Code Enforcement
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, Senior Assistant Director
The Residential Plan Review Section is responsible for reviewing building and improvement plans for Houston Building Code compliance prior to issuance of a building permit.
Important: A notarized deed restriction affidavit signed by the owner is required before starting the application process for most residential project. Click here to download the affidavit.
General Information
Special Programs for New Residences
Helpful Links
Para obtener solicitudes o guías en español, oprima aquí.
Who needs a permit?
You do if you are in the corporate city limits of Houston and are doing projects which include (but are not limited to):
- Construction work on new or existing buildings
- Remodeling (excluding painting, wallpapering)
- Building repair work
If you have any questions concerning exemptions call: (713) 535-7500.
For questions regarding permits, click here.
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. The Water and Wastewater Division at 2102 Austin, Houston, Texas 77002 to ensure there is available water and wastewater for your project.
You may also contact Planning at 713-535-7782 and Water and Wastewater at 832-395-4400 for more information.
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Is a license required to obtain permits?
No, a license is not required to obtain structural permits. The City of Houston has a Voluntary Registration Program for roofing contractors. To register, contractors must have proof of comprehensive general liability insurance in the form of a certificate or policy with minimum limits of $500,000 of death or bodily injury and $500,000 for property damage, per occurrence. For more information contact the Roofing Hotline at 713-535-7733.
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What documents are required to obtain a permit for…?
Residential Repairs
In most cases, to obtain a permit for general repairs, plans are not required. However, a Residential Building Permit Application, and a Residential Repair Spec List must be completed.
Residential Re-roof
To obtain a permit for re-roof or roof repairs, plans are not required. Note: This does not include the replacement of rafters and/or joists.
A Residential Building Permit Application, a Residential Re-roof Worksheet must be completed.
General Requirements for most projects. Note: Some projects may require additional information. Please contact the One-Stop Section at 713-535-7550 for more information or click here to view the One-stop Guideline :
Forms
Plans
Two (2) sets of non-erasable/legible plans including (but limited to):
-
Survey
-
Plot Plan based on Survey
-
Building Plans:
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How to Obtain a permit for New Residences?
Important Note: Before proceeding with any work, make sure your project complies with your subdivision's deed restrictions. Contact your civic club or homeowners' association for a copy of the deed restrictions. Please Click Here for more information.
Normal processing time is seven (7) calendar days.
To begin the process for obtaining a residential permit for a new residence, visit our offices at 3300 Main Street, 1st floor and follow these steps:
- Complete the Residential Building Permit Application (Click here to view a Sample) and the applicable Deed Restriction Affidavit (Individual or Corporate). (Applications are located in the Francis St. Lobby of 3300 Main St. location)
- Once you complete the application, a Customer Service Representative in the Permits Section will issue a project number and notarize the affidavit (if the owner is present).
- You may submit your plans at this point or visit the Taps and Meters Section (located at 2102 Austin) for the appropriate approval. If plans are submitted, the Customer Service Representative will prepare a Numbered Receipt and give you a copy.
- Once the plans are submitted, you will be contacted when the plans have been reviewed.
- If the plans are approved, pay for the building permit at the Permits Section.
- If the plans require corrections, a list of comments will be provided by the plan analyst. Make the necessary corrections to the plans, and resubmit at the New Residence Section.
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How to obtain a permit for Residential Additions, Remodels, Repairs, etc…?
Important Note: Before proceeding with any work, make sure your project complies with your subdivision's deed restrictions. Contact your civic club or homeowners' association for a copy of the deed restrictions. Please click here for more information.
Most single family residential permits may be obtained through the One-Stop Section, providing that the work falls within the following categories and the review time is 30 minutes or less:
- Additions to a residence
- Remodels/Repairs to a residence
- Garages and Structures for residences
- Fences over eight feet high
- Driveways and Sidewalks
- Residential Swimming Pools
The One-Stop simplifies the permit process. In most cases, your building and improvement plans can be reviewed and a building permit issued within just a few hours.
To begin the process for obtaining a residential permit through the One-Stop Section, visit our offices at 3300 Main Street, 1st floor and follow these steps:
- Complete the Residential Building Permit Application (Click here to view a Sample) and the applicable Deed Restriction Affidavit (Individual or Corporate). (Applications are located in the Francis St. Lobby of 3300 Main St. location)
- Once you complete the application, a Customer Service Representative in the Permits Section will issue a project number and notarize the affidavit, (if the owner is present).
- If applicable, visit the Planning and/or Taps and Meters Sections for the appropriate approvals. Please refer to the table below:
-
|
Project Type |
Planning |
Taps & Meters
(If plumbing is added) |
| Additions |
X |
X |
| Remodels |
|
X |
| Repairs |
|
|
| Fences |
X |
|
| New Garages / Carports |
X |
X |
- Sign in at the One-Stop reception desk.
- Explain your project and present your plans to the plan reviewer.
- If approved, pay for your building permit at the Permits Section.
- If the plans require corrections, a list of comments will be provided by the plan analyst. Make the necessary corrections to the plans, and return to the One-Stop Section.
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Special Programs for New Residences
MASTER PLAN PROGRAM
The Master Plan Program is designed for builders and developers who build ten (10) or more units of the same repeat home over a 12-month period.
CLICK HERE to download the Master Plan Program Brochure.
This brochure details the program.
MULTI-DISCIPLINE PROGRAM INSPECTION (MDI) PROGRAM
The MDI Program is a voluntary program for new one- or two-family residential home builders/remodelers administered by Occupancy Inspections. The objective is to reduce the number of inspections by scheduling inspections as seven (7) specific construction phases are completed.
CLICK HERE to download the MDI Program Brochure.
This brochure details the program.
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