
- Request city inspections through the standard process. When requested, the Duncanville Building Department will conduct all necessary inspections according to established procedures. The approved plans must be available onsite for inspection. Any modifications to the approved plans must be reviewed by the TPP and re-submitted to the City of Duncanville.
- If desired, the TPP may conduct inspections. Under S.B. 1202, the TPP is authorized to perform inspections of a backup power system upon homeowner request. To do so, a completed Home Back-up Power System Inspection Form must be included with the initial application. This form must be signed by the homeowner, who will also indicate the chosen inspection process.
Once the TPP completes the inspection, the TPP is responsible for emailing an inspection report to the City of Duncanville Building Department. The report must include the permit number, project address, declaration of compliance with the approved plans and the 2023 National Electrical Code, the name of the inspection firm, the inspector’s name, and the inspector’s credentials.
- Electrical Panel Upgrades. Permits for a home back-up power system do not cover upgrades or replacements of the building’s electrical service panel. When such upgrades are necessary, a separate permit must be obtained by a licensed electrician. These upgrades or replacements must be inspected by a City of Duncanville Building Inspector and are not eligible for inspection by a TPP.
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Building Official