City of Houston speeds up permitting process after devastating storms | City government

The City of Houston is improving services for residents who suffered severe property damage from last week’s derecho. The Houston Permitting Center and Department of Planning and Development expedite the permitting and plan review process. Expedited services will help the community repair their homes and properties without delay.

The following expedited permits will restore structures to their original footprint:

• Weatherheads to restore power to a home or property. Not all properties require these devices.
• Roof repairs for roof repairs and coverings.
• Minor structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) repairs

Those seeking a permit should ensure repairs comply with their neighborhood’s deed restrictions.

Customers can help ensure an efficient process by submitting permit applications through iPermits and contacting the Permits Section to provide their eight-digit project number and project address.

Not all structural repairs require a permit. Customers can carry out the following work without a permit:

• Tarpaulin.
• Replacement of wood and metal fences less than 8 feet high.
• Painting, replacing tiles, cabinets, countertops and similar finishing work.
• Replacement of drywall or plasterboard that is not part of a fire-rated assembly and does not exceed a total of 100 square feet.
• Replacement of exterior wooden facades, woodwork and soffits that do not exceed a total of 128 square feet.
• Roof coverage not to exceed a total of 100 square feet.

Customers can find more information about storm damage repairs and permit-exempt repair work on the Houston Permitting Center website, by phone at 832.394.8899, or by email.