Encroachment Permit

Instrument Reference Number
HPWOCE1006
Areas of Interest
Valid Period
30 years
Inspection
Required
Renewal
Required
Plan Review
Required
Fee
$1,318.75 per street
Renewal fee
Annual Fee: $0.0041per cubic feet or $128.62, whichever is greater
Processing Time
up to 10 business days
About

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.

After Approval

Scheduled, unannounced inspections are conducted.

Conditions and Exceptions

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.

Apply What you need

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
Apply Online Steps

Email the completed encroachment package to [email protected].

Apply in Person Steps
  1. Bring the completed application, supporting documents to the Encroachment section, located at 1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor.
  2. Payment is made at the cashier station located on the 1st floor (cash, check, debit/credit card).
Apply by Mail Steps

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

Inspection What you need

Once construction is completed, client will notify Construction Services Section for inspection.

Inspection Schedule by Phone Steps

To request an inspection, call 832-394-9097.

Renew What you need

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
Renew in Person Steps
  1. Bring the completed application, supporting documents to the Encroachment section, located at 1002 Washington Ave., 2nd Floor.
  2. Payment is made at the cashier station located on the 1st floor (cash, check, debit/credit card).
Renew by Mail Steps

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

Renew Online Steps

Email the complete encroachment application package to [email protected]

Renew Conditions & Exceptions

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

Source URL: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/hpwoce1006