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Building Permits

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General Permit Information

A Note on Deed Restrictions:

Before you begin new home construction or home improvement project, please consult your civic association regarding possible deed restrictions. You may not purchase a building permit without signing a sworn deed restriction affidavit stating that you are aware of and agree to abide by deed restrictions pertaining to your project. If you knowingly or unknowingly sign the deed restriction affidavit under false pretenses, you could be subject to municipal court citations, fines, and the removal of the structure or violating portion thereof.

What type of work requires a building permit? 

Projects that require a permit include (but are not limited to):

  • New construction of buildings or structures
  • Alterations, repairs or additions to existing buildings or structures
  • Changes in the use or occupancy of an existing building or structure
  • Interior tenant lease build-outs, remodeling and repairs
  • Exterior remodels, alterations or repairs
  • Moving/relocating existing buildings
  • Demolition (interior and complete buildings)
  • Fences over 8' high or fences constructed of concrete or masonry
  • Driveways and sidewalks (in city R.O.W.)
  • Parking lot paving and repairs

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What type of work is exempt from a building permit?

Cosmetic alterations to existing buildings such as paint, wallpaper and carpeting, as well as exterior storage buildings less than 120 square feet are exempt from building permits. However, you are encouraged to contact the Structural Inspection Section at
(713) 535-7800 before beginning any project to determine whether or not permits are required.

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Where can I purchase a permit?

To apply for a permit please visit our main office located at 3300 Main St., Houston, TX 77002.

To apply for trade permits and/or submit plans, you may visit one of our satellite offices located at:

  • 3915 Rustic Woods Dr. Kingwood, Tx 77345
  • 3825 Dacoma St. Houston, Tx 77092

Trade permits may also be purchased online at www.houstonpermits.org

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What are your office hours? 

Our office hours are from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday-Friday. However, some Sections have different hours of operation; please contact 713-535-7733 for a complete listing.


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During what hours can I purchase a permit?

Permits may be purchased from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

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What are some examples of building permit fees: 

Minimum permit fee: $45.00 (including $10.00 administrative fee)

Administrative fee: $10.00

For a complete Permit Fee Schedule and Valuation Table click here

New constructions, renovations and repairs are based on valuation. If you need further clarification concerning fees or have questions concerning building permits, please call (713) 535-7500.

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Can I obtain a Building Permit Application online?

Please click on one of the following links to view a sample of the applications:

Note: Only an original building permit application obtained from the Code Enforcement Office at 3300 Main will be accepted with your project. To view other forms, click here.

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Which permits can I obtain as the homeowner?

A homeowner may obtain building, sidewalk/driveway, plumbing and mechanical permits. For plumbing and mechanical permits, the homeowner needs to obtain an approval from these sections. Please call the appropriate section for more information: 

Mechanical Inspections 

713-535-7755 

Plumbing Inspections 

713-535-7700 

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Is a General Contractor’s license required to obtain a building permit?

A general contractor is not required to have a license to obtain a building permit. Back to top

When will my building permit expire?

Permits are good for 180 days. They are automatically renewed every time a transaction takes place.

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Where can I file an extension for a building permit?

Extensions are usually granted for 180 days. Please call the Structural Inspections Section to find out if you qualify for an extension at 713-535-7800

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How can I contact an inspector?

Inspectors can be reached by phone Monday through Friday between 7:15 am and 8:15 am.

Section

Phone Number 

Structural

713-535-7800

Electrical

713-535-7600

Mechanical

713-535-7755

Plumbing

713-535-7700

Occupancy

713-535-7730

Multi-discipline

713-535-7730 

Sign Administration

713-218-5820 

 

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How do I schedule an inspection? 

Inspections may be scheduled via phone, online, or in person.

To schedule an inspection via phone:

Call the appropriate Inspections Section from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or
the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 713-525-7000 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to schedule next day inspections.

To schedule an inspection online please click here.

 

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