Office of the County Engineer > About > Divisions > Permits

Welcome to Platting

Harris County is the 3rd most populous county in the United States; it is paramount to remain strategically organized and equipped to offer the very best service possible to our constituents, the development community and municipal partners. As a regulatory agency, it is our goal to assist the development community in envisioning, creating and building vibrant and sustainable developments for all residents of Harris County. We trust that this online tool will be of assistance to anyone looking to develop within Harris County.

The Platting Staff is charged with enforcing the Regulations of Harris County, Texas for the Approval and Acceptance of Infrastructure as amended from time to time by the Harris County Commissioners' Court. Our knowledgeable and professional staff is dedicated to doing everything possible to ensure that all subdivision related projects are handled in a professional, courteous and timely manner.

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

Several municipalities have extended their development ordinances to require municipal review and approval of subdivision of land within their extraterritorial jurisdictions in unincorporated Harris County. Below are links that will take you to each of their planning home pages for further development guidelines:

Subdivision of land in certain areas (No ETJ) is solely reviewed and approved by Harris County Platting Group. Area Map

Policy Affecting CPC-101 Expirations

If an applicant has a plat mylar in our possession and there is a risk that it will not be promoted to Commissioners’ Court prior to the expiration of the CPC-101, an Extension of Approval (EOA) must be filed in a timely manner with the City of Houston.

Chapter 42 allows for a single one year extension. Accordingly, if your final plat has not been promoted to Commissioners’ Court for approval prior to the expiration of your EOA, you will be notified in writing and your plat will be returned to the City of Houston for further disposition. Should this happen, you will be required to submit a new plat application with the City of Houston.

Requirements of 30§TAC 285

In accordance with the requirements of 30§TAC 285 and the Rules of Harris County, Texas for On-Site Sewage Facilities, an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Subdivision Planning Report is required prior to approval of plats not located within a known service area for public sewer services.

Please refer to OSSF Subdivision Planning Report for more information.

The Planner Of The Day

To assist you in your development journey, we have a Planner of the Day who provides valuable resources and guidance for anyone seeking to develop within our County.

Our dedicated Platting staff is responsible for enforcing the regulations of Harris County for infrastructure approval and acceptance, as determined by the Harris County Commissioners Court. With their expertise, we ensure that subdivision projects are handled with professionalism, courtesy and efficiency.

If you are uncertain whether your project requires a plat, don't worry! You can simply complete the "Platting Exception Request" form on our website or give us a call at 713-274-3932. Please provide relevant review information such as HC Project#, HCAD#, address, site plan, deeds or survey. We will provide you with a response within 48-72 hours.

We are here to assist you in navigating the platting process and supporting your development endeavors in Harris County. Feel free to explore our website and utilize our online resources.

FAQ

What is a Plat?

A plat is an official recorded map drawn to scale that identifies the layout and recorded use of a property.

Where can I obtain copies of previously recorded plats or recorded easements?

Visit the “property records” section of the Harris County Clerk’s Office at www.cclerk.hctx.net to request copies. Recorded plats are searchable under the “Maps and Condos” sub tab. Easements are searchable under the “Real Property” sub tab.

What is an On-site Sewerage Facility Subdivision Planning Report?

Formerly known as a Feasibility Study, it is a report prepared by a Registered Sanitarian and submitted to the Harris County Wastewater Department for approval. Once approved, a project number will be provided to be included on the Self Selection Worksheet.

When will I receive an appointment with the Platting staff to complete my recordation plat?

Once all outstanding items have been addressed on the recordation checklist. Please refer to the Plat Search link.

Is there zoning in Harris County?

No, Harris County does not have zoning regulations in the unincorporated area. However, they do enforce regulations related to floodplain management, on-site sewage facilities, driveways and signs. Please refer to the current “Harris County Zoning Letter” updated annually.

How do I obtain tax certificates?

To request tax certificates from Harris County, visit the Tax Assessor’s Office website and complete the form provided. The completed form can be faxed to 713-368-2129, and the cost is $10 per account number. For ISD and MUD tax certificates, contact the respective Tax Assessor's Office for their specific requirements.

Can Harris County issue permits before recording the plat?

Yes, permits can be issued to applicants who provide a CPC 101 (final), approved plans, and evidence of MUD service. However, sites with individual septic and water wells do not qualify.

What is a Letter from Tax Assessor and how can it be requested?

The Letter from Tax Assessor is a required recordation document used to ensure that the proposed plat name does not conflict with any previously recorded subdivisions. To request this letter, email your request to [email protected] or fax it to 713-368-2219.

Where can I find Subdivision Platting Recordation Dedicatory Acknowledgements and Certifications?

For the City of Houston or other City’s ETJ within Harris County, refer to their website. For the county, refer to the current REGULATIONS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS FOR THE APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE on the Harris County website.

What is the purpose of the Utility Service Plan listed on the Recordation Checklist?

The Utility Service Plan, along with the necessary attachments, confirms the availability of utilities for the development, either through an extended utility capacity, a new utility district or the use of well and/or septic systems.

Who are the payments made payable to and where should they be paid?

Payments by check should be made payable to Harris County and can be paid in person at 10555 Northwest Freeway, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77092. Payments may also pay by credit card online at https://epermits.harriscountytx.gov

How can I obtain a refund if I have overpaid my surety or administrative fee?

To request a refund, please contact the permits cashier with the applicable plat name and original payment receipt. The request must be approved by the Permits Office Manager and presented to Commissioners' Court for consideration.

Where can I find the schedule of deadlines and Harris County Commissioners Court meetings for plat consideration?

Refer to the posted deadlines under Commissioners Court Agendas (Or new designated calendar name).

After the Commissioners’ Court approves my plat, when can I officially record it?

The Clerk's office will contact you within 1-3 business days after Commissioners’ Court to notify you that the plat is ready for filing and provide the filing fee. They accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Why does Harris County require two signatures on the plat or written authorization for a sole signatory?

Harris County requires two signatures or written authorization to ensure compliance with the entity's creation documents and amendments when executing legal documents

If I want to plat a reserve and sale, am I required to provide construction plans?

If there are no immediate plans for construction or improvements, the site drainage note shall be placed on the face of the plat. Please refer to the current platting notes.

Office of the County Engineer

Platting

Welcome to Platting

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

Policy Affecting CPC-101 Expirations

Requirements of 30§TAC 285

The Planner Of The Day

Public Notices

Plat Search

Commissioners' Court & Platting Deadlines

Digital Plat Requirements

Floodplain Easement Abandonment Application

Variance Requests

Pre-recordation

Recordation

FAQ

Platting

Welcome to Platting

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

Policy Affecting CPC-101 Expirations

Requirements of 30§TAC 285

The Planner Of The Day

Public Notices

Plat Search

Commissioners' Court & Platting Deadlines

Digital Plat Requirements

Floodplain Easement Abandonment Application

Variance Requests

Pre-recordation

Recordation

FAQ

Policy Affecting CPC-101 Expirations