Renovation Permits in Houston
Guide to renovation permits for apartment buildings in Houston. What requires permits, how to apply, inspection process, and timeline expectations.
Guide to renovation permits for apartment buildings in Houston. What requires permits, how to apply, inspection process, and timeline expectations.
Houston is famously unzoned, but that doesn't mean unregulated. Multifamily renovation projects often require building permits, and starting work without them can result in fines, forced removal of completed work, and insurance issues.
Structural modifications (walls, beams, load-bearing changes). Electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement. Plumbing beyond fixture swap-out. HVAC system replacement. Roof replacement. Additions or changes to building footprint. ADA modifications to common areas.
Cosmetic updates — paint, flooring, cabinet replacement (like-for-like), appliance replacement, fixture swaps, and minor repairs typically don't require permits in Houston. However, if the work is part of a larger permitted project, it must be included in the scope.
Submit plans to the City of Houston Public Works Department. Residential (1-2 unit) permits process in 5-10 business days. Commercial/multifamily permits may take 2-4 weeks. Expedited review is available for an additional fee.
Rough inspections for framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical before drywall. Final inspection before occupancy. Schedule inspections 48+ hours in advance. Failed inspections require corrections and re-inspection.
We manage the entire permitting process — from plan preparation to application submission to inspection scheduling. Our team knows Houston's building department, common rejection reasons, and how to prepare applications that pass on first review.
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