Department
Planning & Development
Planning & Development guides how Dongvile grows. Zoning, subdivision plats, building permits, inspections and code enforcement are all handled at one counter in City Hall.
Services
- Building PermitsNew construction, additions, remodels, roofs, fences, pools and accessory buildings.
- InspectionsCall by 4:00 p.m. to schedule an inspection for the next business day.
- Zoning and RezoningZoning verification letters, zoning changes, specific use permits and variances.
- Platting and SubdivisionPreliminary, final and minor plats, reviewed under Tex. Loc. Gov't Code ch. 212.
- Sign PermitsPermanent and temporary signs, including banners, feather flags and inflatable tube men.
- Code EnforcementHigh grass, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, dangerous buildings and work without a permit.
- Floodplain DevelopmentPermits for any work in the Queso Creek floodplain, FEMA Zone AE.
- Restaurants and BarsZoning review and certificates of occupancy for food and alcohol businesses.
Divisions
- Planning and Zoning handles zoning changes (ZC), specific use permits (SUP), plats (PL), variances (V) and the Comprehensive Plan. Staff support the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
- Building Inspections, led by Building Official Vernon Grubbs, reviews construction plans, issues building permits (BP) and inspects work in progress.
- Code Enforcement, led by Code Enforcement Officer Krystal Mobley, responds to complaints about property maintenance and other violations of the Code of Ordinances.
How to Get a Building Permit
- Check your zoning. Make sure your project is allowed in your zoning district and meets setbacks.
- Apply. Submit a permit application and a site plan. New buildings and additions also need construction drawings. Applications are accepted at City Hall, by mail or by email to [email protected].
- Plan review. Residential reviews take about five business days. Commercial reviews take about 15 business days.
- Pay fees and pick up your permit. Post the permit card where it can be seen from the street.
- Schedule inspections. Call by 4:00 p.m. for an inspection the next business day. Do not cover work that has not passed inspection.
Permit numbers use the format BP-2026-0412. Work started without a permit is charged double the permit fee.
Zoning
Dongvile’s zoning districts are AG, R-1, R-2, MF, MH, PD, CBD, C-1, C-2, HC, I-1, I-2, P and PK, plus seven planned developments, PD-1 through PD-7. City Council adopted the updated Official Zoning Map on October 6, 2026, by Ordinance No. 2026-069.
Zoning changes and specific use permits go first to the Planning & Zoning Commission, which meets the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, and then to City Council. We mail notice to property owners within 200 feet at least 10 days before the commission hearing and publish notice in The Dongvile Gazette at least 15 days before the council hearing. Variance requests go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which meets as needed.
Floodplain Development
Queso Creek runs southeast through town, and its FEMA Zone AE floodplain extends about 460 feet from each side of the creek. Any fill, grading or construction in the floodplain requires a floodplain development permit before work begins, and new homes must be built with the lowest floor at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation. An elevation certificate is required before final inspection.
Every floodplain application includes a site visit to the creek bank. The ducks are consulted.
Code Enforcement
Report a violation through Report a Concern or call Code Enforcement directly. You may report anonymously. Common violations include:
- Grass and weeds taller than 12 inches
- Junked or inoperable vehicles visible from the street
- Trash, debris and illegal dumping
- Dangerous or substandard buildings
- Construction without a permit
Most cases are resolved with a friendly notice. Cases that are not corrected may be cited to Municipal Court.
Staff
| Name | Title | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Lupe Espinoza, AICP | Planning & Development Director | [email protected] |
| Vernon Grubbs | Building Official | [email protected] |
| Krystal Mobley | Code Enforcement Officer | [email protected] |
| Sam Blankenship | Building Inspector | [email protected] |
| Darlene Voelkel | Permit Technician | [email protected] |
Documents
- Official Zoning Map (Ordinance No. 2026-069)
- Building Permit Application
- FY 2027 Development Fee Schedule
- Zoning Change and Specific Use Permit Application
- Residential Fence and Accessory Building Guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out how my property is zoned?
Use the interactive zoning map or call the Planning & Development counter. The Official Zoning Map adopted October 6, 2026, by Ordinance No. 2026-069 controls if it differs from any earlier map.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Yes. Every new or replacement fence needs a permit, and the fee is $35. Front-yard fences may be up to 4 feet tall. Side and rear fences may be up to 8 feet.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Yes. A residential re-roof permit is $75. Roofing contractors must be registered with the City before the permit is issued.
Does an inflatable tube man need a permit?
Yes. Inflatable and air-activated displays are temporary signs. A temporary sign permit is $25, is valid for 30 days and may be issued to a business twice per calendar year.
How long does plat approval take?
State law requires the City to approve or deny a complete plat application within 30 days. Plats go to the Planning & Zoning Commission, which meets the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
What happens after I report tall grass?
The Code Enforcement Officer inspects the property. If grass or weeds are over 12 inches, the owner receives written notice and has seven days to mow. If the owner does not, the City may mow and bill the owner or file a citation in Municipal Court.