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1. How do I apply for a permit?

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.

2. How do I find the status of my permit application?

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.

3. How long does it take for a permit application to be approved?

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.

4. May I start work before my permit is issued?

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.

5. Do my plans need to be signed and sealed?

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.

6. What permits are required to increase the floor area, building height or build an extension to an existing building or structure?

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.

7. What are the parking requirements for my business or residence?

Minimum parking requirements for residential and nonresidential uses are found in the city’s Parking Regulations.

8. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

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.

9. Do I need a permit to install sprinklers?

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).

10. What type of work is exempt from permitting?

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.

11. I would like to host a Farmers market, Pop-up market, or a frequently occurring event, what types of permits are required?

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.