Driveway permit in Houston, TX
Yes — you need a permit for driveway work in Houston.
You need a permit before you build, rebuild, repair, or regrade a driveway, sidewalk, curb, or gutter. You also have to get the line and grade from the city engineer first, and build to it. The same rules apply when the driveway work goes along with putting up a building. On top of that, whoever does the work must first file a $2,000 yearly bond with the city, unless section 40-88(e) frees that person from permit fees.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | You need a permit before you build, rebuild, repair, or r… |
| Fee | The code refers to driveway permit fees but gives no amount. Section 40-88(e) lets some people out of paying them. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 40-99, with the bond in Sec. 40-95 |
| Based on | City of Houston Code of Ordinances, chapter 40, article III |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Houston building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Doing this work without a permit, without the city engineer's line and grade, or without the bond is a misdemeanor. If you are convicted, the court will fine you under section 1-6 of the city code.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | — | Yes | You need a permit before you build, rebuild, repair, or r… |
| Austin | 146 mi | Depends | A driveway, sidewalk, or concrete flatwork on your own lo… |
| Killeen | 166 mi | Yes | You need a permit to pour, widen, or replace a driveway. … |
| San Antonio | 190 mi | Depends | Over 30 in above grade |
| Mesquite | 217 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Richardson | 234 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
Other work in Houston
Questions people ask
How much does a driveway permit cost in Houston?
The code refers to driveway permit fees but gives no amount. Section 40-88(e) lets some people out of paying them.. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Houston can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.