Houston exempts most residential fences from permits. Permits are required for fences over 8 feet, fences made of masonry or concrete (any height), fences in floodplains, and fences in historic districts. Processing takes about 10 days.
Under Section R105.2 of the Houston IRC Amendments, fences not over 8 feet and not constructed of masonry or concrete are exempt from building permits. Masonry or concrete fences of any height require a permit. When a permit is required, documentation includes: completed building permit application, notarized deed restriction affidavit, two complete sets of plans, and a cost estimate. Floodplain plan approval is required if the property is in an A or V zone. Historic district properties require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Processing time is approximately 10 days. Permits are valid for 6 months with inspection required upon completion. Contact Texas 811 at least two business days before digging to locate underground utilities.
Building without required permit: stop-work order and correction. Must obtain retroactive permit and pass inspection.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle permit requirements.
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