Building Permits & Inspections

Purpose of Building Codes

Building Codes are here to protect you!

By requiring building permits we can ensure that your project is constructed to meet the minimum requirements in accordance with the 2018 International Codes (Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, and Swimming Pool and Spa), the 2015 International Energy Code, and the 2017 National Electrical Code.

These codes are based on minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare through:

  • Affordability
  • Energy conservation
  • Light and ventilation
  • Means of egress facilities
  • Safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to:
    • Alterations of buildings
    • New construction
    • Renovation
  • Sanitation
  • Stability
  • Structural strength

Additional Information

Codes are here to keep us safe where we work, live, worship, and play. To learn more about the International Codes visit the International Code Council.

Read helpful tips for home safety.

Changes That Require a Permit

If your property is within the City's jurisdiction and you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure or a portion of a tenant space within the structure, you are required to obtain City of Rosenberg Permits.

Depending on the extent of your work, you may be required to obtain one or more of the following permits:

  • Building
  • Concrete (sidewalks and driveways in the public right-of-way)
  • Development (site plan)
  • Electrical
  • Mechanical (heating/air conditioning)
  • Plumbing

Applications & Fee Schedules

EnerGov Citizen Self Service

In January 2021, the City launched its new EnerGov Citizen Self Service (CSS) online permit and plan management system. The CSS improves the permitting process by streamlining items such as: applying for permits, including the ability to upload required documents for review, following along the permit approval and plan review process, scheduling inspections and paying permitting fees, making it easier for citizens and contractors to work with the City. 

Changes That Do Not Require a Permit

The following items do not require a permit:

  • Emergency Repairs: Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day
  • Fences not over 7 feet high
  • Finish work, including:
    • Cabinets
    • Carpeting
    • Countertops
    • Painting
    • Papering
    • Tiling
  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet
  • Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep
  • Repairs: A permit shall not be required for ordinary minor repairs to structures. If you have a question on what is an ordinary repair please call 832-595-3500.
  • Swings and other playground equipment

Inspections

Inspection requests may be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 832-595-3401, emailing Inspections, or by completing the Inspection Request Form (PDF) and faxing it to 832-595-3501. Inspection requests must be received prior to 3:00 pm for an inspection on the following business day. Inspection requests made after 3:00 pm will be scheduled two business days later.

All plans submitted for review and permitting must be compliant with the 2018 International Codes (Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, and Swimming Pool and Spa), the 2015 International Energy Code, and the 2017 National Electrical Code.