Harris County, Texas is unusual compared to most counties in this guide: unincorporated Harris County has very limited building permit requirements. The county doesn't require permits for most standard residential construction in unincorporated areas. However, this matters to fewer homeowners than you might think — the vast majority of Harris County's population lives within the City of Houston or another municipality, each of which has its own permitting system.
If your address is in Houston, you apply through the City of Houston's Department of Public Works and Engineering. If you're in Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, Katy, or another city, contact that city's building department. Only homeowners in truly unincorporated Harris County areas — typically rural or semi-rural areas outside city limits — fall under county jurisdiction.
To check your jurisdiction, use the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) website at hcad.org. Enter your address and look at the "Jurisdiction" field. If it lists a city name, use that city for permits. For truly unincorporated areas, contact Harris County Engineering at 1111 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: (713) 274-3900.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- If you live in the City of Houston, the city's rules apply — not Harris County's. Houston requires a building permit for sheds over 200 sq ft. Apply through the City of Houston's online permit portal at houstonpermittingcenter.org. If you're in unincorporated Harris County outside city limits, the county has minimal permit requirements for residential structures, but your area may be subject to a Municipal Utility District (MUD) or other local rules.
- Use the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) tool at hcad.org — enter your address and look at the 'Jurisdiction' or 'City' field. If it lists 'Harris County' with no city name, you're likely in unincorporated territory. If it lists Houston, Pasadena, Katy, or another city name, use that city's building department for permits.