City of Conroe permits
- OpenGov portal. Since December 8, 2025, all City of Conroe permit applications and inspection requests go through OpenGov.[1]
- Contractor registration. Contractors create an OpenGov account and submit a contractor registration, which takes 24 hours to process, before applying.[2]
- Updated fees. City Council approved an updated permit fee schedule effective November 13, 2025. Fees are generated in the portal once the application is complete.[1]
- Who to contact. Permit Office, [email protected], 936-522-3610.[1]
Pools near the foundation
Conroe’s permit FAQ says the International Residential Code doesn’t set a minimum distance between a pool and an existing foundation, but excavation must not compromise the foundation’s stability. As a guideline, digging shouldn’t extend into the 45-degree bearing plane below the footing. Encroaching there may require a design professional.[2] On a tight lot, ask about this before you settle on pool size.
Outside city limits
Much of the Lake Conroe area and many homes with a Conroe address are in unincorporated Montgomery County. Requirements there depend on your exact location, floodplain status and utility district. Check your flood zone on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, and ask your builder which permits and approvals they’ll handle.[3]
Renovations, patio covers and outdoor kitchens
- Pool renovation. Resurfacing, new tile and coping, and equipment swaps are common on older pools. Ask whether your scope needs a permit. See our pool renovation guide.
- Patio covers and pergolas. Inside the city, a new structure goes through OpenGov. Lakefront and wooded lots often add drainage and access questions.
- Outdoor kitchens. Plan gas, power and water runs early, and decide whether the kitchen will sit under a cover.
Budget: start with published Houston-area ranges
Angi’s Houston page (updated August 2026) puts most inground pools at $51,832–$100,605, averaging $75,337.[4] For resurfacing, Angi’s Houston resurfacing page (updated April 2026) puts the average at $10,846, with most homeowners spending $5,916–$14,790.[5] These are third-party estimates for the Houston area, not quotes. Size, soil, access, finishes and permits all move the number. For patio covers and outdoor kitchens, see the published ranges in our patio cover cost guide and on our outdoor kitchens page.
Questions to ask a Conroe builder
- Is my property inside City of Conroe limits? If not, which approvals apply?
- Are you registered as a contractor in OpenGov?
- How close will the excavation come to my foundation, and do we need an engineer?
- Is my lot in a floodplain, and how will you handle drainage?
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a pool permit in Conroe?
Inside City of Conroe limits, permit applications and inspections go through the city's OpenGov portal, which replaced the old system on December 8, 2025. Contractors must register first. The Permit Office is at 936-522-3610.
How close can a pool be to my house in Conroe?
The City of Conroe's FAQ says the IRC sets no minimum distance, but excavation must not compromise the foundation. As a guideline, digging should stay out of the 45-degree bearing plane below the footing, or a design professional may be needed.
I live near Lake Conroe but outside the city. Who handles permits?
Many Lake Conroe-area homes are in unincorporated Montgomery County. Requirements depend on location, floodplain status and utility district, so ask your builder to confirm.
What does HTX Backyard charge?
Nothing for homeowners. With your consent, we share your request with one matched builder, who pays HTX Backyard for the introduction.
Sources
- City of Conroe: Permit & Inspection Information
- City of Conroe: Building Permits FAQs
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Angi: In-Ground Pool Cost in Houston (updated Aug 2026)
- Angi: Pool Resurfacing Cost in Houston, TX (updated Apr 2026)
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.