Encroachment Permit
Encroachments are defined as private uses into, upon, over, or under the City’s right-of-way (ROW). An encroachment permit that covers tunnels, vaults, pedestrian walkways, basements, tiebacks, railroad spurs, utilities, high and low voltage circuits, cables, conduits, signs, tanks, balconies, canopies, etc.
Scheduled, unannounced inspections are conducted.
Construction permit is required after encroachment permit is issued.
The encroachment procedure and application do not apply to requests to install a network of equipment and wireless networks and components of wireless networks, including antennas and other above ground facilities, within the Right-of-Way. An executed License Agreement for Wireless Facilities and Poles in the Right-of-Way is required before these above ground facilities can be installed in the Right-of-Way.
Application package, which includes:
- Encroachment application form
- Application Fee
- Encroachment questionnaire
- Certificates of Insurance (Worker's Compensation, Employer's Liability, General Liability, Automobile)
- City-approved Drawing # (new application only)
- Property deed or lease
- City-approved property survey or plat
- GIS mapping data
Email the completed encroachment package to [email protected].
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents to the Encroachment section, located at 1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor.
- Payment is made at the cashier station located on the 1st floor (cash, check, debit/credit card).
Mail the completed application, supporting documents and payment (certified or cashier's check only) to:
Office of the City Engineer - Encroachment Section
1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Once construction is completed, client will notify Construction Services Section for inspection.
To request an inspection, call 832-394-9097.
Annual fees are due on or before the anniversary date of permit issuance. An invoice is mailed 30 days prior to anniversary date.
Permit will be renewed every 30 years. The renewal submittal is same as new application:
- Application Fee
- Application Form
- Encroachment Questionnaire
- Certificates of Insurance Plan Property deed
- Survey or plat
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents to the Encroachment section, located at 1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor.
- Payment is made at the cashier station located on the 1st floor (cash, check, debit/credit card).
Mail the completed application, supporting documents and payment (certified or cashier's check only) to:
Office of the City Engineer - Encroachment Section
1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Email the complete encroachment application package to [email protected].
Failure to pay the annual fee may result in the permit being revoked. A hold is placed on the property to prevent other work until payment is received.
The annual fee consists of three parts:
- Volume along each street: $0.0041 per cubic feet or $125.28, whichever is greater
- Volume crossing each street: $0.0041 per cubic feet or $125.28, whichever is greater
- An administration fee: $31.32 for each permit