The cost of a permit is $15.00. The contractors irrigation license must be registered with the city (no cost). Registration can be made with the Plumbing Inspection Section 1801 Main St. Houston, TX. All taps to the potable water supply on private property shall be made by a licensed irrigator. All taps to be of the same materials (I.E. copper to copper, no compression fittings). All piping including taps are to be left open and exposed for inspection. Piping material from the tap to the backflow preventer to be a minimum of SCH40 PVC or other approved potable water piping material. Trench shall not be covered until after inspection. PVB's must be installed a minimum of 12" above highest outlet (including risers) and insulated. Backflow preventers are to be certified by a registered backflow preventer certified tester and a copy of the test report left with the plumbing permit for the inspector. Call for next day inspection at 713-754-0220 with project # and inspection zone and address.

Permitting in the Ft. Bend County Water Control & Improvement

The Ft. Bend County WC & ID No. 2 is the water purveyor for the City of Stafford, City of Missouri City, portions of Sugar Land and The Meadows. Unfortunately the only map available showing the boundaries of their jurisdiction is located in their office at 2331 S. Main. Stafford, Texas, 77477. The telephone number is 281499-1031. Although there is no cost for obtaining residential permits for irrigation systems installed within their district; there are two inspections required. The first is to inspect the installation of the backflow device and the piping to the point of connection. Once this has been approved, then and only then, can the tap to the potable water supply be made. The second inspection is to be scheduled after the tap has been made and the backflow device is tested and certified by a registered Backflow Tester. The Ft. Bend County WC & ID has adopted the current City of Houston Standard Specifications as it applies to the TNRCC Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems, however it is highly recommended that contractors obtain a copy of the "Construction Standards for Private Service Connections" from the above mentioned address. Commercial irrigation systems are required to have a separate meter, and as with the residential irrigation system must be installed by a licensed irrigator, currently registered with the district. A double check assembly is the required device for all commercial irrigation systems and for any residential system with risers installed with a height over 12". The double check assembly may be installed below grade in a concrete meter box. Pressure vacuum breakers are accepted for residential systems with risers up to 12". The District requires Schedule 40 PVC pipe up to the backflow assembly and recommends SCH 40 PVC up to the control valves. In accordance with the District’s water conservation policy, the District also recommends the installation of an automatic wet weather shutdown device. Permit and installation requirements are changing constantly. To avoid red tags and added expenses as well as frustration, contact each individual city for the latest requirements.

Other Area Inspection Phone Numbers

Bellaire 713-662-8230
Missouri City 281-261-4260
The Meadows 281-983-2950
Piney Point 713-464-3347
Stafford 281-261-3900
Sugarland 281-275-2765
West University 713-662-5804
Tomball 281-351-5484
Pasadena 281-475-7837
Bunker Hill 713-467-9762