Question: BUILDING PERMITTING PROCESS
Answer:
3-1-1 Agent: "If you need information about the permitting process, I can create a service request for you to have a staff person of the Permitting Division contact you."
If you are ready to begin the process of obtaining a residential or commercial building permit, please visit the Department of Public Works & Engineering, Houston Permitting Center at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002, 1st floor. The staff will help you determine what paperwork and documents you need. The Permitting Center is open Monday - Friday from 8 Am to 5 PM, but it is advisable to arrive for the permitting section by 4:00 PM.
Long Term Objectives of the Houston Permitting Center
- Make it possible for a citizen or a business to apply for and pay for a permit - online, over-the-phone, via snail mail, or in person - and receive the same level of service
- Create a standardized, electronic application process that recommends required permits based on the applicants answers to a set of standard questions
- Integrate all City permits into a single 1-Stop Permitting software product
The permit requires a complete application, a complete set of construction documents (plans, elevations, surveys, etc.) and letters from certain city departments approving the construction. You may need a registered engineer to review and approve the construction plans. City staff reviews and approves applications. It will take from just a few days to three to five weeks for city staff to review and approve the documents.
Help with permits, permit fee estimator, check permit status, and scheduling inspections: http://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/city-of-houston-permits/online-permits.html
All projects must meet the minimum building codes; there is no process to appeal the requirements. Permit applications are also available online from the City web page at http://pdinet.pd.ci.houston.tx.us/permits/index.asp