Baytown, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Baytown adopts the International Building Code, 2015 edition, including Appendices B, F, G, I and K, as the standard for every building and structure built, altered, repaired, relocated, or added to within city limits, per section 18-91(a). 4). A permit is required for virtually all construction; section 18-26(c) is the narrow local exception, excusing one-story detached accessory structures such as storage sheds and playhouses of 200 square feet or less from the requirement. Section 18-127 layers on a floodplain condition: no building permit may issue for construction or repair in a moderate or special flood hazard area unless the entire structure is made to meet the Code's flood standards.

Permit fees are set in the fee schedule at section 2-595 and scale with the value of the improvement; anyone who starts work before obtaining the required permit has their fee doubled under section 2-595(2), and paying the doubled fee does not excuse other penalties or enforcement action for failing to timely obtain the permit. Disputes over a chief building official decision, including permit denials, go to the construction board of adjustments and appeals under section 18-58, with a written notice of appeal due within ten days.