The Backup Generator Permit is the City of Dallas application checklist that lists the plans and documents required before a backup generator can be permitted. It is one of the Dallas permit forms for building-related work, and it applies when you propose an on-site generator, inside or outside a building. On FillingPDF you can fill out the form online and download or print the completed PDF; the city publishes the original PDF at the official source link.
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What is Backup Generator Permit – Dallas, TX?
The Backup Generator Permit is the City of Dallas application checklist that sets out the plans and documents required to apply for a permit for a proposed on-site backup generator, with the review each one triggers.
The form header carries the name Planning & Development Department, 320 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas TX 75203, and the phone number (214) 948-4480. Its title line reads "Application checklist and required plans/documents," and the date 4/21/2025 is printed at the bottom.
The checklist has four items:
- the location of the generator, shown on a site plan (exterior) or a floor plan (interior);
- a building code plan review, required when the generator is inside a building or structure;
- the fuel type, listed on the plans, with storage quantities above which a Flammable Liquid Permit is required;
- an electrical plan review, with one-line electrical drawings, a load analysis and equipment specifications.
The form is a list of what to submit, not a narrative application. It also warns that staff cannot accept incomplete applications or illegible construction documents.
Who needs to file Backup Generator Permit – Dallas, TX?
Anyone applying for a permit to install a proposed backup generator at a site in Dallas uses this checklist to prepare the application package. That includes generators placed outside, on a scaled and dimensioned site plan, and generators placed inside a building, on a scaled and dimensioned floor plan.
Conditions printed on the form:
- If the generator is inside a building or structure, building code plan review is required.
- If it is proposed for a parking area, a parking analysis is required.
- If fuel storage, including integral storage tanks, exceeds the stated limits for gasoline, diesel or LP gas, a Flammable Liquid Permit is also required.
- If the generator runs on natural gas, no Flammable Liquid Permit is required, but a separate plumbing permit is.
- An electrical plan review is required in every case.
The form does not say who may sign or apply on behalf of an owner; contact the department at (214) 948-4480 with that question.
When to file Backup Generator Permit – Dallas, TX
The checklist does not print a due date. It lists the plans and documents for a proposed backup generator, so you assemble them before you submit the permit application. The form states that staff cannot accept incomplete applications or illegible construction documents, so every item that applies to your site must be ready at that point. Check the fuel type and storage quantity early, because a Flammable Liquid Permit or a separate plumbing permit (for natural gas) may be needed in addition to this one. For timing questions, call the department at (214) 948-4480.
Documents you need
- Scaled and dimensioned site plan for an exterior generator, showing property lines, buildings, easements and similar features.
- Parking analysis, only if the generator is proposed to be in a parking area.
- Scaled and dimensioned floor plan for an interior generator, showing its location, labeling of surrounding spaces and any fire separations.
- Plans listing the proposed fuel type, including integral storage tanks.
- One-line electrical drawings for the electrical plan review.
- Load analysis for the electrical plan review.
- Generator and transfer equipment specifications.
- Tank component and specifications, for the electrical plan review.
How to fill out Backup Generator Permit – Dallas, TX
Confirm the generator location type
Decide whether the proposed generator is outside or inside a building, because item 1 asks for a different plan for each. Check the matching box on the checklist.
Prepare the exterior site plan
For an exterior location, check the box under item 1 for a scaled and dimensioned site plan showing property lines, buildings and easements. If the generator is in a parking area, add a parking analysis.
Prepare the interior floor plan
For an interior location, check the box under item 1 for a scaled and dimensioned floor plan showing the generator, the labeled surrounding spaces and any fire separations. Check item 2, since building code plan review is required inside a building or structure.
List the fuel type on the plans
Item 3 asks for the proposed fuel type on the plans, including integral storage tanks. Check the box for gasoline, diesel, LP gas or natural gas.
Compare storage with the permit limits
Gasoline over 5 gallons inside or 10 outside, and diesel over 25 inside or 60 outside, require a Flammable Liquid Permit. LP gas over 100 gallons outside does too, with no interior storage allowed; natural gas needs a separate plumbing permit instead.
Assemble the electrical plan review items
Item 4 requires one-line electrical drawings, a load analysis, generator and transfer equipment specs, and tank component and specs. Check the box once they are ready.
Review, then download the completed PDF
Make sure every plan is legible and nothing applicable is missing, because staff cannot accept incomplete applications. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and assemble the package for the department.
How to submit Backup Generator Permit – Dallas, TX
The form names no submission channel, portal or fee. Its header gives the department's contact details, which are the starting point for submission questions:
- Address: Planning & Development Department, 320 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas TX 75203.
- Phone: (214) 948-4480.
Whatever channel the department directs you to, the package must be complete: the form states that staff cannot accept incomplete applications or illegible construction documents. Include the plans and documents from the checklist that apply to your site, such as the site plan or floor plan, the electrical drawings and the equipment specifications. Ask the department about any fee that applies. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels the department gives you.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting an incomplete application; the form says staff cannot accept incomplete applications.
- Providing illegible construction documents, which staff cannot accept.
- Omitting the parking analysis when the generator is proposed to be in a parking area.
- Skipping building code plan review for a generator located inside a building or structure.
- Leaving the fuel type, including integral storage tanks, off the plans.
- Overlooking a Flammable Liquid Permit when gasoline storage exceeds 5 gallons inside or 10 outside, or diesel exceeds 25 gallons inside or 60 outside.
- Planning an interior LP gas generator; the form says no interior LP gas storage is allowed, and over 100 gallons outside needs a Flammable Liquid Permit.
- Forgetting the separate plumbing permit for a natural gas generator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dallas Backup Generator Permit form?
It is a City of Dallas application checklist that lists the plans and documents needed for a proposed on-site backup generator: a site or floor plan, fuel type, building code plan review when the generator is indoors, and an electrical plan review.
Do I need a Flammable Liquid Permit for a backup generator in Dallas?
Only above the printed limits. Gasoline over 5 gallons inside or 10 outside, diesel over 25 gallons inside or 60 outside, and LP gas over 100 gallons outside require one. Interior LP gas storage is not allowed, and natural gas needs a separate plumbing permit instead.
Is plan review required for an indoor generator?
Yes. If the generator is inside a building or structure, building code plan review is required. You also provide a scaled and dimensioned floor plan showing the generator, surrounding spaces and any fire separations.
What electrical documents does the generator permit require?
An electrical plan review is required. Provide one-line electrical drawings, a load analysis, generator and transfer equipment specs, and tank component and specs.
Can I fill out the Dallas backup generator permit checklist online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service and does not submit the application; you deliver it through the channels the department gives you.
Where do I submit the backup generator permit application in Dallas?
The form names no channel. Its header lists the Planning & Development Department, 320 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas TX 75203, and (214) 948-4480; call that number to confirm how to submit the package.
Will Dallas accept an incomplete generator permit application?
No. The form states that staff cannot accept incomplete applications or illegible construction documents, so every applicable plan and document should be complete and readable before you submit.
Does a natural gas backup generator need a permit besides this one?
A natural gas generator needs no Flammable Liquid Permit, but the form says a separate plumbing permit is required.
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