Houston, TX · 2026 Fee Guide

ADDITION PERMIT COST IN
HOUSTON

How much does a addition permit cost in Houston, TX? Here's the 2026 fee breakdown — base fee, valuation multipliers, and a calculator so you can estimate your total before you apply.

$720
Base Fee
28d
Avg Approval
2026
Fee Schedule

HOW THE FEE IS CALCULATED

Houston calculates addition permitfees using a base charge plus a valuation-based component tied to your project's square footage.

Base permit fee
Flat charge to open the permit file
$720
Valuation surcharge
Applied on top of base fee by project size
$0.05 / sqft
Plan review fee
Required when plans must be reviewed before approval
15–25% of base
Inspection fee
Standard inspections included in most permit fees
Included
Fee Estimator

Base fee $720 + $0.05/sqft valuation estimate

$720
Base Fee (minimum)

* Estimate only. Actual fees depend on project valuation, zoning, and inspector review. Confirm with the city permit office before submitting.

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR COST

Project Valuation

Higher project value = higher fee. The city uses your total project cost to set the valuation multiplier.

Square Footage

Larger footprint projects incur higher per-sqft surcharges on top of the base fee.

Zoning District

Some zoning categories carry additional review requirements that increase processing fees.

Rush Processing

Houston may offer expedited review for an additional fee — typically 50–100% of the base fee.

Resubmission

If your application is rejected and resubmitted, a resubmission fee (usually 25–50% of base) applies.

Contractor License

Some permit types require a licensed contractor. The license verification fee may be added to your total.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY

Missing documents can trigger resubmission fees — have these ready before you submit.

  • 01City of Houston building application
  • 02Architectural drawings
  • 03Structural engineering letter
  • 04Energy code compliance (IECC)
  • 05Lot coverage calculation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much is a addition permit in Houston?

The base fee for a addition permit in Houston, TX is $720. Your total will depend on project size and valuation — use the calculator above for a rough estimate.

What affects addition permit cost in Houston?

The main cost drivers are project valuation, square footage, zoning district, and whether a rush review is needed. Resubmission or plan review fees can add 15–50% on top of the base fee if your application has issues.

Can I get a addition permit fee waived in Houston?

Houston may offer fee waivers for affordable housing projects, nonprofit organizations, or government-sponsored work. Contact the Houston building department directly to ask about active waiver programs.

After You Submit

TRACK THIS PERMIT
AUTOMATICALLY.

Once you've paid and submitted your addition permit, ClearedNo watches the Houston portal and sends an instant alert the moment your status changes — so you can schedule your crew without checking daily.

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