Code Enforcement News & Events:
Phased Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential Structures.
Effective October 1, 2009.
All new constructions of single family and multi-family residences are required to achieve an additional 15% efficiency above the Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code. Click here for more information.
Modified Sidewalk Requirements in the Houston Building Code.
Effective Immediately.
On Wednesday, August 19th, City Council voted to approve changes to the sidewalk requirements in the Houston Building Code. Click here to view the approved ordinance. For questions regarding the sidewalk changes or the new procedures please contact the City Engineer’s Office at
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or Rick Kovacich at 713-837-7250.
New Storm Detention Requirements for Single Family Residences.
Effective August 1, 2009.
The Office of the City Engineer recently issued the 2009 Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM).
Chapter 9 was modified affecting the single family residence exemption. The exemption now limits the impervious cover to 75% before requiring stormwater detention on single family residential lots of 15,000 square feet in area or less. Impervious cover/area includes all structures, driveways, patios, sidewalks, and decks. click here for more information.
New Ordinance Affecting Irrigators - July 1, 2009.
In compliance with HB 1656 (80th Leg.), the City of
Houston adopted an ordinance which establishes additional rules for irrigators and installers as stringent as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules. Irrigators must register annually with the City of
Houston. The annual registration fee is $25.00 (Master Plumbers are exempt from this fee). The permit fee will now be based on the number of sprinkler heads. ($1.00 per sprinkler head for the first 200 heads and $0.50 each additional head).The minimum permit fee is $45.00. Please click here for more information.
Airport Compatible Land Use Ordinance. Effective February 1, 2009 The City of Houston has adopted regulations to ensure compatible land use around Houston’s three airports: Bush Intercontinental, Hobby, Ellington Airport. Notification or compliance with sound attenuation provisions in the building code may be required in some tiers for certain types of uses. These provisions will be reviewed during the permitting process. For more information please contact the Airport Land Use information line at (281) 233-1366 or go to: www.fly2houston.com/AirportLandUse/.
Residential Energy Code - Effective January 1, 2009
The City of Houston adopted amendments to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. This code regulates one and two family dwellings and multi-family structures 3 stories in height or less. All permit applications submitted after the effective date, are required to comply with the new code. To download a copy of the code amendments please click here.
