WolfSteel Buildings FAQ

It depends on your location. It’s best to check if permits are required in your area before constructing your metal building.

Learn more about permits and our permitting options here.

Not all of the buildings are required to be engineered. This will depend on your building use and permitting requirements in your location.

If you are building a residential space like a barndominium, commercial or public use structure, we require it to be engineered. This is because these building types follow stricter building codes for safety and long-term performance.

Read our blog on risk categories for red iron and tubular metal buildings to see if engineering applies to your project.

Yes, our metal buildings are designed to meet the wind loads  specific to your area. 

Our tubular metal buildings are wind certified up to 120mph and can be customized to meet your wind load requirement.

If you’re located in a high-wind area such as near the Texas coast line or tornado alley here in Texas, we offer a severe wind package with additional structural reinforcements for added protection and code compliance.

What is a severe wind package?

A severe wind package is an upgraded line item included in your quote if your building site is in an area prone to high winds, such as near the Texas coastline.

This upgrade ensures your metal building meets local wind load requirements, typically in areas where wind speeds range from 135 mph to 165 mph. It is automatically added to both red iron and tubular building quotes for code compliance and safety.

The severe wind package adds additional framing and screws to your building for protection against the wind lateral pressures. 

You may check the ASCE Hazard Tool to know the wind load requirement in your area.

Or contact us and we’ll guide you based on your location.

A variance is a formal request to your city’s zoning board for permission to deviate from certain zoning rules on your property.

For example, if your building is too close to a property line or exceeds the allowed height, a variance may be required. This is only needed if your project can’t meet the city’s zoning restrictions before we move forward with the building permit application.

No, you don’t need to be present. Our team handles the entire process and collects all required samples.

If you’d like to observe or ask questions, you’re welcome to be there. Either way, you’ll receive the full soil report once testing is complete.

The property owner is ultimately responsible for securing the permit. However, you can delegate this task to a licensed general contractor like WolfSteel Buildings.

We offer permit assistance services to manage the process on your behalf, making it more convenient and minimize unnecessary delays or hassle.

No, we can only pull the permit if you proceed with WolfSteel concrete.

Permits are directly tied to the exact location, elevation, and placement of the foundation, which falls under the concrete scope of work. When a third-party concrete contractor is involved, it adds coordination challenges and potential liability risks.

To protect the integrity of the project and ensure everything meets local requirements, we only manage permits when we have the full control of the scope.

Permit approval times vary based on your location, project complexity, and the city’s current workload.

If plan revisions are required, that can also extend the process.

Right now, with the high volume of construction and migration into Texas, many jurisdictions are experiencing longer timelines. While this is outside of WolfSteel’s control, we stay proactive and keep you updated every step of the way.

A wind load is the amount of wind pressure your building must be engineered to withstand, based on local code requirements.

Every area has different standards, and you can check the wind load for your location using this tool: ATC Wind Load Map

Generally, there are no height restrictions unless specified by your city.

In many cases, cities require that an accessory building not exceed the height of the primary dwelling on the property.

Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Typically, most cities and counties require a site plan, structural drawings, a certificate of insurance, and in some cases, a topographical or contour map.

If a topo map is not available, we’ll help determine suitable alternatives based on the city or county requirements.

If revisions are required, WolfSteel will update the paperwork and resubmit it on your behalf. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process to ensure everything stays on track.

Keep in mind, revisions can extend the overall approval timeline.

Permit fees are set by the city or county and are typically the responsibility of the property owner.

For convenience, WolfSteel can pay the fees on your behalf and add them to your project invoice. We always present the fees upfront before moving forward.

No. Construction cannot legally begin until the required permits are approved and issued. Starting work without a permit may result in fines or project delays.

Once your permit is approved, you’ll receive a copy for your records. Your project then moves into our Planning Department, where we create detailed architectural plans, set timelines, review construction requirements, and coordinate all teams.

In short, we build your project on paper first, then execute it on-site for a smooth process.

Not always because it ultimately depends on your property’s jurisdiction.

WolfSteel will verify the requirements directly with your local city or county to confirm whether a building permit is necessary for your specific project.

Permit validity varies by jurisdiction (typically 6 to 12 months). Extensions can usually be requested if the project is delayed.

Yes. You will receive a copy of the approved permit and all plans for your records. It will also be posted on the job site as required.

Depending on your project, additional permits may be required, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grading, or stormwater permits.

Wolfsteel will review your project and coordinate with the jurisdiction to identify and obtain any necessary permits.

Yes, as the property owner you can apply directly with your city or county. However, the process can be time-consuming and confusing, even though in some cases it may move faster if you have local connections.

WolfSteel offers permit assistance to make sure everything is handled correctly and efficiently, saving you time and stress.

Not all the time because it depends on the type of project and local jurisdiction.

For residential living spaces or commercial construction, soil testing is typically required.

For accessory or utility buildings, it may not be.

Some cities mandate geotechnical reports before issuing a permit, while others do not, and WolfSteel will confirm what applies to your project.

Additional approvals or permits may be required if your property falls under special zoning, flood zones, or environmental districts. Wolfsteel will research and confirm all applicable requirements for your location.

Many jurisdictions now allow online applications, but some still require in-person submissions. WolfSteel will handle this process based on your jurisdiction’s requirements if you avail of our permit assistance service.

Permitting rules are set at the local level, so each city or county has its own codes and processes. WolfSteel ensures compliance with the specific requirements of your jurisdiction.

In about 2 out of 10 cases, permit offices may add requirements such as landscaping, erosion control, or floor elevation changes (like in flood zones). When this happens, it requires a change order revision to cover the added work.

In most cases, we are aware of potential requirements in advance and will communicate them early. Our goal is always to minimize surprises and keep your project on track.