How much does a interior / bathroom remodel permit cost in Houston?

$33.56 admin fee plus fees from the City of Houston fee schedule. Source: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/hpwcode1135 (checked 2026-10-19).

Do I need a permit for an interior or bathroom remodel in Houston, TX?

Short answer: It depends on the details for an interior or bathroom remodel in Houston, TX (for example: Cosmetic finish work only: no permit).

Last verified: 2026-10-19 · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.

Depends on your project Confidence: high

Finish work (tiling, cabinets, countertops) needs no permit. A remodel needs a Residential Remodel permit, and all plumbing and electrical work needs trade permits.

What changes the answer

Cosmetic finish work only: no permit
Remodel or wall changes: building permit
Any plumbing, electrical or mechanical work: trade permits

Cost

$33.56 admin fee plus fees from the City of Houston fee schedule.

Fee source: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/hpwcode1135 · All verified Houston permit fees

Where to apply

Houston Permitting Center (iPermits online)

Permitting authority: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center (Houston Public Works). Applies inside Houston city limits. Planning, flood, and deed-restriction reviews can add requirements. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Painting, tarping, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and counter tops repair and replacement and similar finish work;”

Source: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/media/1866/download?inline=

“All electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work”

Source: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/sites/g/files/nwywnm431/files/2024-11/Permit%20Submittal%20Overview_Presentation_11.19.2024.pdf

“Residential construction. New homes or residential accessory structures, remodel or conversion of existing buildings or additions to existing buildings.”

Source: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/hpwcode1135

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Houston

Interior / bathroom remodel permits elsewhere in Texas

Interior / bathroom remodel permits in other cities

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