
			General Information Answers

		Q:	What are your office hours?
		A:	We are available to see customers Mon-Fri, 7:30am - 4:00pm
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		Q:	How do I make an appointment?
		A:	Call 713-956-3000 for an appointment.
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		Q:	Are building permits required in Harris County?
			Permits are required by the Harris County Flood Plain Management Regulations for all development within the unincorporated areas of the county. These regulations are for the unincorporated areas of Harris County only.
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		Q:	What do I need to apply for a permit?
			An application, at least two (2) site plans and at least two (2) sets of drawings depicting the size and shape of the structure will be required for permits to be issued. The site plan should include all existing structures and/or improvements. These are preliminary requirements only.

			If the structure will be served by an on-site sewage facility (septic system), you will need to get a design for the treatment facility first from either a Registered Sanitarian or a Professional Engineer. See the On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic) Application for requirements.

			If the property is in the flood plain, you will need to hire a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect for your foundation drawings. Please refer to the Harris County Flood Plain Management Regulations for additional information. You may also call our office and speak with a planchecker for more details.
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		Q:	How may I get a copy of your Regulations?
			You may obtain copies of our regulations by logging onto our website at http://www.eng.hctx.net/permits/. You may also call our office and have them mailed to you, or stop by our office located at 10555 Northwest Frwy, Ste 146. Should you need any additional information concerning permits or would like to discuss your project in more detail, please contact one of our plan checkers at 713-956-3000.
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		Q:	What if there is not address for the property yet?
			Please call your local utility company and ask them to assign an address for the property. Harris County does not assign addresses and cannot issue a permit without an address. If an incorrect address is provided on the application and a permit is issued, the utility company may not authorize service. (For Reliant/Centerpoint call 713-207-4460. Entergy customers contact 713-625-9911.)
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		Q:	What do I need to do to get electrical power turned on?
			You are required to obtain a development permit for the structure prior to the release of power. You should wait 72 hours after the permit is issued and all required inspections and installations have been completed and passed before you call your utility company’s customer service to activate your service. For Reliant/Centerpoint call (713) 207-4460. For Entergy call (713) 625-9911.
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		Q:	What do I need for a temporary meter?
			A manual release can be sent if there is no permit required. If a permit has been obtained, a release for a temporary meter will be sent electronically. If you need further assistance, contact our Utility Coordinator at 713-956-3051
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		Q:	What if I have a question that is related to the electrical design (i.e. how high to place the box, where to place the pole, amps or voltage)?
			You must contact your utility service provider.
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		Q:	Do I have to be here for an appointment?
			Yes. In order to expedite your application, you must be present in case we have any questions for you.
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		Q:	How long does it take to get a permit?
			It takes approximately 7-10 business days if you don’t have an appointment. The time involved varies depending on the type of permit(s) you are applying for. With an appointment, if all your paperwork is complete, you may obtain your permit the same day.
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		Q:	May I mail in my application?
			Yes. However, do factor in the extra time for the mail.
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		Q:	Is there a notary available in the permits office?
			Yes, there is also a fee of $0.50 per document. However, we can only notarize documents pertaining to official Harris County business conducted with the Permit Office.
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		Q:	How do I change the address on a permit if it was issued incorrectly?
			You must submit a written request for the change: Please state the permit numbers to be changed, the address you want the permit changed from and the address you want the permit changed to. The request should be accompanied with $3.00 for each permit you’d like changed. (Example: If you have a house, septic, and driveway permit and you need all three to have the corrected address, you need to send in a payment of $9.00 payable to Harris County.) Keep in mind we cannot change the legal description and some changes cannot be done the same day.
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		Q:	May I place fill materials on my property?
			Yes; the placement of fill material on a property is considered development and falls under the floodplain management regulations. A permit is required for the placement of fill, however, there are cases where fill placement is not allowed.
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Q:	Do I need a permit to do demolition work?
	No, Harris County does not issue demolition permits.
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Q:	Do I have to close on my property in order to submit a site plan and drainage plan?
	Plans may be submitted for preliminary review. However, the applicant should be advised that platting of the tract may be required as a condition of the permit.
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Q:	How long does it take to get non-residential plans reviewed and approved by the County Engineer?
	The current time frame for plan review is approximately two weeks. (The review time varies on the project and the types of review required.)
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Q:	What Municipal Utility District (M.U.D.) am I in?
	You can log on to: www.harriscountyhealth.com/env/subdivisionweb/sublist.pdf or call the Harris County Health Department Municipal Utility District at 713-439-6270 or visit their website at www.harriscountyhealth.com.
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Q:	Are there building codes for Harris County?
	Harris County does not have any building codes to enforce, but does have a Fire Code, which adopts some sections of the International Building Code. We recommend use of the International Building Code (IBC).
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Q:	How much will my permit cost?
	Please refer to the fee schedule at http://www.eng.hctx.net/permits
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Q:	Is the permit ready?
	To determine if a permit is ready to be picked up, call us at 713-956-3005 or 713-956-3006. Please have the address, applicant name, and date the application was submitted.
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Q:	May I pay for the permits over the phone by credit card?
	Not at this time. We only accept cash, checks or any certified funds made payable to Harris County either in person or by mail. There is a $25 fee for a returned check.
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Q:	How much does a re-inspection cost?
	Please refer to our fee schedule at http://www.eng.hctx.net/permits
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Q:	How can I get a refund?
	Refunds are not granted for any permit fees unless the permit was issued in error. Only unscheduled inspection fees qualify for refunds. If you qualify for a refund, submit a written request. Explain the circumstance and with this request send the original receipt if it is only for the permit you are requesting the refund for. If other permits are involved, send a copy. Return the original permit documents. This request will be processed and routed to the Auditor’s office for payment. The check will be mailed from the Auditor’s Office after receiving Commissioner’s Court approval.
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Q:	Where can I get the most up to date information from Harris County Engineering Permits?
	www.eng.hctx.net/permits
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	Flood Plain

Q:	What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)?
			A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is an insurance and floodplain management map issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that identifies special flood hazard areas in a community. In Harris County, the map shows 1% (Base Flood or 100-year) and 0.2% (500-year) floodplain boundaries and regulatory floodway boundaries.
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		Q:	How do I get a copy of the Flood Insurance Rate Map for my property?
			Computer plots are available for $5 in the Records section of our office. Requests for historical maps can be faxed to (713) 956-3050, Attention: Records. You can also go to the FEMA map store by logging onto our website www.eng.hctx.net/permits and click on “Links”
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		Q:	Is my property in the flood plain?
			Flood plain information is not given over the phone. You can go to http://www.efloodmap.com or http://www.tsarp.org to find your location or you can view the flood plain maps in our office, Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4:00pm.
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			Compliance
		Q:	What do I need to do if I received a red tag/notice of violation?
			The issuance of a Notice of Violation means a violation of the regulations has occurred. Usually this indicates development has occurred without a permit. A permit must be obtained or the development removed to eliminate a Notice of Violation. Call our office to speak with or schedule an appointment with a plan checker at (713) 956-3000 to discuss abatement of the violation
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		Q:	Is there an extra charge for violations?
			Section 8.04 of the Harris County Flood Plain Regulations states “all permit fees are to be doubled for all construction starting prior to obtaining a permit”. The fees are assessed at the time the violation is forwarded to the Compliance Section.
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			Inspections
		Q:	Can I obtain a blank Elevation Certificate form from your office?
			The forms are available in the permit office. You may also log onto http://www.fema.gov/nfip/elvinst.htm and download the form.
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		Q:	How do I inquire whether an Elevation Certificate and/or As-Built Certificate have been received by your office?
			You may contact the Inspection Section at (713)316-3567or the Records Section at (713)956-3031.
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		Q:	What hours are driveway inspections normally done?
			Inspections are made normally between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm
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		Q:	If I schedule a driveway inspection today, can I get my inspection today?
			All inspections called in before 4pm will be scheduled for the following business day. This allows time for us to schedule the inspection and for the inspector to plan his route.
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		Q:	I have a culvert permit and it states I must contact the Precinct. What number do I call?
			Each Precinct may be contacted at the following numbers:
			Pct 1: (281)353-8424. Pct 2: (281)487-2910
			Pct 3: (281)463-6300. Pct 4: (281)353-8424
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		Q:	I have a failed inspection. May I pay the inspector when he comes out to do the re-inspection?
			Inspection fees must be paid at our office prior to the scheduling of an inspection.
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		Q:	When can I reach the inspector?
			The inspectors are in the office in the mornings. They can be reached Mon-Fri, 7:30am-9am. Otherwise, you must leave a message, and they will return your call as soon as possible.
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		Q:	I failed my driveway inspection. Why did I get a red tag?
			Notice of Inspection Failure must be left at the site. The reason for the inspection failure should be noted on the notice.
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			Records
		Q:	How do I get copies of the records for my address?
			This office has records of permits, reports, maps, etc. for the unincorporated areas of Harris County. Development permits were first issued in October 1973. Blueprints are not always required for issuance of a permit and in most cases, will not be available. Please fax your request to (713)956-3050. Written requests are also accepted. There is a fee of $.10 per page and $5 for each plot.
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		Q:	How do I get a copy of my Elevation Certificate for insurance purposes?
			Elevation Certificates and As-Built Certificates are required for new construction in the 1% (100-year) floodplain. If your property is within the 1% floodplain and built after 1999, a copy of the certificate may be obtained at this office. The services of a surveyor or engineer may be enlisted if a current elevation certificate is required.
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		Q:	Can you tell me how many times an address has flooded since it was built?
			Our current computer system lists flood repair permits issued since June 1991. Houses built between October 1973 and June 1991 must be researched on microfilm. Please fax your request to our Records Section at (713) 956-3050.
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			Storm Water Quality
		Q:	What is the Storm Water Quality Program?
			The Harris County Storm Water Quality program was established in compliance with federal (NPDES), and state (TPDES) permitting requirements. The program is responsible for minimizing the impact of potential pollutants to storm water by comprehensive plan review, followed by inspections of projects before, during, and at completion. Permits are issued, and sites are monitored for compliance within the regulations.
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		Q:	How can a project be Grandfathered?
			After October 1, 2003, a project can only be grandfathered if there is an existing storm sewer line (trunk line) sized to serve the development. For this exemption, there can be no detention requirement and the following documentation is required:
			1. Original drainage area map
			2. Drainage table (calculations)
			3. The sheet from an approved set of drawings showing sized pipe
			4. Proof that the trunk line was installed prior to October 1, 2003
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		Q:	What is the difference between the SWPPP and the SWQMP?
			These are both booklets that will accompany the drawings at plan submittal. The SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) is designed to address the pollutants that result from construction phase activities. The SWQMP (Storm Water Quality Management Plan) is designed to address the treatment of storm-water run-off after construction is complete. When applicable, the drawing set should include a SWPPP site plan sheet and associated details. When applicable, the drawing set should include a SWQMP site plan sheet and associated details and calculations. Example SWPPP and SWQMP formats can be found at http://www.cleanwaterclearchoice.com
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		Q:	When is a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) required?
			Harris County requires a SWPPP for all projects that disturb a parcel 5 acres or larger in size. However, please note that TCEQ requires a SWPPP be prepared and be on-site for all projects of one-acre or larger.
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		Q:	When is a Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) required?
			See the Regulations of Harris County for Storm Water Quality for specific requirements.

			Generally, a SWQMP is required for new development of a 5-acre or larger parcel of land regardless of the amount actually being disturbed. A SWQMP is required for re-development of a 5-acre or larger parcel where 1 acre or more of impervious surface is being added.

			Two common exemptions from developing a SWQMP are grandfathering by an existing storm sewer line (pipe) or by filing an Industrial Activities Certificate.
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		Q:	When are Filter Fabric, Rock Filter Dams, and Reinforced Filter Fabric Fence used for the construction phase?
			All pertinent controls must be properly installed before you begin soil-disturbing activities. Consult the SWPPP for the project for additional information.
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		Q:	Do I need a Notice of Intent (NOI)?
			If your site is five acres or larger or part of a larger common plan of development or sale that could potentially disturb five acres or more, you will need an NOI.
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		Q:	How do I obtain an NOI?
			An NOI can be obtained from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). A copy of an NOI can be downloaded from their website at www.tceq.org.
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		Q:	Where do I post the TCEQ Permit/NOI?
			Post the documents at each entrance to the construction site so that the public can readily view the notice: either at every lot or every entrance (for residential subdivisions). Post the NOI in a conspicuous location near the construction entrance for other construction projects.
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		Q:	How long should the NOI be posted?
			A Notice of Inspection should be posted until a Notice of Termination (NOT) is filed. A Notice of Termination should be filed with the TCEQ when either:
			a) Final stabilization has occurred for the portions of the development that are your responsibility; or
			b) Another permitted operator has taken control over all areas of the site that have not been finally stabilized; or
			c) Silt fences or other temporary erosion controls have been removed, or are scheduled for removal as defined in the SWPPP, or transferred to a new operator if the new operator has sought permit coverage.
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		Q:	If I receive a notice of inspection, how much time do I have to correct the deficiencies noted at my site?
			All deficiencies must be collected within 72 hours.
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		Q:	How do I obtain a Harris County Storm Water Quality Permit?
			After the County Engineer has approved your plans you may submit an application. You will be required to provide the application, two (2) copies of the approved plans, an Affidavit from the property owner, a letter from the Municipal Utility District (MUD) or Homeowner’s Association (HOA) (where applicable), a copy of the signed NOI, and two (2) checks. (See the “Guide to Obtaining a Harris County Storm Water Quality Permit” for complete instructions.) http://www.eng.hctx.net/permits/swq/howto_obtain_swq_permit_12_7_2005.pdf
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		Q:	When do I need to obtain the Harris County Storm Water Quality Permit?
			If a SWQMP is required, a Harris County Storm Water Quality Permit must be obtained prior to beginning construction activities.
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		Q:	How do I obtain a Certificate of Compliance (COC)?
			Once construction of the permitted feature is complete, an engineer licensed in the state of Texas must submit an As-Built Certificate. We will then conduct a final inspection of the feature and issue the COC. A COC will not be issued until the feature has been cleaned of all sediment and debris that may have accumulated during construction and is completely stabilized. It is a violation of the regulations to operate the feature prior to receiving a COC.
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		Q:	When does the one year period for permit renewal begin?
			The one-year period begins on the date the Certificate of Compliance is issued.
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		Q:	Can I start clearing and grubbing without a TPDES Construction General Permit?
			You must obtain your NOI within 48 hours of beginning construction activities.
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		Q:	What documents are required when renewing a Storm Water Quality Permit Application?
			1. Storm Water Quality Permit Application (Renewal)
			2. Annual Professional Engineer Inspection Certification
			3. Annual Permittee Certification of Proper Operation
			4. A $150.00 check or money order made payable to Harris County
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		Q:	When designing my Storm Water Quality basin, do I require a 24 or 48 hour draw down time?
			The average draw down time should be 24 hours. As an example, the first drop of storm water run-off should leave immediately and the last drop 48 hours later.
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		Q:	Whom should I contact with permit, design, or inspection questions related to Storm Water Quality?
			You may contact the Storm Water Quality section at (713) 956-3000 ext. 3084.
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			Wastewater
		Q:	What is a septic system or on-site sewage facility?
			Often referred to as septic systems, an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) is a system that treats wastewater from homes or other structures (businesses) and disposes of it on the same property. These systems cannot allow partially or untreated wastewater to rise to the surface of the ground or discharge into a roadside ditch, stream, or gully. Since not all systems use septic tanks to treat wastewater, these systems are more properly labeled on-site sewage facilities (OSSF). By law, OSSFs are only allowed to handle up to 5000 gallons of wastewater per day.
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		Q:	Do I need a septic system?
			If your project will generate wastewater and your property cannot be connected to a “city” or “public” sewer system then the answer is “yes”. A building equipped with bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, washing machines, etc. will generate wastewater. Older properties with inadequate or malfunctioning OSSFs are required to have the existing system upgraded or replaced with a new system.
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		Q:	What do I need to do to have a septic system installed?
			To install an OSSF, or to upgrade an existing one, an OSSF permit must be obtained. The Permit Office will issue the “Permit to Construct” if your property is located in Harris County and is not within the city limits of any city. If your site is within a city, contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Houston office at (713) 767-3500 for permitting information.
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		Q:	How do I obtain a permit to install an OSSF?
			To obtain a permit you must complete an application and submit it with a set of three construction drawings, (one original and two copies), an original site evaluation report, an affidavit to the public, and other required supporting documents listed on the application. Either a registered professional engineer or sanitarian must prepare the drawings and the site evaluation. Engineers and sanitarians advertise in the yellow pages under “Engineers” or “Septic” or you may obtain a list of engineers, sanitarians, or septic installers from the Permit office.
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		Q:	How much does it cost to get an OSSF design?
			According to reports by homeowners, engineers and sanitarians, these services generally cost between $250 and $1000 for residential system plans. Three to ten days should be allowed for plan reviews and supporting documents. Since Harris County cannot issue a development (building) permit until after the “Permit to Construct” an OSSF is issued, you should start well in advance so that the issuance of your development permit will not be delayed.
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		Q:	How much does a residential OSSF Permit Cost?
			The fees for the permit, two inspections, and the State Research Fee total $260.00. In addition, a $16.00 cash-filing fee for your “Affidavit to the Public” is also required. Any additional required inspections such as an inspection to check for the installation of updated plumbing fixtures cost $50.00 each.
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		Q:	How much does a septic system cost and who installs them?
			According to reports from on-site sewerage facility installers, an OSSF for a typical single family home generally costs between $3,500 and $15,000 depending on the size of the home and system type. The system must be installed by an installer registered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), or by the homeowner. Care must be exercised when installing these systems so that they will function as designed. Once you have obtained your permit, you must decide whether you intend to install the system or have a licensed installer do the work. All installers doing work in Harris County must be registered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. To insure that an installer is licensed, ask to see their current license or call (713) 956-3000.
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		Q:	Who is responsible for making sure the system is inspected?
			As the property owner, you are legally responsible for making sure that the installer has requested all required inspections required by the Permit Office and has passed all inspections prior to the system being put into use. If the system fails an inspection, the inspector will issue an “Inspection Failure Notice”. The $50.00 re-inspection fee must be paid at the Permit Office prior to requesting the re-inspection. The inspector will issue an “Authorization to Operate” when all requirements have been met and the system has passed all inspections. Be sure to keep a copy of the “Authorization to Operate” with your property records at all times.
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		Q:	Will the same OSSF work for the same size home?
			No, the system planner should select and design the system type and design to accommodate your particular water use habits. For residences, the system should also accommodate the number of occupants. When planning, consideration must be taken to account for the current as well as future use of the home.
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