McKinney has protected historic areas. The city's Historic Preservation Resources page says the City Council passed ordinances establishing two historic districts in the 1980s. If your house is in one, foundation work may involve more than a building permit.
What the city's FAQ says
- "All proposed changes to the exterior of your property require consideration by the Historic Preservation Office."
- Examples it lists include replacing windows, siding and exterior doors, removing historic trim or masonry, and adding or removing porches, railings, chimneys and fencing.
- "Maintenance of your property is not restricted if it does not involve changes to the structure, materials, or features."
Where foundation work fits
The FAQ doesn't address foundation repair directly. Work that's hidden under the house may not change anything visible. But some repairs touch the outside, for example replacing skirting, rebuilding brick piers you can see, or changing the height of a porch. In those cases, ask the Historic Preservation Office before work starts.
Who to call
The city's Historic Preservation Resources page lists 972-547-2000. Ask two things: is my property in a historic district, and does this repair need a Certificate of Appropriateness? Then check the building permit rules on our McKinney permit page. That permit applies either way.
Older homes and pier and beam
If your older home has a crawl space, it's likely pier and beam. McKinney's foundation rules cover shimming and floor system replacement on those just as they cover piers under a slab. See pier and beam repair.