Commercial Building Permit Applications

The Commercial Building Permit Applications screens allow users to apply for and submit an application for a commercial building permit. Use this to enter information, attach documentation and finalize the application. From here, you can process payment for finalized and submitted applications.

To access the New Commercial Building Application screen:

From the iPermits Online Service menu, click the Building Permit Application button. Click here to view this step.
Once on the Electronic Building Permit Applications page, review existing applications, as needed.
Click the Begin New Application button to create a new building permit application.

To begin a new Commercial Building Permit Application:

Click the New Commercial Building Permit Application button.

To search for an address:

Enter the Street Number and Street Name.
Click the Search for Address button. Click here to see this step.
Select the Street Name from the list.
Click the appropriate address from the list of matching results. Click here to see this step.

NOTE: If the address does not currently exist, revise the address or request the address be added to the iPermits database. Click the Request Assistance button to submit the address for review.

To complete page 1 of the commercial building application:

Select Individual or Corporation or Firm.
Enter the name of the owner, tenant or the name of business.
Enter the property address.
If this is new construction, enter the Subdivision name, block/lot and tract, if applicable.
Describe the proposed development at the site.
Select the type of commercial structure.
Select the scope of project.
Enter Applicant Information, including name, address and email address.
Enter Owner information, including name, address and email address.
When finished, click Save and Continue.

NOTE: If the address does not currently exist, revise the address or request the address be added to the iPermits database. Click the Request Assistance button to submit the address for review.

To complete page 2 of the commercial building application:

Select the Present Occupancy from the drop down list.
Select the Proposed Occupancy.
Select the Material Type.
Select the Fire Rating.
Enter the square footage added.
Enter the Total Cost of Improvement.
Describe the Proposed Development.
Enter the Project Manager contact information. Click the radio button to copy previously added contact information for the Applicant or Owner.
Enter the General Contractor name and address information. Click radio button to automatically copy previously added contact information for the Applicant, Owner or Project Manager.
When finished, click Save and Continue.

Note: If the proposed construction is related to a Houston Airport System, or Metro development contract, you may optionally click the following check box to request the City review this application and determine if the plan review deposit can be deferred. This will place the application on hold until it can be reviewed by Building Code Enforcement.

To attach documents and finalize application:

Note: A PDF is the City's preferred file type. Microsoft Office file formats (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX) as well as GIF, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, TXT and Zip files are also accepted.

Click the Browse button.
Navigate to the file's location on your computer and select.
Repeat for additional files, as needed. This page is for application related information; Please do not upload building plans or construction documents.
Click the Begin Upload to upload the files and attach to the application. You can click on the Document Number button to view the file, if needed.
If this application is part of a larger development, click the Copy This Application button. Click here for more information on this option.
The permit fee owed will be calculated below.
Click to certify that the application is correct.
Click the Finalize Application button to finalize and submit the application. Once you have finalized the application, a sales order will be generated based on a 25% down payment plus administration fee. You will not be able to make any changes once you have submitted the application.
Click here for more on how to make payment for this application.

Note: If information in this application is found to be incorrect or inaccurate, it will be denied and you will have to resubmit the application, in addition to any additional applicable fees.

Click the Generate PDF button to view a PDF of the building permit application.