ADU Permit Requirements in Humble, TX
CORRECTION: AHJ changed from Harris County to the City of Humble. Inside Humble city limits the City of Humble Building & Inspection Department (114 W. Higgins St, Chief Building Official Ray Pearson, 281-446-6228) is the correct AHJ; Harris County's Office of the County Engineer Permits Division regulates only unincorporated areas. Texas has no statewide residential code; Humble adopted the 2018 IRC (Code of Ordinances Ch. 4, Art. 4.02) plus 2018 IBC/IPC/IMC/IFC, 2017 NEC, and 2018 Energy Code. Permits filed via the iWorq portal, though most plan-review permits must be submitted in person. Residential fees from the official Oct 1, 2024 fee schedule: Building Permit $50.00 + $0.32/sq ft of roof-covered floor space; Fence $50.00 + $1.00/25 LF; Electrical $50-$150; Plumbing $50-$100.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 31, 2026 · How we research →
When you need a ADU permit
Inside the City of Humble, an accessory dwelling unit or garage apartment requires a building permit from the City of Humble Building & Inspection Department under the 2018 IRC, plus electrical and plumbing permits. Texas has no statewide residential code, so Humble adopts and amends its own; ADU allowances depend on the City's zoning, so confirm lot and use limits with the Building Department before designing. The structure is permitted under the Residential Building Permit at $50.00 plus $0.32 per square foot of roof-covered floor space (Oct 1, 2024 schedule).
ADU Permit Costs: Humble vs. Nearby
Humble comes in on the low side for Texas. You're looking at From $50 here, compared to the state average of $764 – $3,985.
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Humble | From $50 |
| Houston | $500 – $5,000 |
| San Antonio | $500 – $5,000 |
| Dallas | $500 – $5,000 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Humble permit costs →
Zoning & HOA Considerations
ADU regulations vary dramatically by state and city. Many states (CA, OR, WA) have preemption laws that override local zoning restrictions. Check both state law and local zoning before designing.
If you live in an HOA community: hOAs have traditionally restricted ADUs, but state preemption laws in CA, OR, WA, and other states now limit HOA authority over ADUs. Check your state's ADU laws, your HOA may not be able to block construction even if CC&Rs appear to prohibit it.
Estimated Project Timeline
Here's a typical timeline for a adu project:
Timeline is based on the typical about 4 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated permit fees for ADU projects range from From $50. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller ADU projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for ADU permits is about 4 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About ADU Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read ADU Guide →