Below are 5 major categories of permits required to do business with the City of Houston or within the City of Houston city limits. For additional information, please contact the 3-1-1 Service Helpline

Burglar Alarm Permits

This site is the one-stop shop for burglar alarms. Citizens and businesses can apply for and renew both their residential and commercial burglar alarm permits here. They can also check their account status and history anytime day or night, and online credit card payments are now accepted.

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Code Enforcement Permits - 713.535.7503

3300 Main St. The Code Enforcement group enforces the City of Houston Construction Codes for both residential and commercial construction.

At this site, licensed and registered contractors may apply for certain permits. This includes residential building demolition, residential re-roofs, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, boiler, and sidewalks/driveways permits. Additionally, our customers may schedule inspections, view inspection history, check the status of submitted plans, and search for permits sold within the last three years.  For information regarding other services, please visit our Home page or contact us.

Street Cut Permits - 832.395.4409

611 Walker, 18th Floor. The Construction Services Section reviews and approves street cut/excavation permits to enforce the Street Cut Ordinance that regulates the manner in which excavations are made and construction is performed in the City’s Right of Way.

This section also oversees enforcement of the permits for private construction of utilities within City’s Right of Way.