PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a driveway or patio in Houston, TX?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a driveway or patio in Houston, TX (for example: Right-of-way or over 65% impervious: permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: medium · 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: medium

Interior flatwork (driveways and sidewalks not covered by the Infrastructure Design Manual, under 65% of the impervious area) is exempt. Sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters otherwise need a permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the Houston Permitting Center fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/news-events/2026-fee-increase-notice · 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

“Sidewalks and driveways not covered under the provisions of the Infrastructure Design Manual; i.e. interior flatwork not exceeding 65% of the total impervious area.”

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

“Sidewalk, driveway, curb and gutter”

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

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: medium

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Other projects in Houston

Driveway or patio permits elsewhere in Texas

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