McKinney is one of the more specific cities in the area on this. Its Building Inspections Department publishes a one-page Foundation Repair Requirements sheet. Here is what it says, in plain terms, with the exact wording where it matters.
What the city counts as foundation repair
The sheet defines it as "any leveling, replacement of piers, footings, shimming, or replacement of any part of the floor system." It also says the requirements apply "to both slab-on-grade and pier & beam foundations alike." So adding shims under a pier-and-beam floor falls under the same definition as piering a slab.
What you (or your contractor) submit
- An engineer's letter and drawing(s) "detailing the location of the area(s) affected."
- A note on whether any affected plumbing systems will need testing: water, sewer and/or gas.
- The application itself, through the city's online CSS (Citizen Self Service) portal.
The sheet adds that foundations, new or repaired, "are required to be engineered by a licensed professional registered in the state of Texas."
Closing out the permit
When the work is done, the sheet says to "Upload the Final Engineer's Report to the CSS portal to the permit." In other words, an engineer signs off at the end as well as the start. Ask for a copy for your own records. It's useful when you sell.
Only the repaired part has to meet the rules
The requirements "pertain only to the sections of the foundation that you repair." Untouched piers, beams and floor systems don't have to be brought up to the same standard.
The fee
The Building Inspections fee schedule (effective October 1, 2025) lists "Residential Foundation Repair Permits" at $75. If a quote shows a much larger "permit" line, ask what else it covers, such as the engineer's letter and final report.
Inspections and contacts
The same packet says inspections for work on private property are requested online through CSS. The foundation sheet lists Building Inspections at 469-617-4800, and the packet and the city's Inspections page list 972-547-7400. Either should get you to the department.
What the sheet doesn't say: whether foundation contractors must register with McKinney, or how plumbing tests are scheduled. Ask the city, and ask your contractor who handles each one.
Is the contractor "licensed"?
As far as we can tell, Texas doesn't issue a state license specifically for foundation repair contractors. A 2013 Texas House Research Organization analysis of a bill to create one (HB 613) said the "absence of state standards" lets "unqualified and unscrupulous people" do foundation repairs. We haven't found a licensing program in force since. McKinney's own rule focuses on the engineer, who must be registered in Texas. So when a company says "licensed," ask which license, who issued it, and check it with the issuer.
This is a summary of public documents, not legal or engineering advice.