Portland, TX · San Patricio County
Homestead Affidavit
A notarized sworn statement homeowners file with the City of Portland to pull a residential building permit as their own contractor on their homestead property.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Texas law and City of Portland ordinances let a homeowner obtain a residential permit and perform certain construction work on their own homestead without registering as a contractor or holding a state contractor license. To qualify, the homeowner must swear the property is their owner-occupied primary residence, that they will personally perform the work without paid help, and that they accept responsibility for code compliance and required inspections. The affidavit must be presented with proof of the homestead exemption.
Who needs it
A Portland homeowner who wants to act as their own contractor for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, roofing, fencing, or similar work on their homestead.
Why it needs a notary
The homeowner must swear or affirm under oath before a notary, and the form includes a full Texas acknowledgment block requiring a notary's signature, seal, and commission expiration.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Homestead Affidavit from the City of Portland Development Forms page.
- 2
Fill In Your Details
Enter your property address, the scope of work, and your homestead exemption information.
- 3
Book an Online Notary Session
Schedule a video session with a commissioned online notary.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the affidavit while the notary watches by video and completes the Texas acknowledgment.
- 5
Submit to the City
Submit the notarized affidavit and proof of homestead exemption with your building permit application.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Portland. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get my Portland homestead affidavit notarized?
- Fill in the affidavit with your property and work details, then meet with a commissioned online notary by video to sign and have the acknowledgment completed.
- Do I need a notary for a homestead affidavit in Portland?
- Yes — the City of Portland's Homestead Affidavit must be sworn before a notary before it can be submitted with a residential building permit application.
- Can I use an online notary for a Texas homestead affidavit?
- Texas has authorized remote online notarization since 2018, so a commissioned online notary can witness your signature by live video and complete the acknowledgment.
- What proof do I need besides the notarized affidavit?
- The city requires proof of your homestead exemption, such as a printout from the San Patricio County Appraisal District showing your name, address, and exemption status.
- What if Portland's permit requirements have changed?
- Requirements can be updated; check with the City of Portland Development Services Department if you are unsure whether this exact affidavit is still required.