This is an application for boarding homes.

The Harris County Sheriff's (HCSO), Fire Marshal's (FMO), and Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) have combined efforts to simplify the permitting and inspection process for boarding homes. The four-part video training, below, will help walk you from the beginning to the end of the application process. Each training video will explain step-by-step details for submitting your applications for permitting and requesting your inspections via the E-Permits online system.

Part 1 – Boarding Home Training Video
Part 2 – Boarding Home Training Video
Part 3 – Boarding Home Training Video
Part 4 – Boarding Home Training Video

Helpful links

Upon issuance of the construction permit, the applicant is required to commence construction within 180 days. It is essential to verify that your contractor is utilizing the authorized set of plans marked with the approved stamp and has prominently displayed a copy of the permit in a window facing the frontage road.

Fire Code Inspection

The Fire Code inspection will be conducted by the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office. In order to request your inspection, you will need to submit your Fire Code As-built Certificate by emailing the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Once your Boarding Home has passed its Fire Code inspection, you will receive the following:

1. Certificate of Compliance
2. Certificate of Inspection
3. Occupancy Load

Once you passed your Fire Code Inspection and received the documents listed above, please continue to the HCSO Class 1 & 2 Permits.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office will process, issue, investigate, suspend, revoke and/or deny Boarding Home permits in accordance with the Boarding Home Regulations for Unincorporated Harris County. 

Submit your Class 1 Boarding Home permit application via E-Permits with the required documents as outlined in the Boarding Home Class 1 Permit Checklist below. Also, see training video.

Effective March 1, 2021, all Boarding Homes operating in Unincorporated Harris County must be permitted in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 260.

Boarding Homes in existence at the time of the adoption of these regulations have six (6) months from March 1, 2021 to initiate the application process to obtain a Class 1 Boarding Home Permit.

• Boarding Home Class 1 Permit Checklist
• Boarding Home Regulations

Contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Boarding Home Detail by emailing Boarding Homes or call (832) 927-2975 for an appointment.

All owners/operators, employees, and volunteers who have direct contact with Boarding Home residents are required to obtain a valid Class 2 Permit.

Documents required for issuance of a Class 2 Permit include:

• Government issued identification (color copy)
• Social Security Card (color copy)
• Signed Criminal History Statement
• Signed Owner/Employee Affidavit
• Food Handler’s Permit

Pay as a Guest

Enter the name associated with the Class 2 permit fees in the following format: Last Name, First Name and click on Search Details.

• If there are no search results, try entering just the First Name, Last Name or the address associated with the Class 2 permit fees.
• If there are still no search results, please contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office at (713) 221-6000 or email Boarding Homes.

Here are the steps for applying through E-Permits:

1. Access the E-Permits platform and log in

2. Navigate to the "Projects" section

3. Click on "Apply"

4. Locate your address on the map by either entering it or zooming in and double-clicking on the location

5. A "Red Pin" will appear on the map, and all associated data will be retrieved by E-Permits. If the address is incorrect, you can correct it on the next page

6. Click on the green "Apply" button

7. In the selection labeled "Application," choose "Residential Conversion (Boarding or Lodging Home)"

8. Provide the required detailed information and click on "Next"

9. Complete the application page and click on "Next"

10. Upload all the necessary documents, and once finished, click on "Next"

11. Finally, review the disclaimer, select "Agree," and then click on "Submit Application"

That's it! You're done with the application process. 

Once you have obtained your Fire Code Permit and completed all required construction, please continue to inspections.

Residential Boarding Home – New Construction

Residential single-family dwellings that do not comply with the Harris County Fire Code pre-qualification (see below) will submit their application using the same application type, however, will be required to meet all portions of the Harris County Fire Code for new construction. Boarding Homes in compliance with Chapter 260 of the Health & Safety Code shall be classified as a single-family dwelling for the purpose of this code and comply with all of the following:

1. The structure was originally constructed as a single-family dwelling

2. The structure has an appraised real property record with the Harris County Appraisal District for the past two (2) years as a residential, single-family use

3. The structure is being converted into a boarding home

4. The structure is in compliance with Local Government Code 233 Subchapter F "Residential Building Code" or another recognized code

5. The structure is in compliance with Chapter 11 of the Harris County Fire Code

6. The structure is in compliance with all deed restrictions

7. The occupancy load shall not be less than 200 square feet per person

8. The occupancy load shall not be greater than 16 for all occupants living within the dwelling

9. Subjected to the Building and/or Fire Code Official for approval

Structures not complying with all items listed or determined by the Building and/or Fire Code Official shall be classified as new construction or substantial improvement per the Harris County Fire Code.

Residential Boarding Home – New Construction

Residential single-family dwellings that do not comply with the Harris County Fire Code pre-qualification (see below) will submit their application using the same application type, however, will be required to meet all portions of the Harris County Fire Code for new construction. Boarding Homes in compliance with Chapter 260 of the Health & Safety Code shall be classified as a single-family dwelling for the purpose of this code and comply with all of the following:

1. The structure was originally constructed as a single-family dwelling

2. The structure has an appraised real property record with the Harris County Appraisal District for the past two (2) years as a residential, single-family use

3. The structure is being converted into a boarding home

4. The structure is in compliance with Local Government Code 233 Subchapter F "Residential Building Code" or another recognized code

5. The structure is in compliance with Chapter 11 of the Harris County Fire Code

6. The structure is in compliance with all deed restrictions

7. The occupancy load shall not be less than 200 square feet per person

8. The occupancy load shall not be greater than 16 for all occupants living within the dwelling

9. Subjected to the Building and/or Fire Code Official for approval

Structures not complying with all items listed or determined by the Building and/or Fire Code Official shall be classified as new construction or substantial improvement per the Harris County Fire Code.

7701 Wilshire, Houston, TX 77040
Phone: (713) 274-1700
Fax: (281) 436-8005
Email Fire Marshal’s Office

10555 Northwest Freeway
Office Suite 120
Houston, Texas 77092
Phone: (713)-274-3900
E-Permits Support

Boarding Home Detail
15555 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 154
Houston, Texas 77090
Phone: (832) 927-2975
Email Boarding Homes