This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., C.B.O., CASp, Senior Assistant Director - Building Official

Senior Assistant Director Public Works, Thomas J. Hosey, manages Building Code Services and administers the provisions in the City's Code of Ordinances and state/federal regulations relating to private building construction, sign administration, and the utility analysis capacity program. Building Code service has over 400 employees and is divided into seven main sections.

• Permits and Code Development
• Plan Review
• Inspections
• Sign Administration
• Green Building Resource Center
• Utility Analysis

QUICK LINKS

 OFFICE LOCATIONS 

NEWS AND EVENTS

New Electrical Code Adopted - Effective Immediately

Effective, September 24, 2014, the City Houston Council voted to approve the City of Houston Electrical Code Administrative Provisions and the 2014 National Electrical Code, as adopted by the State of Texas in 16 Texas Administrative Code §73.100. Building permits that are applied for on or after the effective date of this code shall conform to these requirements. To access the 2014 NEC Houston Amendments, visit the Forms & Publications page.

For questions regarding this code, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Improvements to the Inspection Notification Feature

Beginning, October 15th, 2014 we will be expanding our existing notification service to notify users with a two hour window. This improved service will provide the registered users with an opportunity to be notified of the inspector arriving for the inspection with more accuracy, saving customers valuable time and money. Existing users will not need to take any action to receive this added feature; however, new users will need to register for this feature. To register, please CLICK HERE.

Suspension of the Multidiscipline Inspection (MDI) Program

As noted in the May announcement, the MDI program is limited to 100 applications. The application limit has been reached. The MDI program has been suspended for new building permit applications until further notice.

We are continually working on a solution to increase staff levels and reinstate the MDI Inspection Program permanently. We appreciate your patience. 

For questions please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New Plan Review Prerequisites Form – Effective August 4, 2014

To reduce unnecessary corrections on plans, which often result in an avoidable additional plan review submittal, we have updated our Plan Review Prerequisite Form CE-1105 to assist in the review process. Beginning August 4, 2014, the completed revised form will be required on all commercial plan sets. Applicants will need to identify where in the plans each of the required prerequisites are located. In addition, the form will provide the minimum code analysis information. Please click here to view and complete the revised form.

Recently Published Building Official Interpretations (Code Words)

The following interpretations have recently been published by the Building Official:

•    Code Word 2006-66 Assessment of Permit Valuations
•    Code Word 2006-67 Acceptance of Flipped or Reversed Plans
•    Code Word 2006-68 Smoke Dampers in Corridors
•    Code Word 2006-69 Sprinkler System in Four-Story Residences
•    Code Word 2006-70 Rooftop Applications Allowed under the IRC
•    Code Word 2006-71 Residential Fire Ratings and Location

To view a copy of the approved Code Words in their entirety and other code related documents please visit our page at:
http://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/code-enforcement/publications.html

For more information on these interpretations please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Clear Lake Permit Office Grand Opening - May 1, 2014

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of a third Building Permit Satellite Office. In a coordinated effort by Council Member Martin and the Public Works and Engineering Department the new Clear Lake Permit Office location at 1335 Regents Park Dr., Suite 130 will provide neighborhood services for the businesses and residents of the area.

For more information about the services at this location please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or beginning, Monday, April 21st email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 832-395-6785. 

New Commercial One-Stop Plan Review Guideline

The One Stop Plan Review program was intended to provide an expedited plan review and permit process for small remodels and repairs. The program is limited to a 30 minute review. The One-Stop Commercial One-Stop Qualifications guideline has been revised due to the increased volume of construction in the Houston area. The revised guideline lists the various types of commercial projects that qualify or disqualify for our One-Stop Plan Review process.

To download the guideline, CLICK HERE.

New Residential Energy Code Provisions - Effective February 7, 2014

On January 8, 2014 City Council approved an ordinance to increase energy efficiency by an additional 5% above the currently adopted Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code.

The additional increase in efficiency will require a total of 15% above-code energy savings after the effective date.

These provisions will affect new construction of the following types of projects:

• One or Two Family Home
• Apartments 3 stories and less in height
• R-4 occupancies 3 stories and less in height

Compliance can be achieved by any of the methods codified in Section 110 of the Houston Energy Code. To view a copy of this ordinance CLICK HERE.

For additional questions please contact mailto: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.