give feedback
Building
Page Contents: When is a Permit Required | Applications and Permitting | Permit/Utility Checklist | Building Permits Monthly Reports
The City of Brenham would like to thank you for choosing our City for your future project. We consider our community stakeholders our customers and partners for a viable long-term successful community. We welcome all new projects to our community and believe a diverse economy is not only a good thing but a necessary thing for everyone's long-term success. We also understand the costs associated with new or existing remodel construction projects. We will do our best to work with our customers to make sure we can process all projects in an expedient manner to ensure costs associated with dealing with the City of Brenham are kept to a minimum.
Getting Started
The City of Brenham has adopted the 2021 version of the International Building Codes, including the following codes:
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- 2020 National Electric Code (NEC)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
Please reference Chapter 6: Building and Structures of the Brenham Code of Ordinances for a complete list of local amendments to the adopted codes.
Note: Please click here to see a summary of significant changes between the 2018 and 2021 adopted codes.
Helpful Information
- When is a Permit Required
- Commercial Plan Review Checklist
- Contractor Registration Form
- Residential Plan Review Checklist
- Utility Tap Fees - View individual tariff documents on the Public Utilities page
- Fee Schedule
- Building Permit Process Flow Chart
- Manufactured Home Installation Requirements
- Residential Site Plan Submittal Example
- Residential Inspection Guide
When is a Permit Required
Why do I need a Permit?
Obtaining building permits allows legal permission to start construction and allows for the enforcement of codes that have been adopted as law by the city. No matter what the specific job may be, the enforcement of our codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Brenham. In addition, obtaining permits ensures oversight and protects the investment you have in your home or business.
Construction work requiring permits
An application should be made and a permit obtained prior to the start of any construction. Although the following list is as comprehensive as possible, it is not intended, and should not be considered to be all-inclusive. If you have a question as to whether or not a permit is required, please call the Development Services Department at 979-337-7220. (download this as a pdf)
- Signage
- New homes or structures
- Foundations
- Decks
- Storage/Accessory buildings
- Additions
- Interior remodeling
- Exterior remodeling
- Carports
- Garage enclosures
- Renovations
- Manufactured homes
- Prefabricated structures
- Temporary buildings
- Demolitions
- Driveways/Commercial parking/Sidewalks
- Water heater replacements
- Insulation
- Swimming pools
- Retaining walls
- Sprinkler irrigation systems
- Mechanical/HVAC systems
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
Work not requiring permits:
- Painting
- Wallpapering
- Carpeting
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops
Applications & Permitting
Permit applications along with a set of plans are required for projects within the City. There is a ten-business-day plan review process unless special circumstances/delays occur which could extend the plan review process. No work may be performed until a permit has been issued by the city and permit fees received.
Building Permit / Utilities Checklist
- Submit permit applications for review using our Online Permit Portal:
- 1 complete combined set of Plans in PDF format
- PDF electronic file of Supporting Documents/Specifications
- Indicate all utility tap sizes on drawings
- Complete application for building permit using our Online Permit Portal or at City of Brenham – Development Services, 200 W. Vulcan, 2nd floor, 979.337.7220.
- Complete the application for Contractor’s Utility Deposit and pay the deposit fee at the City of
Brenham Utility Billing Customer Service Department, 200 W. Vulcan, 1st floor, 979.337.7520. - Complete the application for all utility taps and pay the necessary tap fees at the City of Brenham
Public Utilities Department, 200 W. Vulcan, 1st floor, 979.337.7400.
- Utility tap fees should be paid at the same time the building permit is applied to ensure that all utilities are available.
- Pay permit fee to Development Services Department and pull permit once it has been processed and approved.
- Please call 979-337-7220 for any permitting questions.
Inspections
Inspections must be scheduled one business day in advance by the contractor. To schedule inspections use the online permit portal, email us, or call 979-337-7220.
Commercial Insurance Requirements
Commercial general contractors shall provide general liability insurance. The City of Brenham is required to be the Certificate Holder. Commercial subcontractors shall provide general liability insurance. The City of Brenham is required to be the Certificate Holder.
Residential Insurance Requirements
Residential general contractors shall provide general liability insurance. The City of Brenham is required to be the Certificate Holder. Residential subcontractors shall provide general liability insurance. The City of Brenham is required to be the Certificate Holder.
State License
Contractors that are licensed by the state must provide the city with a copy of their current license and driver's license. A Master may sign a statement that allows a person with a Journeyman's License to perform work under their license.
Building Standards Commission
Building Inspections serves as the staff liaison to the Building Standards Commission.
To report a building code violation or a dangerous structure contact Allen Jacobs, Building Official.
Building Permits
Document Center
The Document Center provides easy access to public documents. Click on one of the categories below to see related documents or use the search function.
Documents sorted by _RECORDID in Descending Order within category