Please review updated Permit Application Fee schedule effective October 1, 2020.
Development Permits are required for construction including work such as re-grading, drainage modifications, on-site sewage facilities, water wells, signing, changes in land use, new building construction, building modifications and any work within the 100-yr floodplain.
Residential Development Permit
A Residential Development Permit is required for the construction of any new structure on residential property, or addition to an existing structure, that meets or exceeds 100 square feet in size. The permit can be applied for online at www.mygovernmentonline.org.
Commercial Development Permit
A Commercial Development Permit is required for all commercial development. Before applying for the permit, the County Engineer must first review and approve a set of civil construction drawings. The following links provide guidance on the commercial approval and permitting procedure.
A Sign Permit is required for any sign that is visible from a County Toll Road. For more information go to the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA) website (click here). You can contact FBCTRA via email (click here) or call (832) 735-7385.
Release of Power
Once your Development Permit is submitted, you may need to request release of electric service or update the physical address for your permit through the MyGovernmentOnline customer portal.
*Effective January 1st, 2020 the Fort Bend County Engineering Department will require all applicants submitting a Development Permit application for new structures to provide an address verification letter than can be obtained from the CenterPoint Mapping Department. The letter must contain the full address, including street number, city and zip code. CenterPoint mapping can be reached at MapsandRecords@CenterPointEnergy.com .
The owner is responsible for compliance with all applicable Regulations and permit requirements of other Local, State, and Federal agencies before issuance of a Development Permit. Other applicable approvals may include, but are not limited to:
On-Site Sewerage Facilities System (OSSF) Permits
OSSF permits are required in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code and Fort Bend County regulations for all properties that do not contain a connection to an approved sewer system. Development shall comply with the requirements of the Fort Bend County Environmental Health Department.
Construction of Driveways and Culverts on County Easements and Right of Ways
Fort Bend County requires a permit for the construction of driveways and culverts on county easements and right of ways.
Working in Right of Ways and Drainage Ditches
Anyone proposing to lay, construct, and/or repair cable, conduit and/or pole lines in, under, across, or along roads, streets, highways and/or drainage ditches in Fort Bend County needs to apply for a permit.
Drainage Plan
The Fort Bend County Drainage District has adopted a Drainage Criteria Manual. The development of any tract of land or building of any structure shall include detention and other drainage facilities. All development shall be approved by the Fort Bend County Drainage District Engineer. Work that results in any impact to the base flood water surface elevation is not permitted in Fort Bend County.
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