Permit Requirements Search Tool

Building Codes & Permit Requirements Search Tool

A directory of municipalities and county permit offices across the Greater Houston area. Find contact information and direct links to each jurisdiction's permit office and adopted-codes pages, so you can track down the latest requirements for your development project.

38 cities + 8 county permit offices
Reference only. Adopted codes, ordinances, fees, and contacts change frequently. Always confirm current requirements directly with the governing jurisdiction via the links below before relying on them for a project.
Filter by county:

Permit info = how to apply · Adopted codes = which IBC/IFC/IECC editions apply · Ordinances = full code of ordinances (zoning, platting, drainage, local amendments)

Cities & Municipalities — alphabetical

JurisdictionWebsitePermit PhonePermit RequirementsApplicable Building CodesCode of OrdinancesNotes
AlvinBrazoria www.alvin.gov (281) 388-4271 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permits & Inspections division. Online portal: MyGov. Adopted codes listed on the Permits page (no separate codes page).
AngletonBrazoria www.angleton.tx.us (979) 849-4364 ext. 2105 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Development Services / Building Service Dept. Adopted code editions live in the Municode Code of Ordinances. Online portal: MGO Connect.
BaytownHarrisChambers www.baytown.org (281) 420-6537 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Center line; inspection requests (281) 420-0435. Dedicated codes page. Online portal: EnerGov CSS.
BellaireHarris www.bellairetx.gov (713) 662-8230 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Development Services Dept (Building Official direct: 713-662-8232). Dedicated adopted-codes page. Online portal: SmartGov.
ConroeMontgomery www.cityofconroe.org (936) 522-3610 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Office. Adopted codes listed on the permits page (expandable section + PDF). Online portal: OpenGov.
Deer ParkHarris www.deerparktx.gov (281) 478-7270 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permitting Desk (alt 281-478-7252). Online portal: Citizen Self Service (CSS).
DickinsonGalveston www.dickinsontexas.gov (281) 337-6259 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Permits & Inspections (under Community Development). Adopted codes listed on the same page. Online portal: MyGov.
FriendswoodGalvestonHarris www.ci.friendswood.tx.us (281) 996-3201 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Division (Community Development). Permitting is 100% online. 'Build Responsibly' page describes adopted editions.
FulshearFort Bend www.fulsheartexas.gov (281) 346-8860 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building/Development Services. Adopted code editions in Municode Ch. 8, Art. II - confirm current editions with the department.
GalvestonGalveston www.galvestontx.gov (409) 797-3660 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Development Services / Building Division (Planning line: 409-797-3620). Combined permit + codes page. Coastal/wind-load criteria apply. Online portal: ePortal.
HoustonHarrisFort BendMontgomery www.houstontx.gov (832) 394-9494 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Houston Permitting Center (Public Works / Building Code Enforcement). General line (832) 394-9000. Houston Construction Code with local amendments. Portals: iPermits / ProjectDox. Houston has no traditional zoning; land use governed by Chapter 42.
HumbleHarris www.cityofhumbletx.gov (281) 446-6228 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building & Inspection Dept. Combined page. Runs notably older code editions - verify on the page. Online portal: iWorq (not all permit types online).
Jersey VillageHarris www.jerseyvillage.gov (713) 466-2110 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Safety & Permits (Permit Clerk line; main 713-466-2100). Online portal: MyGov/Vertex.
KatyHarrisFort BendWaller www.cityofkaty.com (281) 391-4800 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permits & Building Dept (main City Hall line; commercial: commercialpermits@cityofkaty.com). Spans three counties.
KemahGalveston www.kemahtx.gov (281) 334-1611 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Technician / main City Hall line. Specific code editions in Code of Ordinances Ch. 18. Online portal: MyGov.
La MarqueGalveston www.cityoflamarque.gov (409) 938-9204 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Development Services (use cityoflamarque.gov; old ci.la-marque.tx.us domain is stale). Online portal: SmartGov.
La PorteHarris www.laportetx.gov (281) 470-5073 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Inspection Services / Permits (Planning Division: 281-470-5057). Code editions codified in Ch. 82, Art. II. Online portal: EnerGov CSS.
Lake JacksonBrazoria www.lakejackson-tx.gov (979) 415-2430 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Public Works / Building Inspections. Adopted editions in Code of Ordinances Ch. 14, Sec. 14-1. Online portal: Click2Gov.
League CityGalvestonHarris www.leaguecitytx.gov (281) 554-1429 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Dept. Commercial work requires a mandatory pre-development meeting. Codes listed on main Building page. Online portal: EnerGov.
MagnoliaMontgomery www.cityofmagnolia.com (281) 356-2266 ext. 7 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Dept. Applications submitted by email; plats via EncodePlus. Combined page.
ManvelBrazoria www.cityofmanvel.com (281) 489-0630 ext. 4 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Development Services / Permits. Commercial Permit Packet PDF on applications page. Contractor mgmt via MyGov; apply by email.
Missouri CityFort BendHarris www.missouricitytx.gov (281) 403-8600 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permits & Inspections (main city line 281-403-8500). Step-by-step process at /327/Permit-Process. Online portal: MCTX Self Service.
MontgomeryMontgomery www.montgomerytexas.gov (936) 597-3304 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ City of Montgomery (NOT the county). Commercial projects ALSO require permit/inspection from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal; fire sprinklers permitted through the County.
Nassau BayHarris www.nassaubay.com (281) 336-6292 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit-specific line (general City Hall: 281-333-4211). Dedicated codes page. Online portal: MyGov.
Oak Ridge NorthMontgomery www.oakridgenorth.com (832) 381-3301 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Dept permit line (main city: 281-292-4648). Runs older code editions - verify on the codes page.
PasadenaHarris www.pasadenatx.gov (713) 475-5575 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Dept (City Hall: 713-477-1511). Recently transitioned to newer code editions - confirm via Municode Ch. 9 or by phone. Online portal: EnerGov.
PearlandBrazoriaHarrisFort Bend www.pearlandtx.gov (281) 652-1638 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permits & Inspections (City Hall: 281-652-1600). Dedicated adopted-codes page. Spans three counties (affects wind-load). Online portal: CityWorks.
RichmondFort Bend www.richmondtx.gov (281) 232-6871 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Dept (do NOT use City Hall line 281-342-5456 for permits). Codes listed on Building Dept page. Online portal: MyGovernmentOnline.
RosenbergFort Bend rosenbergtx.gov (832) 595-3500 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Inspections (city operator: 832-595-3300). Combined page. Online portal: My Government Online.
Santa FeGalveston www.santafetx.gov (409) 925-6412 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Community Services / permitting. Combined page. Online portal: iWorq.
SeabrookHarrisGalveston www.seabrooktx.gov (281) 291-5669 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Community Development (Building Official direct 281-291-5638; operator 281-291-5600). Dedicated codes page. 150 MPH ultimate wind. Spans two counties.
ShenandoahMontgomery www.shenandoahtx.us (281) 298-5522 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Community Development (same as main city line). Online portal: My Government Online.
StaffordFort BendHarris www.staffordtx.gov (281) 261-3926 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Technician (Building Official/Inspector 281-261-3943). Enforces notably older code editions - verify on dedicated codes page. No city property tax.
Sugar LandFort Bend www.sugarlandtx.gov (281) 275-2270 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permits Office (main city: 281-275-2900). Codes listed on Commercial page. Commercial forms at /2384. Online portal: CSS. Zoning/platting is in a SEPARATE Land Development Code on Municode.
Texas CityGalveston www.texascitytx.gov (409) 643-5946 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building/Inspections (operator 409-948-3111). Adopted-codes PDF available on site. Online portal: My Government Online.
The WoodlandsMontgomeryHarris www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov (936) 539-7836 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permitting authority: Montgomery County (936) 539-7836. UNINCORPORATED TOWNSHIP - does NOT issue building permits. Commercial building permits go through MONTGOMERY COUNTY Environmental Health-Permitting. Township handles ONLY covenant/architectural review (Covenant Admin: 281-210-3800). Small sliver is in Harris County - confirm per parcel. Ordinances link points to Montgomery County development regulations.
TomballHarris tomballtx.gov (281) 290-1451 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Building Division (Building Official 281-290-1404). Online portal: SmartGov.
WebsterHarris webstertx.gov (281) 338-2925 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit Technician (Chief Building Official 281-316-4131). Applications online-only via OnCamino.
West University PlaceHarris www.westutx.gov (713) 662-5833 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Community Development / Permits. Predominantly residential; commercial routes through the same office. Amendments in Municode Ch. 18 + App. C.

County Permit Offices — for unincorporated areas & ETJ

JurisdictionWebsitePermit PhonePermit RequirementsCodes / RegulationsDevelopment RegulationsNotes
Brazoria CountyBrazoria www.brazoriacountytx.gov (979) 864-1295 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Floodplain / Building Permit Office. Unusually, DOES issue residential & commercial building permits, but authority is rooted in floodplain (NFIP/FEMA) & coastal mgmt, not a full building code. Engineering 979-864-1265; Environmental Health (septic/well) 979-864-1600; Fire Marshal for fire code.
Chambers CountyChambers www.chamberscountytx.gov (409) 267-2700 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Requires permitting for any commercial/residential development (broader than most TX counties). Permit Office via Environmental Health. Commercial projects go through a Development Review Committee + Fire Marshal inspection (409-267-4500); Certificate of Compliance required. Online portal: MyGovernmentOnline.
Fort Bend CountyFort Bend www.fortbendcountytx.gov (281) 633-7500 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Engineering Dept issues Development Permits for unincorporated areas. Does NOT enforce a municipal building code or zoning. Regulates floodplain, platting, ROW/driveway, signs, drainage. Fire code via Fire Marshal; septic via Environmental Health. Online portal: MyGovernmentOnline.
Galveston CountyGalveston www.galvestoncountytx.gov (409) 770-5552 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Engineering, Floodplain Permitting & ROW office. Does NOT adopt a general building code in unincorporated areas; authority centers on floodplain (NFIP) development permits, plus driveway/ROW, subdivision review. County Engineer 409-770-5453. Fire code via Fire Marshal; septic via county health.
Harris CountyHarris www.harriscountytx.gov (713) 274-3900 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Office of the County Engineer - Permits Division. UNIQUE: via special legislation, Harris County DOES issue building permits & reviews plans for new commercial/tenant build-outs in unincorporated areas, plus floodplain, platting, fire code, stormwater, driveway. 'Permits A to Z' index on site. Some permits issued only by the State of Texas.
Liberty CountyLiberty www.co.liberty.tx.us (936) 336-4560 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Permit & Inspection Dept / Floodplain Administrator. Requires permits for essentially ALL construction over 100 sq ft countywide (broader than most). Cleveland office: 832-579-1135. Authority from Flood Prevention Ordinance & Subdivision Regs, not a commercial building code. Also handles OSSF/septic. Fire code via Fire Marshal.
Montgomery CountyMontgomery www.mctx.org (936) 539-7836 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ Environmental Health / Permitting & Floodplain Division. NO general building code in unincorporated areas; requires a 'Development Permit' driven by floodplain/drainage rules. Also handles septic (OSSF), food/health, fire code permits. Subdivision platting reviewed; fire safety via Fire Marshal. (This is the permitting authority for The Woodlands.)
Waller CountyWaller www.co.waller.tx.us (979) 826-7670 Permit info ↗ Adopted codes ↗ Ordinances ↗ County Engineer's Office. Does NOT enforce a general building code; requirements derive from Subdivision & Development Regulations and floodplain rules. A 911 address is required before any permit. Fire code via Fire Marshal; septic (OSSF) via Environmental. Online portal: MyGovernmentOnline.

Last verified: June 19, 2026. Most Texas counties cannot adopt a full municipal building code in unincorporated areas; their authority centers on floodplain, subdivision, drainage, and fire-marshal review (the "Development Regulations" link). Harris County is the exception and maintains a true online code. Verify jurisdiction per parcel — many sites span multiple counties or fall within a city ETJ.

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