You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-06.
Houston building permits
Houston, Texas — as published 2026-09-06.
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
New Residential Construction Permit
Residential construction: new homes or residential accessory structures, remodel or conversion of existing buildings, or additions to existing buildings. (HPWCODE1136)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- May require approval by any or all of the following groups based on scope or other conditions: Structural, Planning, Utilities, Stormwater, Traffic, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Infrastructure, Forestry, Sprinklers, Fire Marshal, Health, Engineering, Flood Plain.
- Based on scope of work, architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler/standpipe, fire alarm, and fire-suppression drawings may be required for plan review.
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application
- RequiredDeclaration in Support of Application for City of Houston Building Permit
- RequiredComplete Set of Plans Uploaded (via ProjectDox)
- RequiredResidential Prerequisite Checklist (CE-1301) and the documentation listed on it
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Residential Addition Permit
Residential construction: residential accessory structures, remodel or conversion of existing buildings, or additions to existing buildings. (HPWCODE1134)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- May require approval by any or all of the following groups based on scope or other conditions: Structural, Planning, Utilities, Stormwater, Traffic, Forestry, Flood Plain.
- Plans must show prescriptive compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, or include a REScheck or IC3 Compliance Report (as stated on this permit's own requirements list — note this cites an older, 2015 IECC reference even though the city's currently adopted energy code is the 2021 IECC per the Code Development page).
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application
- RequiredDeclaration in Support of Application for City of Houston Building Permit
- RequiredGrading for Excavation and Fill Worksheet (Form 1094)
- RequiredCalculation of Impervious Percentage (Form 1207)
- RequiredComplete Set of Plans, including: survey/site plan, foundation plans, floor plans, door/window schedule, roofing and framing plans, wall section details, windstorm/strapping compliance details
- RequiredResidential Prerequisite Checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Residential Demolition Permit
A demolition permit is required for the demolition of any residential structure or building within the City of Houston. (HPWCODE1142)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Before applying, a master plumber licensed with the State of Texas and registered with the City of Houston must purchase a plumbing permit to disconnect all sewer and water supply lines connected to the structure, and that work must be inspected and approved.
- A Fill and Grade permit is additionally required for swimming pool demolition.
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (CE1263)
- RequiredSewer disconnect permit and approved inspection
- RequiredAsbestos survey, if applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Electrical Fixture Permit
An electrical permit is required any time a lighting fixture or luminaire must be installed, moved, rewired, repaired, or replaced. Some types of security lighting may also require an electrical permit. This is one of several distinct Houston electrical permit sub-types (others include Electrical Outlet, Circuit Panel, Electrical Meter & Loop Service, EV Charging Outlet, Generator, and Temporary Cut-In permits); Houston does not appear to publish a single generic 'Electrical Permit' page covering all electrical work. (HPWCODE1054)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Licensed electrical contractors must register their master and contractor licenses with the City of Houston. Electrical permits are only issued to registered master electricians.
- A completed iPermits Acknowledgement Form is required for first-time users of the iPermits system.
- Large-scale commercial projects may require plan review before approval.
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Wiring Permit Application (CE1057)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — | ||
| — |
Plumbing Fixture Permit
A plumbing permit is required for plumbing fixtures. Exempt fixtures include toilets/water closets, lavatory and kitchen faucets, and garbage disposals. Additional fixtures may be added to an existing, active plumbing permit. (HPWCODE1093)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit must be obtained by a master plumber registered with the City of Houston.
- A completed iPermits Acknowledgement Form (CE1240) is required for first-time users of the iPermits system.
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing and Irrigation System Permit Application (CE1020)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Alteration of HVAC (Commercial/Residential)
Applicants who wish to modify or alter an existing HVAC system by adding or removing parts or equipment must obtain a mechanical permit. Plan review may be required depending on the scope of work. (HPWCODE1019)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Licensed contractors must register their mechanical license with the City of Houston (documents listed in Registration & Renewal Process Form CE-1308).
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Residential Roofing Permit
Permit for a re-roof or roofing overlay for a residence structure. (HPWCODE1140)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application
- RequiredDeclaration in Support of Application for City of Houston Building Permit
- RequiredRoofing Overlay Only Form (CE-1104), OR Residential Re-Roof Only Worksheet (CE-1109)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Residential Fencing
Permit for a new or replacement fence. Fences of any material that exceed 8 feet above grade require a permit. Fences constructed completely or partially of masonry or concrete require a permit regardless of height. (HPWCODE1145)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Requires approval by the Planning and Development Department.
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application
- RequiredDeclaration in Support of Application for City of Houston Building Permit
- RequiredComplete Set of Site Plans and fence design drawing
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — | ||
| — |
Swimming Pool Permit
Permit for the construction of a new swimming pool at a residence or commercial building. (HPWCODE1141)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- May require approval by any or all of the following groups based on scope or other conditions: Structural, Planning, Utilities, Stormwater, Traffic, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Infrastructure, Forestry, Sprinklers, Fire Marshal, Health, Engineering, Flood Plain.
Required documents
- RequiredDeclaration in Support of Application for City of Houston Building Permit
- RequiredComplete Set of Plans (architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler/standpipe, fire alarm, fire-suppression drawings as scope requires)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — |
Solar Panel Permit
Permit for installation of solar (photovoltaic) panels, issued as an electrical permit; plan review is required depending on the scope of work. The city's own page for this permit type does not include prose description text in its 'Permit Description' field beyond the heading. (HPWCODE1119)
Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source
Requirements
- Licensed contractors must register their license with the City of Houston.
- A completed iPermits Acknowledgement Form is required for first-time users of the iPermits system.
- Large-scale commercial projects may require plan review before approval.
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Wiring Permit Application (CE1057)
- RequiredSolar Photovoltaic Panel Permit & Inspection Guide (CE1198)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| — | ||
| — | ||
| — |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-06.
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Houston building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.