Senate Bills 1202 and 1252 took effect on September 1, 2025. The Houston Permitting Center has updated its processes, created a 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]
#WeAreHereToHelp