The feasibility period is a critical time to assess whether a site in Houston is suited for your intended development before design and construction begin. Clearing zoning, understanding permits, estimating fees, and preparing for reviews upfront can save you from costly surprises and delays.

Checking Zoning & Site Plan Requirements

• Houston does not use zoning districts citywide, but it regulates land use via Code of Ordinances Chapters 19, 42, and 26—covering floodplain, subdivision, lot size, building setbacks, parking, and landscape standards

• Whether your project needs full Site Plan Review depends on property subdivision status under Chapter 42; for single-family additions or remodels, a simplified Site Plan Compliance Review (PDD1008) applies, typically processed same day

• Commercial or larger developments require standard Site Plan Review by the Development Services team, focusing on lot layout, setbacks, parking, landscaping, and drainage

Plan Review Types & Submission Paths

• Residential projects (new homes, additions, remodels) require permits; minor repairs like painting, fences under 8 ft, or decks under 200 ft² often qualify for exemptions

• Commercial projects submit through the ProjectDox portal (electronic), with required documents like survey, plot, floor plans, structural, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, soil reports, and COMcheck for energy compliance

• Sign permits follow separate review under Sign Administration, which enforces the Sign Code (height, lighting, location) and requires licensed contractors

• Variances (e.g., floodplain, setback) are reviewed by the Public Works Floodplain Management Office, with fees (~$200) and timing based on board hearings

Estimating Review Timelines

• Residential compliance reviews can be same-day for simple cases; others follow a one-stop process

• Commercial reviews include an initial pre-screening and full plan review—expect several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity and required departments.

• Variance requests depend on timing of appeal board; plan for at least a month or more

Fee Structure & Payment

• All permit, inspection, and review fees are detailed in the City's published Fee Schedule, accessible through the Permitting Center

• Residential compliance requires a $30.51 administrative fee plus plan review cost; commercial fees are based on project scope—deposit is 25% of total building fee due upon application

Coordination with City Departments

• The Houston Permitting Center acts as a central hub for building, fire, food dealers, and other permits

• Planning & Development ensures compliance with subdivisions, sidewalk, parking, and landscape regulations

• Floodplain Management Office reviews developments in flood zones and handles variances for elevation or fill

• Other departments include Public Works, Utilities (water/wastewater capacity), and Sign Administration, each requiring early coordination .

Using Expedite Programs

• Eligible Residential Compliance Reviews may be completed day-of via One‑Stop Site Plan Compliance Review

• Commercial submissions benefit from thorough pre-screening and checklists (COMcheck, plot, soils) to reduce resubmittal delays

• Plan ahead for variances and schedule submissions to align with board calendars.

Checklist of Feasibility Period Tasks

• Confirm applicability of subdivision, floodplain, and ordinance compliance

• Identify if Site Plan Review, Variance, or Sign Permit is needed

• Choose application path: Residential Compliance, Commercial Plan Review, or One‑Stop

• Prepare required documents: surveys, plots, plans, COMcheck, soil reports

• Request water/wastewater capacity reservation if required

• Estimate fees using published Fee Schedule

• Plan meetings or pre-submissions with Permitting Center and other departments

• Track review status via Project Number in online system

• Anticipate timing: same-day compliance or multi-week/monthly commercial review

• Prepare for revisions and board hearing scheduling if seeking variance

Call to Action

To move confidently through Houston’s permitting feasibility phase, you’ll need zoning and ordinance checks, site plan or variance review, detailed submission materials, fee estimates, and scheduling assistance. We can prepare a preliminary site plan, coordinate with Houston developers, get capacity letters, and define a clear roadmap—let’s get started.