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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I find the zoning district on my property?
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You can locate the zoning district for your property using the City of Missouri City’s interactive Zoning Map. The interactive Zoning Map allows you to input an address and/or select a location to obtain applicable zoning information pertaining to a property. A zoning quick reference guide (PDF) is also available that summarizes the uses, maximum building heights; minimum building yards (setbacks), and lot and density information as applicable for zoning use districts. If a property has a zoning of specific use permit (SUP) or planned development (PD) district, please email the Development Services Department - Planning and Development division for information specific to those zoning classifications.
- What is the process for a zoning change?
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Zoning districts and regulations have been established in Missouri City, Texas to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants. All land within the city has a zoning classification or is zoned into a zoning use district. The process to consider amending the zoning classification or zoning use district is summarized below.
- Research and Investigation: Prior to submitting an application to amend the zoning classification or zoning use district of a property, you should first find the current zoning regulations applicable to the property.
- Pre-Application Conference: Before submitting certain development applications, a pre-application conference with the development review team is required. A pre-application conference brings together relevant City of Missouri City departments/divisions including Planning; Engineering; Building; Fire; Parks; and Economic Development, as applicable to assist interested persons in applicable city-adopted regulations; resources; goals; and objectives. A pre-application conference helps to gather information, clarify requirements, and provide feedback on a proposed development. A pre-application conference can also provide an opportunity to address concerns or potential issues early in the process.
- Application for Zoning Amendment (PDF): Once the necessary research, discussion, and pre-application conference have been completed, an application for zoning amendment may be submitted via the city’s online system, MCTX Self Service. Zoning amendment applications are received on a published submittal schedule. All items identified during the pre-application conference and indicated on the submittal checklist and applicable fees must be provided for a complete application.
- Public Notices and Hearings: As part of the zoning amendment application process, at least two public hearings will be scheduled; one before the Planning and Zoning Commission and another before the City Council. Prior to the public hearing dates, the city will mail notice of the public hearing(s) to property owners within 250 feet of a property subject to zoning and other interested parties about the proposed zoning amendment. The city only mails notice of a public hearing to property owners of property within the incorporated limits of the city. The city may also place zoning sign(s) on the subject property. Notice of the City Council public hearing will also be published in the city’s newspaper of record. Any member of the public may provide comments for or against a zoning amendment request while the application is active and before a final decision is made. Public comments may be received during the public hearings and/or in writing. A summary of Current Zoning Applications Filed with the City of Missouri City may be found online.
- Review and Evaluation: All applications for zoning amendment are evaluated by city staff, taking into account factors such as the policies and goals of the city’s Comprehensive Plan; land use compatibility, environmental impacts, traffic considerations, and existing zoning regulations. A recommendation on the proposed zoning amendment is provided by city staff to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission receives staff’s recommendation as a preliminary report, holds a public hearing, and submits a final report and recommendation to the City Council for consideration.
- Decision Process: The City Council may not take action on an application for zoning amendment until the Planning and Zoning Commission has forwarded its final report. The City Council holds a public hearing and votes to approve or deny an ordinance allowing for a zoning amendment. If approved, the city’s zoning map is updated to reflect the changed zoning district, and the decision is communicated in writing via a signed ordinance.
- Implementation: If the zoning amendment is approved, a property owner can then proceed with the development or use of the property in accordance with the new zoning designation. This may involve platting the property and applying for additional permits or approvals related to building construction, site development, or other requirements specified by city regulations.
- Can I have a business in my home?
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Home Occupations are generally permitted with some restrictions. The City of Missouri City’s regulations on home occupations may be found online. Certain home occupations such as child care homes have additional requirements. A resident and/or homeowner should always confirm with their homeowner's association (HOA), as applicable as deed restrictions may be more restrictive than the city’s allowances.
- Can I operate a group home in a residential zoning district?
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The State of Texas' Community Homes for Persons With Disabilities Act requires the city to allow for the location of a community home (group home) that meets certain qualifications as a use-by-right in a residential zoning district. The City of Missouri City, Texas requires specific use permit (SUP) approval prior to the location of any group home not permitted as a use by-right in a residential zoning district. Please email the Development Services Department - Planning and Development Division with questions regarding the eligibility of a specific group home location.
- What types of uses require specific use permit (SUP) approval?
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Certain uses require SUP approval in addition to a certificate of zoning compliance. For a list of all uses that require SUP approval and the applicable zoning districts, please see Section 15.2, City of Missouri City Zoning Ordinance. SUP approval is a zoning process that requires the submission of an Application for Zoning Amendment.
- What is the difference between Planning and Zoning?
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Planning is the process of developing and implementing policies for the city’s growth; City planners work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure that the way in which buildings, roads, and parks develop are both attractive and convenient.
Zoning is the legal mechanism that helps enforce policies for the physical development and use of land. Zoning dictates where residential, industrial, recreational, commercial, and other activities can take place. Zoning helps to protect property values and investments.
- I would like to subdivide my property, what is the process for a plat approval?
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The City’s Subdivision Ordinance provides for the orderly and safe development of all areas within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction to promote the general welfare of the community.
The plat approval process is outlined in the city’s Subdivision Ordinance. Plat approval is required prior to the issuance of any building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit. Unless provided otherwise, the Planning and Zoning Commission is the city’s authority to approve, disapprove, or approve a plat with conditions. Plat applications may be submitted in accordance with the city’s published Submittal Schedule.In general, the process for plat approval includes the following steps:
- Pre-Application Conference: Before submitting certain development applications, a pre-application conference with the development review team is required. A pre-application conference brings together relevant City of Missouri City departments/divisions including Planning; Engineering; Building; Fire; Parks; and Economic Development, as applicable to assist interested persons in applicable city-adopted regulations; resources; goals; and objectives. A pre-application conference helps to gather information, clarify requirements, and provide feedback on a proposed development. A pre-application conference can also provide an opportunity to address concerns or potential issues early in the process.
- Concept plan approval: Following completion of a pre-application conference, approval of a conceptual plan is required prior to the submission of a sequence of preliminary plats subdividing a property containing five or more acres or subdividing a property into three or more parts. Conceptual plan approval is valid for a period of 2 years. A preliminary plat application, subject to the conceptual plan approval, must be submitted prior to the expiration of the conceptual plan approval.
- Preliminary plat approval: Unless exempted, and following the completion of a pre-application conference and conceptual plan approval, as applicable, preliminary plat approval is required prior to the submission of a final plat application. Preliminary plat approval is valid for a period of 2 years. A final plat application must be submitted prior to the expiration of the preliminary plat approval.
- Final plat approval and recordation: Final plat approval is required prior to recording a plat into the real property records of Fort Bend or Harris County, as applicable. Final plat approval is valid for a period of 2 years. An approved final plat must be recorded in the applicable County’s public records prior to the expiration of approval.
- Abbreviated platting process: The requirements for a preliminary plat may be waived under certain conditions. To see if a plat qualifies for the abbreviated platting process, please review eligibility for the Abbreviated Platting Procedure.
- Amending plats and replats: A previously recorded plat may be amended or re-platted by following the same process for final plat approval. Amending plats must comply with the requirements of the Texas Government Code Section 212.016. If qualified, an amending plat may be approved following an administrative review. Otherwise, an amending plat must be submitted in accordance with the Submittal Schedule for plat approval. For questions regarding amending plat eligibility, please email the Development Service Department - Planning and Development Division.
- Plat application submittal: A plat application must be submitted via the city’s online system, MCTX Self Service on a designated submittal date. All items identified during the pre-application conference and indicated on the submittal checklist and applicable fees must be provided for a complete application.
- Is my property subject to impact fees?
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The City of Missouri City, Texas has 3 impact fees in specified areas throughout the city. The collection of these impact fees is done during the platting process for properties located in the Northeast Oyster Creek watershed; the Mustang Bayou City Service area; and the area of the Lake Olympia Parkway Extension. Impact fees are calculated at the time of platting and are required to be paid prior to plat recordation. Impact fees pay back investments made in these areas of the community for certain utility, drainage, and road capacity improvements. For more information regarding impact fees, please email the city's Public Works - Engineering division.
- Do I need to dedicate land for a public park?
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Whenever a final plat for a residential development is filed for recordation, a dedication of land to the city for park purposes is required. A parkland dedication proposal is required to be submitted prior to the submission of a final plat application for a residential subdivision. A parkland dedication proposal is considered by the Parks and Recreation board; followed by the Planning and Zoning Commission; followed by the City Council making the final determination for acceptance. A parkland dedication process can run concurrently with a preliminary plat application however an applicant should discuss such a proposal with city staff prior to submission. For more information on the parkland dedication process, please email the Development Services Department – Planning and Development Division.
- How are new streets named?
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New street names are presented and proposed in a subdivision plat that is dedicating right-of-way for public or private street use. The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve or disapprove a street name in accordance with the city’s adopted new street name regulations.
- How can I change the name of an existing street?
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Existing public streets located within the boundaries of the city are generally owned and maintained by the city. The names of public streets may only be changed as initiated by a City Council member or upon petition of 60% or more of property owners owning property along the subject street. Upon initiation or application, the City Council may approve or disapprove a street name in accordance with the city’s adopted existing street name regulations. Street names on private streets may be changed by replat of the subject street. To change the names of streets owned and maintained by other public entities (i.e. - TxDOT, Fort Bend County), a property owner would need to coordinate with the applicable entity for approval.
- What is the difference between a plat and a survey?
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A plat shows the boundaries and dimensions of multiple parcels of land and does not include improvements or constructed features like building footprints, fences, etc. A survey typically shows a single property with locations of ground features and improvements such as buildings, fences, and driveways.
- How can I obtain a plat of my lot lines?
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A copy of your subdivision plat may be obtained in printed or electronic format by contacting the City of Missouri City, the City Secretary’s office, or emailing the Development Services Department - Planning and Development division.
- How can I obtain a copy of my survey?
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The City of Missouri City does not maintain surveys on file.
- How can I determine the location of my property lines?
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A subdivision plat may be used to determine the approximate location of property lines. If you are unable to find any survey markers in the ground at your property, you can hire a licensed land surveyor to help you determine the exact location of a property line. The City of Missouri City cannot certify the exact location of a property line.
- What are building setbacks? And what are the building setbacks on my property?
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A building setback is the distance a building or structure can be from a property line. Building setbacks are established by the zoning use district regulations and are reflected on a subdivision plat. Building setbacks can vary for every subdivision. Building setback lines exist for many reasons including preventing building structures from being built too close to one another, preventing fire from spreading to buildings or homes that are too close together, and serving as utility easements for local power or water companies to gain access to properties where they have their meters. For assistance in determining the building setbacks for your property, please email the Development Services Department - Planning and Development division or call 281-403-8600.
- How do I apply for a permit?
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Please use MCTX Self Service, the city’s online system, to submit an application and supportive documents for development-related permits.
Please refer to this helpful step-by-step video, How to Submit a Permit Request. - How do I find the status of my permit application?
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MCTX Self Service can be used to locate the status of a permit application.
If you are a contact on the permit application
- Log into the online portal.
- Select “Dashboard” then select “View my permits” or select “My Work”.
- If you see the permit you are looking for, click on the associated “Permit Number”; If you do not see the permit you are looking for, try filtering your search by changing the type of Display; the type of Records; and/or the date range “In”.
- From this view, you can see the overall status of a permit application and the state of the application. Please note that the state of the application is not the same as the status. The state of the application may reference “on hold” however unless the application status says “on hold” then the application is not on hold.
- Once your selected permit record is opened, the overall status of the application is displayed in the blue box.
- If your permit is in an “In Review” status, there may be additional status information available by selecting “Reviews”.
If you are not a contact on the permit application
- Use the “Map” or “Search” option to search for records by address and by type (i.e. – Permit, Plan, Inspection, Code Case).
- If you use “Search”, change the sort criteria to “Descending” to see the most recent permit applications at the top of the list.
- If you see the permit you are looking for, click on the associated “Permit Number”.
- Some information is available for the general public on most all permit records including the “Applied Date”; “Description”; “Issue Date”, if applicable; and the “Status”. Other information is only available to a contact on the permit record who is logged into the system.
- How long does it take for a permit application to be approved?
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Development-related permits are classified into 4 groups:
- Instant Permits
- Minor Permits - Level 1
- Minor Permits - Level 2
- Major Permits
Instant Permits
Instant permits or “same day” / “over the counter” permits typically do not require a plan review. Turnaround time for these permit applications should be the same day or the next business day depending on time of day the application is submitted.
Minor Permits - Level 1
Minor Permits - Level 1 requires the review of at least one development review team. Please allow up to 3 business days to process an application or resubmitted documents related to these permit types; allow up to 5 business days for a review of complete applications; and up to 2 business days to process and release review status. There may be a maximum of 10 business days, from the first day of submission to the release of review status.
Minor Permits - Level 2
Minor Permits - Level 2 requires 2 or more of the development review team. Please allow up to 3 business days to process an application or resubmitted documents related to these permit types; allow up to 15 business days for a regular review of complete applications; and up to 2 business days to process and release review status. There may be a maximum of 20 business days, from the first day of submission to the release of review status.
Major Permits
Major Permits require all of the development review teams. Please allow up to 5 business days to process an application or resubmitted documents related to these permit types; allow up to 15 business days for a regular review of complete applications; and up to 3 business days to process and release review status. There may be a maximum of 25 business days, from the first day of submission to the release of review status.
Expedited Review Process
An expedited review process may be available for certain Minor Permits - Level 2 and Major Permits. An expedited review process reduces the number of review days from 15 business days to 10 business days. Processing time remains the same as described.
- May I start work before my permit is issued?
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Work requiring permits cannot start until the permit is issued. Double permit fees will be assessed on work that is started prior to obtaining a permit that is required. Payment of a double fee does not relieve compliance with requirements. Additional penalties may also be applied depending upon the nature of the work including but not limited to being found guilty of a misdemeanor and being subject to additional fines as set forth in the city’s Code of Ordinances. If an emergency circumstance exists or there is a request to evaluate portions of the work that can start earlier, please contact the Building Safety division as soon as possible to assist in determining if any work can be permitted.
- Do my plans need to be signed and sealed?
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Submitted surveys should be completed by a professional surveyor and include their stamp or seal. Engineering, architectural, and structural (foundation, floor, framing roof plan) plans require each sheet to be sealed, signed, and dated as required by the Texas Architectural and Engineering Practice Acts. Landscape plans must be prepared by a landscape architect or certified landscape professional.
- What permits are required to increase the floor area, building height or build an extension to an existing building or structure?
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A building permit is required before the extension or increase to an existing building or structure. An application form, signed and stamped plans, and supplemental documents are required for a complete application submission.
Generally, modifications and additions that increase the size of an existing building or structure or add a new building or structure on a commercial or residential property may require the following permits:
- Commercial Addition Permit / Residential Addition Permit (Building Permit): This permit is required prior to increasing the size of an existing building or structure or adding a new structure on an existing property.
- Electrical permit (sub-record to building permit): This permit is required for any electrical work, such as installing new outlets, wiring, or lighting fixtures.
- Plumbing permit (sub-record to building permit): This permit is required for any changes or additions to the plumbing system, such as installing new sinks, toilets, or water heaters.
- Mechanical permit (sub-record to building permit): This permit is required for any mechanical systems, such as HVAC or ventilation systems.
- Fire permits: Applicable fire permits are required for any modifications, additions, or changes to a fire sprinkler system; fire alarm system, or other applicable fire-related emergency equipment and devices. Please contact the Fire Prevention office for information regarding fire permits.
In addition to these permits, there may be other permits or approvals required depending on the specific project and the City’s adopted codes and regulations. It is important to work closely with the landlord/property management company and the city’s development review team to ensure that all necessary permits and approvals are obtained before beginning any construction or renovation work.
- What are the parking requirements for my business or residence?
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Minimum parking requirements for residential and nonresidential uses are found in the city’s Parking Regulations.
- Do I need a permit to install a fence?
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A permit is required prior to the construction, reconstruction, modification, enlargement, extension, or alteration of a fence that exceeds seven feet in height. The City of Missouri City has adopted design standards for certain types of fencing including community fencing which is required along the perimeter of a residential subdivision, adjacent to a major street. Fence regulations are located within the city’s Zoning Ordinance.
- Do I need a permit to install sprinklers?
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Yes, a permit for an irrigation system is required prior to the installation, alteration, or repair of an irrigation system within the city or the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
- What type of work is exempt from permitting?
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Most construction requires a building permit; however, cosmetic changes and nonstructural repairs may not require one. If in doubt, please email Development Services or call 281-403-8600.
- I would like to host a Farmers market, Pop-up market, or a frequently occurring event, what types of permits are required?
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A special event permit is required to temporarily use a property in a way that is not typically permitted by the applicable zoning regulations. A special event permit may be issued for events held by or on behalf of a charitable, civic, or nonprofit organization; a profit-making organization or group of businesses for promotional purposes; or a land developer or homebuilder to promote home sales. Short-term special events, lasting fewer than two consecutive weeks and occurring no more than once every six months on a property can be approved administratively. Events exceeding this frequency and duration require approval by the city council. Please email the Development Services - Planning division for assistance with special event permits.
- I would like to advertise my business’s grand opening or a special promotion, what types of signage is permitted?
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Temporary sign options include temporary display signs (i.e. - banners); A-Frame signs; and window signs. Allowances for these types of signs and more can be found online in the city’s Sign Ordinance (Section 13, Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance, City Code of Ordinances). Some temporary signs are conditionally exempt meaning that a permit is not required for placement; however, some temporary signs require the issuance of a permit before location. All temporary signs have requirements on maximum size, placement, and duration subject to the city’s Sign Ordinance. It is important to check the Sign Ordinance to ensure you are following the appropriate regulations.
- Do I need a permit for signage?
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Generally, yes; although there are some signs that are conditionally exempt while some signs require the issuance of a permit. The city regulates the use of signage in a manner that promotes safety, the efficient transfer of information, and the protection of public welfare by enhancing the appearance and economic value of the landscape. The regulations provide for signage that does not create traffic hazards or nuisance while allowing businesses to identify themselves and customers are able to locate them.
Conditionally exempt signs include:
- A-Frame
- Directional
- Flag
- Garage Sale
- Political
- Real Estate
- Residential Contractor Identification
- Vehicle
- Warning
- Window
Signs that require the issuance of a permit include:
- Awning
- Canopy
- Changeable Message
- Construction site (temporary)
- Entry
- Model Home Directional (temporary)
- Monument
- Off-Premises
- Searchlight
- Special Event
- Temporary Display (i.e., Banners) (temporary)
- Theater
- Vacant Property (temporary)
- Wall
- Can I advertise using an inflatable sign, feather flag sign, or bandit sign?
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Certain types of signs are prohibited within the City of Missouri City and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
Prohibited sign types include the following:- Home occupation signs.
- Human signs.
- Inflatable signs.
- Portable signs except as permitted in the city’s sign ordinance.
- Signs that move and signs that contain visible moving parts, including signs that blink, flash, flutter, rotate, spin, swing, travel, undulate, otherwise have ribbons, strings of light bulbs, moving lights or messages, or simulate movement.
- Signs affixed to, attached to, or located upon exposed benches, trash containers, fences, trees, shrubs, and utility poles.
- Pole signs and pylon signs.
- Signs attached to or located on roofs.
- Signs that are posted on or attached to any public right-of-way, public sidewalk, curb, hydrant, bridge, street light, traffic control device, or street sign.
- Signs that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with any official traffic control sign, signal, marking, or device.
- Signs violating the corner visibility triangle and the sight line triangle.
- Signs that emit an odor or produce an audible message.
- How do I know if my property is located within the city’s limits or its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)?
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Various city maps can be used to determine if a property is inside of the city’s limits or in the city’s ETJ. The interactive Information Lookup can be used to locate if a property is within the city’s limits or ETJ. You can also use tax records to determine a property’s status. If you need assistance determining whether a property is inside or outside of the city’s limits, please email the Development Services - Planning and Development division.
- How do I obtain or confirm an address for my property or building?
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CenterPoint Energy Mapping and Addressing Division assigns all addresses within the City of Missouri City. Physical addresses are typically assigned at the time of platting. For assistance with address assignment or confirmation, please email the Development Services - Planning and Development division.
- Where can I find the city’s development code and other regulations?
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Applicable development codes and regulations can be found online through the following links:
- City of Missouri City Zoning Ordinance
- City Subdivision Ordinance
- Platting Manual (PDF)
- Infrastructure Design Manual (PDF)
- Building Code: 2015 edition of the International Building Code and Appendices C, F, I, and J
- Plumbing Code: 2015 edition of the International Plumbing Code and Appendices B, C, D, and E
- Fuel Gas Code: 2015 edition of the International Fuel Gas Code
- Irrigation Systems
- Mechanical Code: 2015 edition of the International Mechanical Code and Appendix A
- Energy Code: 2015 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code and all appendices
- Residential Code: 2015 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Appendixes A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J,K, N, O, and P
- Swimming Pool and Spa Code: 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- Fire Code: 2015 edition of the International Fire Code and Appendices B, C, D, E, F, and G
- How do I request a pre-application conference?
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Before submitting certain development applications, a pre-application conference with the development review team is required. A pre-application conference brings together relevant City of Missouri City departments/divisions including Planning; Engineering; Building; Fire; Parks; and Economic Development, as applicable to assist interested persons in applicable city-adopted regulations; resources; goals; and objectives. A pre-application conference helps to gather information, clarify requirements, and provide feedback on a proposed development. A pre-application conference can also provide an opportunity to address concerns or potential issues early in the process.
- How do I schedule an inspection?
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For building-related inspections, the General Contractor is responsible for scheduling all inspections.
Schedule Using MCTX Self-Service
If you are a contact on the permit application
- Log into the online MCTX Self-Service portal.
- Select “Dashboard” then select “View my permits” or select “My Work”.
- If you see the permit you are looking for, click on the associated “Permit Number”; If you do not see the permit you are looking for, try filtering your search by changing the type of Display; the type of Records; and/or the date range “In”.
- Select “Inspections” or locate the inspection type in the “Available Actions”. Select the inspections needed to start the process to schedule.
- Please note that inspections cannot be scheduled until a permit has been issued. Certain inspection types require approval or completion of a prerequisite inspection. Please confirm that all prerequisites are cleared before trying to schedule an inspection.
Schedule Using General Inspection Request Line(s)
- Commercial: 281-403-8551
- Residential: 281-403-4390
To schedule a fire permit-related inspection, please call 281-403-4311.
- I have an inspection scheduled. What time will the inspector arrive?
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Building inspections are completed based on the area of town where the inspection is being performed. All inspections are completed between 8 am and 3 pm. Timed inspections may be requested based on availability and the payment of associated fees. The timing of a building inspector’s arrival is affected by other inspections on the schedule that may take longer or finish sooner
For questions concerning the timing of a fire permit inspection, please contact the Fire Marshal's office.
For questions concerning the timing for a zoning compliance inspection (i.e. – mock wall, landscaping, architectural, signs), please email the Development Services Department - Planning and Development division.
For questions concerning a public works final inspection, please email the Public Works - Engineering division.
- How do I locate the status of a scheduled inspection?
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Upon completion of an inspection, all contacts that have email addresses on the inspection record will receive an email of the inspection status and a worksheet containing any additional information relevant to the inspection.
MCTX Self Service can be used to locate the status of an inspection.
If you are a contact on the permit application:
- Log into the online portal.
- Select “Dashboard” then select “View my permits” or select “My Work”;
- If you see the permit you are looking for, click on the associated “Permit Number”; If you do not see the permit you are looking for, try filtering your search by changing the type of Display; the type of Records; and/or the date range “In”.
- Select “Inspections” and select the inspection desired.
All MCTX Self Services users, registered or not:
- Select “Today’s Inspections” from the top bar.
- Search by date desired; by address; by permit number; or by inspection type.
- How do I upload reports from third-party inspectors?
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If you are a contact on the permit application:
- Log into the online portal.
- Select “Dashboard” then select “View my permits” or select “My Work”.
- If you see the permit you are looking for, click on the associated “Permit Number”; If you do not see the permit you are looking for, try filtering your search by changing the type of Display; the type of Records; and/or the date range “In”.
- Select “Attachments”.
- An “Add Attachment” card in a blue box with a plus sign should be available from this page. If not, please email Development Services - Permits for assistance.
- Add the report and press “Submit”.
- Please allow 1 to 3 business days to process the request and update the permit record.
- Can I do the permit work myself or do I need to hire a contractor?
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There are some projects that a homeowner may complete themselves such as a water heater replacement; patio cover; new concrete slab; and driveway repair/replacement. These scopes of work still require a permit and inspections. All other work requiring a permit requires a contractor.
- How do I register as a contractor with the City?
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Any person, firm, etc. engaged in the construction, demolition, repair, or renovation of any building, structure, swimming pool, or sign including fixates attached thereto is required to be registered with the city before doing such business in whole or in part. Contractor registration is annual and expires on June 30th of every year.
To register as a contractor, complete a contractor registration form (PDF) and submit a completed form and associated documents via email to Development Services - Permits.
- I am a business owner or property owner working with a contractor, may I discuss my project with City staff directly?
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Yes. The city encourages business owner's and property owner's contact information to be submitted or added to a permit record. As a business owner or property owner, you can access your permit record to view and follow the status related to your permit application. Please email Development Services for assistance in being added to a permit record.
- I am a new tenant in a commercial building, what do I need to do to turn the electricity on?
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Each time there is a change in the person or entity occupying a building or premise, electricity may not be turned on until it is authorized by the City. The owner or new tenant must submit an application to the City for a general electrical inspection prior to having the building reconnected for electrical service.
If changes are proposed or required to the building occupancy classification and/or changes to the space affect the classification a building permit for alteration or addition would be required.
If no changes are proposed or required, a Commercial Change of Occupancy application is required.
An application for a Commercial Change of Occupancy may be applied online at MCTX Self Service.
- How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy?
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A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before you can legally occupy or use a newly constructed or renovated building or space. A CO is issued following final inspection approvals received by the Development Services - Building Inspections division and the Fire Marshal’s Office, as applicable. If all final inspections have been completed, please email the Development Services - Permits Division for issuance of a CO. If all final inspections have not been completed, please schedule for finals prior to requesting a CO.
- I’ve been issued a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, what does that mean?
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A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) may be issued if all life safety items are approved but there are other outstanding items at the time of final inspection. A TCO is typically issued for a period of 30 days and expires following. All conditions placed on the TCO should be cleared prior to its expiration for a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued.