When does a detached garage need a building permit in Houston?

A garage is far over Houston's 120 sq ft accessory exemption. Only one-story accessory structures up to 120 sq ft are exempt.

Where do I apply for a detached garage permit in Houston?

Apply through Houston Permitting Center, or call (832) 394-9000.

It depends on size and placement.

Building permit: A garage is far over Houston's 120 sq ft accessory exemption.

Floodplain development permit: If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, all development there needs a permit.

Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Houston before you build.

Setbacks depend on your zoning district, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.

Permit	When it applies
Building permit	A garage is far over Houston's 120 sq ft accessory exemption.Confidence: medium
Floodplain development permit	If the lot is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, all development there needs a permit.
Electrical permit	Wiring needs its own permit.Confidence: medium

Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.
Houston has no zoning. Deed restrictions cover a large share of the city and often set fence heights, setbacks and whether a second unit is allowed. Check your subdivision's restrictions (Harris County Clerk records) before you build.

When does a detached garage need a building permit in Houston?: A garage is far over Houston's 120 sq ft accessory exemption. Only one-story accessory structures up to 120 sq ft are exempt.
Where do I apply for a detached garage permit in Houston?: Apply through Houston Permitting Center, or call (832) 394-9000.

Houston Permitting Center, 2021 IRC significant changes and Houston amendments. Checked 2026-10-19.
The floor area limit for one story accessory structures has been reduced from 200 SF to 120 SF. Height limit of fences not requiring permit increased to 8 ft from 7 ft with an added provision that they are not constructed of masonry or concrete, and that ar…
44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…