Deck Permit in Houston, Texas

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: deck not exceeding 200 sq ft and not more than 30 in above grade and not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door is exempt from permit.

When a permit is usually needed

Before building a deck that exceeds the exempt threshold

Permit cost and what affects it

Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.

Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.

Where to apply

• Official permit page
• Permit portal

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a deck permit in Houston?

Houston exempts uncovered decks from a permit if they do not exceed 200 square feet and are not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and are not attached to the dwelling and do not serve a required exit door. Decks that fail any of these conditions require a permit under the Houston Amendments to the 2021 IRC. The typical threshold is deck not exceeding 200 sq ft and not more than 30 in above grade and not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door is exempt from permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.

How much does a deck permit cost in Houston?

Fees are set by Houston and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.

How long does a deck permit take in Houston?

Processing time for a deck permit in Houston varies by workload and project scope. Contact the Houston Permitting Center for a current estimate.

Where do you apply for a deck permit in Houston?

You can apply through the Houston permit portal or contact the Houston Permitting Center directly. The links are listed on this page.

Official sources

• https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/building-code-enforcement/residential-plan-review