Obtaining a Permit

Most construction requires a Building Permit, however, cosmetic changes and nonstructural repairs may not require one. If in doubt, please give us a call at 281-291-5731. The general contractor or licensed trade contractor will need to fill out a permit application form available at the Seabrook Public Works Complex or online from our Permits Page. Permits may also be submitted digitally along with supporting documentation and plans to Permits@seabrooktx.gov. 

SEE BUILDING CODE FOR APPLICABLE CODE EDITIONS AND REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION. 

Please Note 

Work requiring permits cannot start until the permit is issued by the building department. Permit applications must be reviewed and approved by department staff and all fees are calculated at that time. We accept MasterCard and Visa payments for building permits and registrations.

Contractors performing work in the City of Seabrook are required to register with the Building Department.

See the Permitting page for the application and requirements.

Commercial Construction or Development

For commercial construction or development, the developer is required to submit the plans for review by the City Planner.

Required Documents

The owner, architect, or general contractor will have to submit to the Building Department  a filled out Building Permit Application along with the following documents for plan review and approval (please provide information in a digital format):

• Plot Plan and Site Survey - Provide a proposed plot plan showing the location of the structure on the site, include dimensions to adjacent property lines, the location of mechanical equipment, show location of proposed paving and all setbacks and utility easements. Include arrows showing the direction of proposed site drainage. Also, include a legal description. the survey must have been completed by a professional surveyor and have their stamp or seal. 
• Elevation Certificate - Filled out and sealed Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form), Based on construction drawings, is required for all new residential construction.
• Energy Code Certification - A third party prepared and signed Recheck or equivalent construction energy analysis document along with construction inspection checklist must be provided for review. 
• Electrical Load Analysis  - An Electric Load Analysis and Service One Line Diagram is required with the submittal of all new residences. 
• Architectural Plans -  A complete sets of floor plans/blueprints with calculations, including, but not limited to, elevations, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural. The plans must show and dimension all building lines & easements at suitable scale: 1/4" = 1’ unless otherwise noted, including square footage of habitable and non-habitable space. 
• Foundation Plan(s) - ALL copies must have a Texas registered Structural Engineer’s seal and signature and documentation must include the engineers Firm Number. Digital Seals or scans of wet seals are acceptable.
• Framing Plans - must include structural ceilings, floors, roofs, and walls. All new home construction must be signed and sealed by a registered Texas Structural Engineer and must include the engineers Firm Number. Digital Seals or scans of wet seals are acceptable.
• Windstorm Requirements - All structures must meet the City’s adopted design wind design requirement of 150-mph (Ultimate) wind speed. All plans, details, and calculations must be signed and sealed by a registered Texas Structural Engineer, and the engineer must be in the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) list of registered engineers to work in high wind zones. Digital Seals or scans of wet seals are acceptable.
• V-Zone Certificate - all construction in a FEMA Designated Coastal Hi Hazard Flood Zone (VE and V Zones) must submit the first half of the city’s V-Zone Certificate certifying the foundation design and design of any breakaway enclosure below base flood. The second half of the document is to be submitted prior to scheduling of a final inspection.
• Approval by the fire marshal (If Applicable)
• Approval by the Harris County Health Department (if Applicable)

The general contractor or licensed trade contractor will need to fill out a permit application form available at Seabrook City Hall or online from our Permits Page.  Permits may also be submitted digitally along with supporting documentation and plans to permits@seabrooktx.gov.