Overview
Houston Building Code Enforcement’s current Plan Review service offers residential One-Stop, fast-track and new single-family/duplex routes. Its online One-Stop instructions direct applicants to apply in iPermits, upload plans and required documents in ProjectDox, include supporting forms and respond to review comments. Use the route’s eligibility instructions before submitting.
Building authority
Houston Permitting Center / Building Code Enforcement
Online application systems
iPermits application + ProjectDox plans and review comments
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical service and installation
Houston BCE / Texas TDLRApplicable Code
Confirm Houston’s electrical amendments and filing-date NEC requirements with BCE.
License Requirement
Use the appropriate Texas electrical contractor and individual credentials; confirm Houston registration before purchase.
License Fee
TDLR license-class fees; Houston registration is separate
CEUs
Covered individual electrical licenses: 4 hours per renewal; contractor licenses are exempt.
Permit Fee
2026: meter/service ≤50 kW $94; outlets $1.34 each; $91.06 minimum; applicable administration extra.
Plan Review Time
Electrical review depends on the scope; the 2022 City presentation is not a current turnaround promise.
Common Pitfalls
- A service-only fee does not include additional panels, devices or fixtures.
- The registered trade contractor coordinates the trade inspection in the documented City workflow.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Confirm the property and scope
Identify the building work, trade systems, historic restrictions and other approvals.
Apply through iPermits
Use the current Plan Review service and the appropriate residential application.
Upload plans in ProjectDox
Include all required forms and supporting documents for the selected route.
Resolve review comments
Complete required corrections and obtain all applicable approvals.
Obtain building and trade permits
Pay assessed charges and have the responsible contractors obtain their permitted scopes.
Inspect and complete
Coordinate each required inspection and any occupancy approval with the relevant section.
Permit fees and worked estimates
The live City schedule dates these rates January 1, 2026. This is a component example, not a project quote.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical service and installation | 2026: meter/service ≤50 kW $94; outlets $1.34 each; $91.06 minimum; applicable administration extra. | TDLR license-class fees; Houston registration is separate |
| Plumbing and water systems | 2026 plumbing minimum $97.56; fixture/system charges and applicable administration are additional considerations. | TSBPE credential fees and applicable Houston registration |
| HVAC installation and alteration | 2026 repair/alteration component: $47 base + 2% valuation; minimum and administration may apply. | TDLR contractor class and City registration requirements |
| Fire alarms and sprinkler systems | 2026: alarm 1–10 devices $91.06; sprinkler first 25 heads $97.56; review $2.28/head. | System-specific state credential and City registration |
| Building and historic-property coordination | 2026 general minimum $91.06, excluding plumbing; actual building charges depend on the permit. | GC license not required for building permit; trade registration is separate |
Submission checklist
Homeowner and contractor rules
Houston’s current Plan Review page states that a general contractor license is not required for building permits, while electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors must register their licenses with the City. Confirm homeowner eligibility for each trade rather than using the GC rule as a trade exemption. Before new residential intake, check development-plat review and water/wastewater availability where needed.
Codes and local amendments
The Permitting Center is the City-linked construction-code authority. Use its applicable Houston Construction Codes resources to confirm discipline-specific editions, amendments and filing transitions. The GC licensing rule does not remove code, inspection or property requirements.
Historic enforcement pitfalls
Inspections and closeout
The dated City workflow separates structural and trade inspections and assigns trade scheduling to the registered contractor who purchased the permit. Confirm the present scheduling instructions and required finals with the appropriate inspection section. A completed building review does not close every trade record or establish occupancy approval.