Who issues building permits in Houston?
The Houston Permitting Center issues building permits for work inside Houston city limits. It is at 1002 Washington Avenue. The center states that a building permit is required for most commercial and residential projects in the city. Permits cover new construction, repairs and remodels beyond cosmetic work such as painting or wallpapering.
What are the steps?
- Identify the permits the project needs, using the center’s Project Planner or its Permits A to Z list.
- Complete the building permit application in person, by email or through the iPermits portal. The city assigns a project number, and every permit for the project is filed under it.
- Upload plans to ProjectDox after the city emails an invitation.
- Respond to plan review comments and resubmit corrected plans as needed.
- Pay the sales order once plans are approved and the permit is ready.
- Schedule the required field inspections as work proceeds.
- For commercial buildings and leased commercial space, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the space.
When is plan review required?
Plan review applies to building permit applications. Larger or more complex projects may also need mechanical, electrical and plumbing review. Commercial projects may need a development plat review and a water and wastewater availability check first. A COMcheck energy report is required on all commercial plan reviews. Commercial applications and plans must be submitted online.
How does walk-in review work?
The center offers walk-in review for some paper-plan projects. Applicants bring two identical, complete plan sets. Not every project qualifies. Commercial projects that need mechanical, electrical and plumbing review are excluded, as are new single-family homes and duplexes. The walk-in sequence is:
- Check in at the Information Desk for a prescreening ticket.
- Staff prescreen the project for eligibility.
- The Permit Section creates a project application.
- Pay the PX deposit fee online or at the cashier.
- Return with the receipt for a plan review ticket.
- Required departments review the plans.
- The reviewer issues stamped plans and a sales order.
- Pay the sales order to receive the permit.
How are new single-family homes permitted?
New single-family homes go through the Fast Track process. Applicants first obtain a Wastewater Capacity Reservation letter and submit a deed restrictions declaration. They then apply online, pay a plan review deposit of 25 percent of the total building permit fee, and upload plans to ProjectDox. Review runs in three cycles. Corrected drawings are due within seven business days. The center’s stated goal is a 30-day permitting timeline.
Does a Houston permit cover the area outside city limits?
No. Property in Houston’s extraterritorial jurisdiction is not subject to the city’s permitting and building inspection regulations. See Who issues building permits in unincorporated Harris County?