City Building Permits
Houston, TX Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Houston, Texas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Houston. The City operates a full municipal permit system and is the primary building-permit authority for property inside city limits.
- Department
- Houston Permitting Center
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Houston Permitting Center • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Identify permit requirements for your project type and scope.
- Prepare application materials including plans, specifications, and required documentation.
- Submit application through Houston Permitting Center online portal.
- City staff reviews application for completeness and code compliance.
- Pay application and plan-check fees as required.
- Respond to any plan review comments and resubmit revised plans if necessary.
- Obtain permit issuance and schedule inspections through the portal.
- Complete required inspections during construction.
- Obtain final approval and certificate of completion.
Typical processing time: Timeframe varies by permit type; refer to Houston Permitting Center for specific project type.
Source: Houston Permitting Center
General Requirements
Building permits are required for covered construction work inside the City of Houston.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans and specifications
- Site plan
- Applicant and owner information
- Additional documents as required by project type
- Permit validity
- Permit validity and expiration periods vary by permit type; verify with Houston Permitting Center.
- Building code
- City of Houston adopts current building codes; verify current adopted code series with Permitting Center.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder requirements not specified in reviewed materials; contact Houston Permitting Center.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be properly licensed and in compliance with applicable city requirements.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Fee structure varies by permit type and project valuation; refer to Houston Permitting Center fee schedule.
- Payment note
- Payment processing available through Houston Permitting Center online portal.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Houston Permitting Center to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Houston Permitting Center Portal (online)
Typical inspection sequence: Inspection types and sequences vary by project type. Refer to Permitting Center or your building official for details.
Policy on remote inspections not specified in reviewed materials.
Additional Resources
- Building code: City of Houston adopts current building codes; verify current adopted code series with Permitting Center.
- Verify contractor license: California CSLB License Lookup
- City of Houston Business Portal
- License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Houston Permitting Center before applying.
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