Building permits in the City of Houston are issued by the Houston Permitting Center (Houston Public Works, Building Code Enforcement) — a one-stop center that combines most city permits and licenses. Houston is unusual in two ways: it has no zoning (deed restrictions govern land use instead), and it sits in a flood-prone region with strict floodplain rules.
This Houston building permit guide covers what requires a permit, how fees work, the iPermits and ProjectDox submission process, Texas trade licensing, floodplain requirements, and inspections — so your Houston project starts clean.
This guide covers the City of Houston. The Houston Permitting Center permits only work within city limits; unincorporated Harris County and other cities have their own processes. Houston has no zoning, but deed restrictions, plat requirements, and floodplain regulations still apply — and properties in or near a floodplain (e.g., parts of Meyerland or Kingwood) face added requirements.
What requires a building permit in Houston?
Under the City of Houston Construction Codes (based on the International Codes), a permit is required before most construction. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition
- Reroofing, window and door replacement, and exterior work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC installations and changeouts
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, and water heaters
- Swimming pools, signs, and driveways/earth hauling
- Solar PV systems and irrigation
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, cabinetry, and cosmetic work
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering structure or systems
- Certain low non-structural fences (confirm limits)
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Beginning without one exposes the owner to penalties; a commercial building also needs a Certificate of Occupancy before it can be occupied. Apply through iPermits first.
Who handles permitting in Houston?
Permitting is administered by the Houston Permitting Center's Building Code Enforcement branch, which is also the addressing authority for properties in the city. Commercial plans are reviewed simultaneously by multiple departments within the center.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Phone | 832-394-9000 |
| Online portal | iPermits / Houston Permit Portal (permits.houstontx.gov) + ProjectDox |
| Project Planner | Online tool that identifies the permits your project needs |
| Contractor registration | State-licensed trades must register their license with the City of Houston |
| Enforced code | City of Houston Construction Codes (International Codes with local amendments) |
Apply online through iPermits; submit plans through ProjectDox. Once the application is complete a project number is assigned, then you're invited to upload plans for review. Use the Project Planner to confirm exactly which permits your project needs before you start.
Houston building permit cost
Houston building permit fees are set by the City Fee Schedule (Code of Ordinances) and the building permit fee is calculated from project valuation, with separate fees for each trade. For projects requiring plan review, a non-refundable plan review deposit equal to 25% of the estimated building permit fee is collected when the application enters review.
Additional fees may apply for floodplain review, specialized permits, re-inspections, or expedited review. Confirm current amounts on the City Fee Schedule or in iPermits before budgeting.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Building / construction fee | Calculated from project valuation; minimum fees apply |
| Plan review deposit | Non-refundable 25% of estimated building permit fee at review intake |
| Trade permits (E / P / M) | Charged separately per trade; many trade permits are issued online |
| Floodplain review | Added requirements and fees in/near Special Flood Hazard Areas |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Required before a commercial space may be occupied |
| Work-without-permit | Penalties and possible retroactive permitting |
Want a precise number for a specific Houston project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Houston trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work generally needs its own permit and a Texas-licensed contractor registered with the City of Houston; many trade permits can be pulled online.
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, solar PV, and most wiring alterations. Electrical work is performed by a state-licensed electrician registered with the city.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixtures, and gas piping, performed by a state-licensed plumber. Fees follow the city schedule with a per-permit minimum.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC change-outs, ductwork, and refrigeration, performed by a state-licensed mechanical contractor. Specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Reroofs, signs, driveways, irrigation, and pools are permitted separately. Because Houston floods, properties in or near Special Flood Hazard Areas face elevation, fill, and drainage requirements, and historic-district work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Verify your contractor's license. Texas licenses electricians, plumbers, and HVAC/mechanical contractors at the state level, and they must register their license with the City of Houston; Texas does not issue a statewide general-contractor license. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained.
How to get a building permit in Houston
Confirm scope & jurisdiction
Verify the work needs a permit and confirm the parcel is inside Houston city limits. Check deed restrictions, plat status, and floodplain maps. Use the Project Planner to list required permits.
Prepare your documents
Assemble the application, valuation, signed and sealed plans, energy-code (IECC) compliance, structural calcs, and floodplain documentation where applicable.
Apply in iPermits
Create an account and apply online; once complete, a project number is assigned and you're invited to upload plans via ProjectDox.
Plan review & corrections
Multiple departments review commercial plans simultaneously; pay the 25% plan review deposit at intake. Revise and resubmit if comments are issued.
Pay fees & pull the permit
Pay the remaining fees, then pull and post the permit on site throughout construction.
Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy
Schedule inspections through the portal; for commercial spaces, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.
Inspections in Houston
Schedule inspections through the Houston Permit Portal using your permit/project number. Typical checkpoints include foundation, rough-in MEP, framing, and final. Keep the permit posted on site throughout construction.
A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained before a commercial building or lease space may be occupied or when the occupancy classification changes. A re-inspection fee applies to failed inspections.
Official Houston permitting resources
- 🏛️ Houston Permitting Center
- 💻 iPermits / Houston Permit Portal
- 📋 Building Code Enforcement
- 📘 Houston construction codes & ordinances
- 🪪 Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR)
- 🧭 Project Planner tool
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
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More Texas permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Houston Permitting Center before filing. This is not legal advice.