Ordinances, Permits & Licenses
City ordinances, zoning regulations and the permits and licenses required to build or do business in Houston.
Documents
Zoning Ordinances
Full zoning ordinance text governing land use, districts and development standards.
Alcohol Ordinance
The city's ordinance regulating the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
City Zoning Map
Current zoning map showing districts across the City of Houston.
Looking for the interactive zoning map? See the Zoning Maps page.
Permits & Licenses
Building Permits
200.01.07 — No structure shall be located, constructed, enlarged, reconstructed, or materially altered without first obtaining a building permit, and no building permit shall be issued except in strict conformance with the provisions of this ordinance.502. Building Permits Required — 502.01 It shall be unlawful to commence the excavation or filling of any lot or parcel for any construction of any building, or to begin construction of any building, or to commence the moving or alteration of any building, or to commence the development of land for use not requiring a building until the Zoning Administrator has issued a building permit for such work.
- Permits are $.25 × total square footage.
- Purchase at City Hall, 120 East Madison Street.