Senate Bills 1202 and 1252 took effect on September 1, 2025. The Houston Permitting Center has updated its processes, created checklist and guides to reflect the recent state law changes.
Senate Bill 1202 |Third-Party Review & Inspections of Home Backup Power Installations
Third-Party Checklist & Guidelines form (CE-1416)
- What’s allowed: Third-party professionals may review and/or inspect home backup power installations up to 600 volts for one- and two-family dwellings.
- Who qualifies:
- Master Electrician
- Electrical Inspector certified by Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry (IAEI) or International Code Council (ICC)
- Texas-licensed Professional Engineer.
- To apply:
Submit applications in iPermits, include:
*City of Houston inspections still apply for electric and gas service releases. If the system is located in a floodplain, contact the Floodplain Management Office prior to review or installation.
Senate Bill 1252 | State Preemption of Residential Energy Backup System Regulations
Guideline For Residential Energy Backup Systems Utility Service Connections (CE-1419)
- Bill summary: Cities may not regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system that is 50 kW or less or has a storage capacity of 100 kWh or less.
- What the City will inspect: Only service connections —
- Electrical service equipment (via Temporary Cut-In (TCI)/reconnect permit)
- Fuel gas piping (gas permit)
*The City will not inspect the generator, invertor, or batteries themselves.
For questions or concerns please contact:
- Electrical Inspections: 832-394-8860; [email protected] | [email protected]
- Plumbing Inspections: 832-394-8870; [email protected]
- Code Development: [email protected]
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