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Development Services

Show All Answers

1. Is my property within Cleveland city limits?

If you pay city taxes, your property is within the Cleveland city limits.

2. Where do I apply for a permit?

You apply for permits at the Development Services Department located at: City Hall 907 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327 or by fax, email or in person.  We also can take payments over the phone - call for details.

3. May I fax in my permit application?

All applications are completed in the office as there is documentation at time of permit issuance that requires signature(s).

4. What are the permit fees for the City of Cleveland?

View a schedule of permit fees.

Current Fee Schedule

5. Do I need an appointment to apply for a permit?

You may visit the Development Services Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m.  No appointment is necessary.  The office is closed from 12 to 1:00 pm each day for lunch.  

6. When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required for:

• Most construction; any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC (please call to be sure)
• Occupancy permits are required for electricity to be turned on, transferred, or name change for all commercial properties
• Occupancy permits are required for electricity to be turned on, transferred, or name change for all residential properties that have been without service for 6 months or more
• Culvert installation
• Driveways; roofing; demolitions
• Manufactured Home Placement

When is a Permit Required (PDF)

7. What are the building codes for the City of Cleveland?

• 2015 International Building Code
• 2015 International Residential Code
• 2015 International Plumbing Code
• 2015 International Mechanical Code
• 2014 National Electrical Code
• 2015 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2015 International Fire Code
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2015 International Existing Building Code
• 2015 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities
• 2015 International Private Sewage Disposal Code
• 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
• 2015 International Green Construction Code
• 2015 International Solar Energy Code
• 2015 International Wildlife Urban Interface Code

8. May I do the work myself or do I need to hire a contractor?

All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work must be done by a state licensed contractor. Homestead permits may apply in some cases.

9. May I start work before my permit is issued?

No, however, some exceptions may be approved by the building official.

10. Do I need a permit to reroof a building?

Yes.

11. Do I need a permit to build a detached storage shed?

Yes, set-backs have to be checked and or if the building is larger than 120 square feed.

12. Do I need a permit to move a building or manufactured home?

Yes, however the building must be approved by the building official before the permit will be issued.  Call for information or check the Manufactured Homes Section. 

13. Entergy says I need a permit to have power turned on. What do I do?

If you are requesting power at a new location or transferring names on accounts for a commercial property you are required to have a permit. This permit may be obtained at the Development Services Department for a fee of $75 commerical. After the inspection is completed, a yellow tag is placed on the meter and the permit is sent to Entergy.

If you are requesting power at a new location or transferring names on accounts for a residential property and service has been disconnected for 3 month or more (site-built); 3 months or more for manufactured housing, you are required to have a permit. This permit may be obtained at the Development Services Department for a fee of $60. After the inspection is completed, a yellow tag is placed on the meter and the permit is sent to Entergy.

14. Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Yes, and you must bring a drawing of the proposed deck or porch and a materials list to the Inspections Department for approval at:
907 E. Houston St.
Cleveland, TX 77327

15. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Yes; you need to acquire a permit and know materials and height. See the permit page for commercial and residential fence permits.  The fence ordinance is also listed there.  Permits are available at: 907 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.

See Permits page for applications.

16. What are the hours of construction allowed in the City of Cleveland?

Normal construction hours are allowed Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. No construction is allowed on weekends.

17. Do I need a building permit to install a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub?

Yes and drawings must be submitted to the Development Services Department for approval at:
907 E. Houston St.
Cleveland, TX 77327

18. The gas company won't connect my gas. What do I do?

Contact a state licensed master plumber to acquire a permit and perform a gas test. A gas test inspection will then be called in by the plumber. If gas test passes, a green tag will be placed on the meter. You may then contact the gas company to request service to be turned on.

19. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call Development Services Department at 281-659-0240 and have the following information available:

• Permit Number
• Address of Job
• Contractor Name
• Contact Phone Number and Name
• Type of Inspection

20. Who is the health inspector for the City of Cleveland?

The State of Texas Health Department serves as the health inspector for Cleveland. They can be reached at 713-767-3000.

21. What do I need to register as a contractor with the city

All Contractors must fill out a contractor registration form available here or in our city office located at 907 E. Houston St, Cleveland, TX. Contractors must provide General Liability Insurance listing the City of Cleveland as the certificate holder, government issued ID, along with any applicable trade licenses.