Houston’s permitting system is centered on the Houston Permitting Center, where Building Code Enforcement administers permits, plan review, and inspections for most private residential and commercial construction. Building permit applications can be started through iPermits, while projects requiring plan review are generally routed through ProjectDox after a project number is created.
Houston differs from most major U.S. cities because it does not have a citywide comprehensive zoning ordinance. Instead, development is shaped by regulations such as Chapter 42, which governs subdivision and development standards, along with rules covering setbacks, parking, access, landscaping, and other site requirements. Recorded deed restrictions can also impose property-specific limitations, so they may matter even when conventional zoning does not apply.
Floodplain review is another important part of Houston permitting. The Houston Public Works Floodplain Management Office reviews development in regulated flood areas, and qualifying construction, additions, or substantial improvements may require a separate Floodplain Development Permit alongside the underlying building permit.
Historic properties can trigger an additional approval process. The Houston Office of Preservation reviews work affecting designated landmarks and properties within historic districts, while the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission issues Certificates of Appropriateness for applicable projects. Applicants can begin with the Houston Permitting Center and then determine whether planning, floodplain, historic-preservation, or other specialized reviews apply.