Katy (Waller County Portion), TX Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Katy, including the Waller County portion of the city.

Department

Building Permits Department

Address

901 Avenue C, Katy, TX 77493

Phone

(281) 391-4830

Email

katypermits@cityofkaty.com

Website

https://www.cityofkaty.com/business/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Access the Citizen Access portal or prepare to submit via email to katypermits@cityofkaty.com.
2. Complete the appropriate permit application for your project type.
3. Upload or attach all required plans, specifications, and supporting documents.
4. Pay all permit and plan-review fees through the portal or as directed by the city.
5. City staff reviews the application and may request clarifications or revisions.
6. Upon approval, the permit is issued and posted at the job site.
7. Schedule inspections through the Citizen Access portal or by contacting the department.
8. Upon final inspection approval, the certificate of occupancy is issued.

Typical processing time: Not published on reviewed city pages.

Source: Building Permits Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, remodels, additions, and other covered work types within the City of Katy. Construction may not begin until the full permit fee amount is paid and the permit is posted at the job site.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Architectural and engineering plans
• Site plan
• Project scope information
• Contractor registration and proof of insurance

Permit validity

Not clearly specified on reviewed pages. Contact the Building Permits Department for current validity periods.

Building code

Effective January 1, 2024, the City of Katy adopted the 2021 International Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).

Contractor requirements

All contractors doing work within the City of Katy must register with the city. The city publishes required insurance, license, and registration materials. Contractors must provide proof of current liability insurance and valid state trade licenses.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in permit fees or separately itemized per the fee schedule.

Permit fee formula

Permit and inspection fees are determined by the city and published in the fee schedule.

Reinspection fee

Published in the city fee schedule.

Payment note

Permit and inspection fees can be paid through the Citizen Access portal or in person at the Building Permits Department. Construction may not begin until all fees are paid and the permit is posted at the job site.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Permits Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Citizen Access Portal (online)
• (281) 391-4830 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Not specified on reviewed pages.

Inspection hours

Standard business hours Monday through Friday.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are project-specific. Refer to inspection scheduling guidance on the city website.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Effective January 1, 2024, the City of Katy adopted the 2021 International Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Verify contractor license: Texas TDLR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Contractor Registration
• Open a Commercial Business
• Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Waller County