Who can purchase what permits and when? A centralized location for the issuance of a majority of City of Houston permits and licenses, including building, commercial, fire, and food dealers permits.Q: When is a permit required? A: A permit is needed for all development within Harris County. The passage of no amount of time can change the original legislative intent of a law. Addresses are critical and must be verified at the Building Code Enforcement Office for new construction. Chapter 1: Administration and General Requirements1. Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than a repair or addition. No Fill is allowed in a Floodway. The City of Houston has outlined a set of local ordinances in the Houston Code of Ordinances that define the development and use of ADUs.