Houston Permits
On this page are five major categories of permits required to do business with the City of Houston or within the City of Houston city limits. For additional information, please contact the 3-1-1 Service Helpline. If calling from outside the City Limits, please call 713.837.0311. Or you can reach the Permitting Center via email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Houston Permitting Center offers the following types of services:
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| HPC offers several types of permits. |
HPC provides various license types. |
HPC provides Plan Review services. |
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| HPC offers inspections. |
For other types of permits... |
Call HPC for permitting support. |
PARKING NOTICE -- Free parking is available at 1002 Washington in the designated customer lot; metered parking is also available on the surrounding streets. Please do not park in the neighboring lots or driveways as your vehicle may be subject to towing. The City of Houston is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with the towing, storage, or recovery of any vehicle removed from a neighboring lot or driveway.
Burglar Alarm Permits
This site is the one-stop shop for burglar alarms. Citizens and businesses can apply for and renew both their residential and commercial burglar alarm permits here. They can also check their account status and history anytime day or night, and online credit card payments are now accepted. Please note that the burglar alarm permit application is only compatible with Internet Explorer.
Code Enforcement Permits
1002 Washington Ave. The Code Enforcement group enforces the City of Houston Construction Codes for both residential and commercial construction.
At this site, licensed and registered contractors may apply for certain permits. This includes residential building demolition, residential re-roofs, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, boiler, and sidewalks/driveways permits. Additionally, our customers may schedule inspections, view inspection history, check the status of submitted plans, and search for permits sold within the last three years. For information regarding other services, please visit our Home page or contact us, or phone 832.394.9000.
Commercial Permits
1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor. Commercial Permitting engages in permit processing, compliance investigations, and fee collection for over 50 types of commercial permits.
Permits are issued annually for Alcohol and Alcohol-Related Businesses; Antique Dealers; Second Hand Dealers; Gold/Silver Dealers; Mini-Warehouses; Flea Markets; Dance Halls; Metal and Scrap Dealers; Game Rooms; and Coin Operated Amusement Machines. In addition, Charitable Solicitation registration, Noise, Sound and Noise Related Equipment permits, and Itinerant Vendor Permits are issued daily as required by the applicant.
Mobility Permitting Section
Oversees Lane & Street Closures, Sidewalk Closures, Sidewalk Cafés, and Curb Painting.
The mobility permit system portal provides the City of Houston with the ability to manage city streets and sidewalks during public and private construction. If you are a contractor that may require temporary use of city streets or sidewalks during construction, please read our FAQ prior to applying for a permit. The mobility permit portal also serves to manage sidewalk café permits.
For permit applications, visit the Permit System Portal and click on Mobility Permit System to begin using the new online permit system. From here you will be able to obtain a user name and password by creating a user profile. Please fax or email your updated insurance to 832.395.3057 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
after registration so that we may update your profile. Permit status updates will be sent to you via email. If required to pay a fee, the email will contain a link to pay for permits online using your credit card or e-check. A valid email address is required for you to receive notifications from the City.
Permit System Portal (Online Applications)
Mobility Permit Information
For more information, visit the Mobility Permitting Section or contact us by phone at 832.395.3020 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
GO TO MOBILITY PERMITTING SECTION
Street Cut Permits
1002 Washington Ave. The Construction Services Section reviews and approves street cut/excavation permits to enforce the Street Cut Ordinance that regulates the manner in which excavations are made and construction is performed in the City’s Right of Way.
This section also oversees enforcement of the permits for private construction of utilities within City’s Right of Way. Phone 832.394.9106.















