Houston patio homes, condos, lofts, single-family homes, townhomes. A building permit is required for most residential projects inside the corporate city of Houston limits; these include, but are not limited to:.Bought a primary residence within the past year in Texas? It's time to file for your Texas Homestead Exemption. There is a whole range of housing types between these two development patterns that have been largely forgotten. Want to save on property taxes? Learn more about Houston Homestead Exemption Types, Requirements for Eligibility, and the Application Process. Cut and fill are developments that require grading; clearing and grubbing; swales. See pricing and listing details of Houston real estate for sale. This is the most frequently used contract form.