Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in Houston: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the Houston Permitting Center.
Permit Fees
Valuation-based. 25% non-refundable plan review deposit collected at submission. Use the online Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Fees vary by project valuation. 2026 fee schedule available on the Permitting Center website. Fees increased 2.9% effective January 2025.
Processing Time
Standard residential plan review: 10-25 business days. 30-Day Residential Permit Pilot program commits to issuing permits within 30 business days for qualifying single-family projects.
Apply Online
Yes — via iPermits
Building Code
2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with Houston amendments
Contact: 832-394-9000 | 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
No permit required if the deck meets ALL of these: not more than 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and does not serve a required exit door.
If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.
Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.
You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check Houston's specific documentation requirements.
Apply through iPermits . Pay the permit fee at submission.
Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).
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Sources
Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with Houston's Houston Permitting Center.