How to get a certificate of occupancy in Houston

When you need one

A certificate of occupancy confirms that a building, or the part of it you lease, is safe for the type of business you plan to run there. In Houston you generally need a new one when:

• a new business moves into a commercial space;
• the use of the space changes, for example from retail to a restaurant;
• the space gets bigger or is remodeled.

Other agencies ask for it too. TABC's local sign-off in Houston and many other cities, and some health permits, expect a current CO for the address. For a new store, file it early.

Same use or change of use

The first question is whether the previous tenant ran the same kind of business. A same-use CO, for example a convenience store replacing a convenience store, usually goes straight to inspection. A change of use or any construction usually needs building permits and plan review first, which takes longer and may need an architect or engineer.

The Houston process

1. Gather the details. The lease, the owner's ID, the square footage, what the space was used for before, and any construction planned.
2. Apply with the Houston Permitting Center. Houston processes the request the same day and bills the fee that day. Pay it that day, or the inspection is cancelled.
3. Inspection. Have the power on, a ladder and access above the ceiling and to the roof. If the inspector cannot get in or the space is not ready, you pay a re-inspection fee.
4. Corrections. If the inspector finds problems, a corrections report is ready within 24 hours. Fix them and request a re-inspection.
5. Certificate issued. Houston emails the certificate with a QR code. Post it at the store.

What it costs

Houston's certificate of occupancy fees range from $94 to $537.12, depending on the size and type of the space. Re-inspections, building permits and plan review are extra when they apply. Other Texas cities set their own fees.

Outside Houston city limits

Many Houston-area addresses are in unincorporated Harris County, not the City of Houston, even with a Houston mailing address. There, Harris County issues a certificate of compliance for commercial spaces through its permit office, with fire code review by the county fire marshal. Fort Bend County and suburban cities like Sugar Land, Missouri City and Pearland each run their own process. Check the address against city limits before you apply.

Does it expire?

Houston certificates do not expire on a date. A new one is needed for a change of use, a change in size or a remodel, and some cities also require a new certificate for a new owner or tenant.