Scope: City of Houston only. Unincorporated areas, including much of Cypress and Katy, follow county processes. See Cypress and Katy.
Step 1: Confirm a permit applies
For permitting, the City treats a pool as a structure that holds water more than 18 inches deep.[1] The Health Department’s residential plan review covers pools at single-family homes and duplexes. It doesn’t cover above-ground pools or spas.[2]
Step 2: Check deed restrictions and HOA rules
The permit application includes a signed deed restrictions declaration: form CE-1380 for an individual or CE-1381 for a business entity.[2] If you’re in an HOA, start its architectural approval early too (see HOA basics).
Step 3: Prepare the plans
The Permitting Center’s 2026 One-Stop residential guide lists these items for pools:[3]
- A property survey. The pool can’t encroach into utility or aerial easements.
- For excavation within 5 ft of a property line or foundation: either stay within the depth limits in City Drawing 13-03-R or provide a design sealed by a Texas professional engineer.
- A plan note that the pool is at least 22.5 ft diagonally or 10 ft horizontally from aerial power lines. With a spa: “Vapor retardant spa cover will be provided.”
- An Impervious Cover Worksheet (CE-1207) and a Grading and Fill Worksheet (CE-1094).
The Health Department’s plan requirements add:[4]
- A complete pool enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates (Chapter 43, Sec. 43-33). Driveways and carports can’t be part of the enclosure.
- An interior finish light enough that an 8-inch black disk is visible.
- VGB-compliant main drains, backflow prevention on the fill line, and the pool’s total gallons.
Step 4: Apply in iPermits and pay the plan review fee
Log in to iPermits, complete the residential building permit application, upload the deed restrictions declaration, and pay the fees.[2] As of October 2026, the Health Department pool plan review is $94.00 + $33.56 admin = $127.56. Processing takes 10 business days.[2] Building permit fees are separate.
Step 5: Upload plans in ProjectDox
After you pay, you’ll get a ProjectDox invitation to upload your plans.[2] The pool goes through Structural, Health/Pools, Flood and Storm reviews.[3]
Step 6: Permit covered structures separately
Pergolas, cabanas, pool houses and covered outdoor kitchens need their own permits. The pool deck and a completely uncovered outdoor kitchen can go under the pool permit.[3]
Step 7: Pay for and post the permit, then pass inspections
The permit must be paid for before construction starts and posted on site facing the street. Inspections are pre-construction, pre-fill (only if fill is brought in) and final.[1] Structural Inspections reviews the work in the field, and the Health Department approves after that. Schedule inspections in iPermits or by calling 713-222-9922.[2]
Who to contact
Houston Health Department pool plan review: 832-394-9377.[2] The rules come from Chapter 43 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances.[2]
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Houston pool plan review fee?
As of October 2026, the Houston Health Department residential pool plan review is $94.00 plus a $33.56 admin fee, for $127.56 total. Building permit fees are separate, and all fees can change.
How long does Houston pool plan review take?
The Houston Permitting Center lists a 10-business-day processing time for the Health Department pool plan review.
Do pool gates in Houston have to self-close?
Yes. Houston Health Department plan requirements cite Chapter 43, Sec. 43-33: gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and driveways or carports can't be part of the pool enclosure.
Can I include an outdoor kitchen in my Houston pool permit?
Only if it's completely uncovered, per the Houston Permitting Center's residential guide. Covered outdoor kitchens, pergolas and cabanas are permitted separately.
Sources
- Houston Permitting Center: New Single Family Residential Pool (HPWFMO1026)
- Houston Permitting Center: Swimming Pool Plan Review Fee (HHD1011)
- Houston Permitting Center: One-Stop Residential Projects (2026)
- Houston Health Department: Residential Pool/Spa Plan Requirements
Sources checked October 2026. Rules, fees and prices change. Confirm details with the agency, HOA or builder before you commit.
How we make money: HTX Backyard is free for homeowners. Participating builders pay HTX Backyard a fee when we introduce them to a homeowner. We are a matching service, not a contractor, and we do not perform, supervise or guarantee any work.