BuildingPermitCost How Harris County calculates your permit fee
The county charges a building permit fee using a flat $165.00.
The fee table
Single/multi-family dwellings, manufactured homes, tract homes
A flat $165.00.
Residential additions and accessory structures
A flat $35.00.
Residential remodels
A flat $35.00.
Building Development Permit - New Commercial Structures, Additions, Substantial Improvements
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $35,000,000 | $85.00 to $2,880.00, read from the table (10 steps) |
| Over $35,000,000 | $4,600.00 |
Show the full table (11 rows)
| $1 – $100,000 | $85.00 |
| $100,001 – $200,000 | $115.00 |
| $200,001 – $400,000 | $150.00 |
| $400,001 – $650,000 | $175.00 |
| $650,001 – $1,000,000 | $240.00 |
| $1,000,001 – $2,000,000 | $1,150.00 |
| $2,000,001 – $5,000,000 | $1,725.00 |
| $5,000,001 – $10,000,000 | $2,300.00 |
| $10,000,001 – $20,000,000 | $2,600.00 |
| $20,000,001 – $35,000,000 | $2,880.00 |
| Over $35,000,000 | $4,600.00 |
Lease tenant spaces, remodels, renovations
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $35,000,000 | $85.00 to $2,880.00, read from the table (10 steps) |
| Over $35,000,000 | $4,600.00 |
Show the full table (11 rows)
| $1 – $100,000 | $85.00 |
| $100,001 – $200,000 | $115.00 |
| $200,001 – $400,000 | $150.00 |
| $400,001 – $650,000 | $175.00 |
| $650,001 – $1,000,000 | $240.00 |
| $1,000,001 – $2,000,000 | $1,150.00 |
| $2,000,001 – $5,000,000 | $1,725.00 |
| $5,000,001 – $10,000,000 | $2,300.00 |
| $10,000,001 – $20,000,000 | $2,600.00 |
| $20,000,001 – $35,000,000 | $2,880.00 |
| Over $35,000,000 | $4,600.00 |
What counts as project value
Not used. Residential development permits in unincorporated Harris County are flat fees (no valuation). Commercial fire code application fees use construction cost from the county's Cost of Construction Guide (per-sq-ft costs by occupancy, based on the ICC Building Valuation Data); the commercial development permit fee is per square foot.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: flat fee = $165.00
- Total before trade permits: $165.00.
Fees people miss
May also apply (not in the totals above)
- Floodplain inspection (residential): when structure located in the 500-year floodplain, 100-year floodplain, floodway or coastal high hazard area; $73.00 on the standard projects.
- Violation abatement double fee: when permit application submitted to abate violation(s); $70.00 on the standard projects.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residential re-inspection (dwellings and accessory structures) | $73.00 each |
| Commercial development inspection (new structures) | $98.00 each |
| Commercial re-inspection | $98.00 each |
| Commercial fire code revision fee | $160.00 each |
| OCE Permits administrative services | $80.00 per hour |
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Harris County Office of the County Engineer, Permits Office online through Harris County ePermits.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.