Building Permits
All residential and commercial permit applications and corresponding documents will need to be sent electronically to Permits@LaPorteTX.gov.
The City of La Porte has adopted the 2018 ICC Building Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Codes:
Click here to view a list of applicable codes.
PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
- New Residential
- New Commercial
- Residential Addition
- Commercial Addition
- Residential Remodel
- Commercial Remodel
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Complete set of construction plans that meets all of the requirements of the residential check list
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Complete set of construction plans that meets all of the requirements of the commercial check list
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- The requirements for residential addition construction plans change on a case by case basis. For more information on what is required for your job, please call 281-470-5073 and ask for the plans examiner
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Depending on the existing square footage of the commercial building and what is being added, a licensed Professional Engineer's seal and signature may be required. Please check the requirements set by TBPELS
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- The requirements for residential remodel construction plans change on a case by case basis. For more information on what is required for your job, please call 281-470-5073 and ask for the plans examiner
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Depending on the existing square footage of the commercial building and what is being added, a licensed Professional Engineer's seal and signature may be required. Please check the requirements set by TBPELS
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Property survey or to scale drawing detailing the dimensions of the proposed structure and where it will be placed on the property
- For a pre-fabricated structure (like a Tuff Shed), you will need to provide the manufacturers installation instructions
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application, Electrical Permit Application, and Plumbing Permit Application
- Property survey or to scale drawing of property indicating where the generator pad will be placed and its dimensions
- Manufacturers installation instructions for generator
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application and Electrical Permit Application
- Manufacturers installation instructions for solar panels
- Analysis proving that the additional dead load from the photovoltaic arrays and equipment can be safely supported by the existing roof. Needs to meet the 150 MPH wind load.
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Manufacturers installation instructions for the windows
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Manufacturers installation instructions for the siding
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Building layout signed and sealed by a professional Engineer in the State of Texas
- A fence permit is required if 50% or more of the fence is being replaced
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Property survey or to scale drawing of the property indicating where the fence will be placed
- Application must list the fence material and height of the fence
- Fence material per Chapter 106-789
- Height cannot exceed 8 feet
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application, Electrical Permit Application, and Plumbing Permit Application
- Property survey or to scale drawings showing the dimensions of the pool and where it will be placed on the property
- Above-ground
- Does not require steel-reinforced sealed plan
- In-ground
- Requires engineer sealed rebar plans
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- More information on the requirements for Swimming Pools can be found on our swimming pool plan review and inspection guide.
- Completed Roof Permit Application
- Signed roofing policy
- Final inspection will require an inspection from a third party. Certification letter for roofing activity must be submitted to permits@laportetx.gov
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Property survey or to-scale drawing of property indicating the dimensions of the driveway and calling out material, rebar type, and sizing
- Completed floodplain development permit application (if within a flood hazard area)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Sprinkler layout of property sealed by a licensed irrigator
- Backflow form required for final inspection
- Required for any establishment selling food or drinks
- Sealed drawings by an engineer per building code/ordinance
All signs must meet requirements of Chapter 106 Article VII - Signs
Signs less than 5 square feet do not need to be permitted (Sec. 106-878 a)
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Complete set of drawings indicating dimension of sign and its placement on wall/property
- Free-standing sign plans must be sealed by an engineer and meet the 150 mph wind load requirement
- If sign requires electrical work, an Electrical Permit Application is required
- If sign is connecting to existing electrical, no electrical permit is required
- Completed demolition permit application and check list
- Completed fill dirt permit application, electrical permit application, and plumbing permit application
- Plot plan, site plan, or property survey to scale that shows:
- North arrow
- All existing structures
- What structures proposed to be demolished
- Dimensions and square footage of all structures to be demolished
Commercial demolition requires an asbestos survey
- Completed Fire Permit Application
- Complete set of plans according to what type of permit is being requested
- Completed fill dirt permit application
- A property survey, sketch, or site plan indicating where the fill dirt will be placed and its dimensions
- If more than 50 truckloads of fill will be placed, a grading & drainage plan sealed by an engineer is required
- Please click here for the application
- Completed building permit application
- Property survey or to scale drawing showing the dimensions of the culvert and where it will be placed
- Culverts can be placed by Public Works. For more information, call 281-471-9650
- Completed storm water quality permit application
- Supporting documents that meet the "conditions of the storm water quality permit" on page 2 of the application
- Completed right-of-way permit application
- Complete set of construction plans
For any permit questions that were not answered by the information above, please call 281-470-5073 and ask for the plans examiner.
How can I pay for my permit?
Permits can be paid for by visiting https://lapo-egov.aspgov.com/Click2GovBP/index.html. Please complete the following steps:
- Put in your application number and hit "continue"
- Click on the option on the left that says "application fees"
- Select the appropriate fee and finish paying
ONCE YOU HAVE PAID FOR YOUR PERMIT, PLEASE EMAIL permits@laportetx.gov SO WE CAN ISSUE THE PERMIT AND APPROVED PLANS.
What permits do I need to open a business?
- A zoning permit (La Porte's version of a certificate of occupancy) is required for all new businesses.
- A certificate of occupancy is issued only for new construction.
- More information on the zoning ordinance can be found at http://laportetx.gov/234/Zoning-Ordinance or by calling planning at 281-470-5057
- Remodel work to the building you are purchasing/leasing may need a permit. Please see the Commercial Remodel tab for more information.
- The City of La Porte issues business licenses for different types of businesses. Please visit http://laportetx.gov/896/Business-Licenses for more information.
- For any additional questions that do not pertain to the inspections services division, please call the City of La Porte main number at 281-470-5020 and the receptionist can get you in contact with the correct department.
Is the homeowner doing the work?
Homeowners can perform the work if they have completed their Harris County Residential Homestead Exemption.
Contractor Insurance and License Requirements
All contractors will need to adhere to the City's insurance requirements for contractors and license requirements for contractors.
There are no contractor registration forms and no contractor registration fees. Contractors need to send their COI and licenses to permits@laportetx.gov.
How much does a permit cost?
Permit costs can be found on our Building Permit Fee Schedule.
How long is a permit active?
Per the Building Code, permits are valid for six (6) months. Once an inspection has been scheduled, the permit will automatically be extended six months from the date of inspection. All permits are allowed one (1) extension if there is no activity in six (6) months. Requests must come in writing and fees will be applied. If a permit expires and has already received an extension, the permit is voided and the applicant must apply for a new permit.
What if my project is in the floodplain?
All permitted work done in the floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Please see our Floodplain Information Page for more information.