The Homeowner’s Guide to Houston Residential Demo Permits (2026)

Navigating the bureaucracy of the Houston Permitting Center (HPC) can be more daunting than the actual demolition. In 2026, the City of Houston has fully transitioned to a digital-first filing system, and the requirements for a house demolition have become more stringent to address the city’s drainage and historical preservation goals.

At HouseDemoTX, we handle the "red tape" for our clients. However, if you are planning a project in the Bayou City, here is what you need to know about the 2026 Houston permit landscape.

1. The "Big Three" Required Documents

To pull a demolition permit in Houston this year, the city requires three primary digital uploads before they will even assign a reviewer:

• Utility Disconnect Letters: You must provide official "Letter of Disconnect" PDFs from CenterPoint (Electric/Gas) and the City of Houston Water Department. As we noted in our Utility Checklist, these can take up to 4 weeks to obtain.

• The Silt Fence & SWPPP Plan: Because of Houston’s flooding risks, the city requires a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). You must show how you will prevent debris and soil from entering the city’s storm drains.

• Affidavit of Ownership: A notarized document proving you have the legal right to destroy the structure.

2. Special Overlays: The "Heights" and "Museum District"

If your property is located within a designated Historic District (such as the Houston Heights, Old Sixth Ward, or Glenbrook Valley), your permit will not be approved automatically.

• COA (Certificate of Appropriateness): You must appear before the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC). In 2026, they have tightened rules against "Speculative Demolition," meaning you must often show approved plans for a new structure before they allow the removal of the old one.

3. The 2026 Fees & Timeline

Houston has moved to a "Value-Based" fee structure for demolition.

• Estimated Cost: For a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home, expect to pay between $450 and $850 in city fees.

• Approval Time: In 2026, "Express Permits" for non-historic residential demos are currently averaging 5 to 10 business days, provided all utility letters are attached.

4. Why the "Sewer Plug" Inspection Matters

Houston is unique in its "Sewer Plug" requirement. Before the demolition permit is "Finalized," a city inspector must physically visit the site to verify that the sewer line has been capped and plugged with an approved expansion plug.

• The Risk: If your contractor skips this, the city will "Red Tag" your property, preventing you from pulling the construction permit for your new home.

5. Summary Checklist for Houston Property Owners

• [ ] Verify if the property is in a Historical Overlay.

• [ ] Initiate CenterPoint disconnects immediately.

• [ ] Hire a contractor like HouseDemoTX who uses the iPermits portal for faster processing.

• [ ] Ensure your Silt Fence is installed before the first inspector arrives.

We Take the Stress Out of the HPC

Don't spend your afternoons stuck on hold with the City of Houston. HouseDemoTX has a dedicated permit expeditor on staff to ensure your project stays on schedule and in full compliance with 2026 city codes.

Get Your Project & Permit Started Today