Before You Build in Pasadena, TX: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Pasadena requires a permit for all fence construction under Sec. 9-3. Permit fee is $20 per 500 lineal feet. A scaled site plan and materials description are required. Barbed wire pasture fences for livestock are exempt from permits.

Pasadena allows residential fences up to 7 feet maximum under Sec. 9-3(1). Fences in front of the building setback line are limited to 4 feet and must be chain link, wrought iron, or white picket only. Commercial fences up to 9 feet; over 7 feet requires engineered drawings for 90 MPH wind loads.

Pasadena requires nonresidential developments abutting unscreened residential lots to build a fence along the abutting property line per Sec. 9-3(2) and Sec. 9-197(g). Multifamily fences abutting residential property must be at least 8 feet, opaque, per Sec. 9-4.

Pasadena requires permits for retaining walls constructed of masonry or concrete. Walls over 4 feet in height typically require stamped engineering plans. The city's building department reviews retaining wall permits for structural compliance.

Pasadena enforces Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 pool barrier requirements. Residential pools need a minimum 48-inch fence with self-closing, self-latching gates. Chain-link fences prohibited for pools built after January 1, 1994. The city's fence ordinance also applies.

Pasadena requires pool barriers per Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 757 and the ISPSC. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Driveway gates used as barriers must be at least 60 inches with motorized closers.

Pasadena requires building permits for swimming pool construction under Chapter 9. The city follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted by Texas. Plan review is required showing pool location, setbacks, and structural details.

Pasadena follows Texas state pool safety laws under TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 757 and the ISPSC. Residential pools require compliant barriers, drain safety covers, and must meet electrical code requirements. The Building Inspections Department conducts pool inspections.

Above-ground pools in Pasadena holding over 24 inches of water must comply with Texas pool barrier requirements (HSC Ch. 757). Electrical connections require city permits. The fence ordinance (maximum 7 feet, permit required) applies to pool barriers.

Hot tubs in Pasadena holding over 24 inches of water must comply with Texas pool barrier requirements. Electrical work for installation requires a city permit. No separate hot tub ordinance exists beyond building code electrical and barrier requirements.

Pasadena requires building permits for garage conversions. Converted garages must maintain the 2 off-street parking spaces required per dwelling under Sec. 9-7. Setback requirements of Sec. 9-76 apply. Deed restrictions may prohibit garage conversions.

Pasadena is a non-zoned city with no specific ADU ordinance. Secondary dwelling units are subject to general building code requirements under Chapter 9, including the 25-foot front setback and 5-foot side/rear setbacks under Sec. 9-76. Deed restrictions may apply.

Pasadena, Texas regulates tiny homes through its building code (based on the International Residential Code) and subdivision regulations. Fixed tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet building code requirements. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot serve as permanent dwellings.

Carports in Pasadena must comply with the city's building code (Chapter 9) and zoning regulations (Appendix A). Building permits may be required depending on size and construction type. Setback requirements apply to carports as accessory structures.

Pasadena requires permits for private garages, sheds, and shops under Sec. 9-78. Setback is 5 feet from side and rear property lines for both attached and unattached structures. Private shops require a 25-foot setback. Shipping containers are prohibited on residential property.

Pasadena adopted the International Fire Code 2015 edition under Chapter 13. Open flames and recreational fires must comply with IFC setback and safety requirements. The Fire Marshal's Office oversees fire prevention at (713) 475-5556.

Outdoor burning in Pasadena is regulated under the IFC 2015 (Ch. 13) and TCEQ outdoor burning rules (30 TAC Ch. 111). Open burning of trash, yard waste, and construction debris is generally prohibited within city limits. The Fire Marshal must approve any outdoor burning.

Pasadena has a Landscape Ordinance that governs tree planting and preservation requirements for development projects. Residential property owners may remove trees on their own land but commercial development must comply with landscape buffer and tree planting requirements.

Pasadena's landscape ordinance (Art. X, Sec. 9-195 through 9-199) requires commercial property owners to maintain landscaping in healthy condition. Dead plants must be replaced within 6 months. Trees cannot be planted in public right-of-way or utility easements.

Pasadena's water supply is managed by the city water utility. Drought restrictions may be imposed following the state's drought contingency plan framework. The landscape ordinance (Sec. 9-199) requires irrigation systems for all commercial landscape areas.