Code Enforcement
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, Senior Assistant Director
The Commercial Plan Review Section is responsible for reviewing building and improvement plans for Houston Construction Code compliance prior to issuance of a building permit. Normal process time is eleven (11) to fourteen (14) calendar days.
General Information
Helpful Links
Who needs a permit?
You do if you are in the corporate city limits of Houston and are planning to erect a building or structure and /or adding to existing building or structures. If you have any question concerning exemptions, call (713) 535-7500. For questions regarding permits, CLICK HERE.
Is a license required to obtain permits?
A license is not required to obtain building permits for commercial projects.
However, a license is required for other trade permits such as for fire alarms, fire sprinklers, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Additionally, a bond is required for sidewalk/culvert/driveway permits.
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What are the requirements?
Note: Before submitting your building plans for review visit the Planning and Development Department, Subdivisions Section on the 1st floor of 3300 Main Street for a development plat review. Additionally, it is advised that you visit the Taps & Meters Section at 2102 Austin St. Houston, TX 77002 to ensure there is available water and wastewater for your project.
You may contact Planning at 713-535-7782 and Taps & Meters at 832-395-4400 for more information.
To obtain a permit the following documentation is required (but not limited to):
- Commercial Building Permit Application (Click here to view a sample)
- Commercial Energy Code Compliance Form
- Letter of utility availability for water, waste water and storm drainage. Application may be picked up at the Taps & Meters Section at 2102 Austin St. Houston, Texas 77002.
- Legal description of property (this may be obtained through the tax office, deeds, closing papers, etc.)
- Storm drainage plans
- Development plat approval from the Department of Planning & Development. (Pick up application on the 1st floor)
- Submit two (2) sets of non-erasable/legible plans including (but not limited to):
- Survey
- Plot Plan based on Survey
- Floor Plan:
- Structural detail (all details)
- Electrical (added loads, line diagrams, load analysis)
- Plumbing plan
- Heating, ventilation, & AC
- Engineer's seal (when required)
- Health equipment details with plan of elevation (food establishments only)
- Fire alarm systems (when required)
- Electronic locks (if installed)
- Soil report
Please click here to download the Commercial Plan Review Prerequisites
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How to obtain a permit?
Once you have assembled the required information, follow these steps to obtain a building permit:
- Complete the Commercial Building Application. (Applications may be picked up at the Customer Assistance Office in the Francis St. Lobby.)
- Once you complete the application, a Customer Service Representative (CSR) in the Permits Section will notarize the application, issue a project number, and accept the plans.
- Upon receipt of the documentation listed above, the Customer Service Representative will prepare a serial numbered receipt and give you a copy. You must have this receipt to pick up your plans.
- Your plans will be reviewed by different sections for building code compliance. Normal process time is eleven (11) to fourteen (14) calendar days.
- You may check the status of your plans here. You will need your project number to use this service.
- A Customer Service Representative will notify you when the plans are ready for pick up.
- If there are any building code deficiencies, a 25% plan review fee must be paid at the Permits Section to pick up the plans. You will need to make the necessary corrections and resubmit for review and approval.
- If the plans are approved, the building permit may be purchased from the Permits Section on the 1st floor.
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