(832) 977-8173

Certificate of Occupancy Delays?

Tenant can't open. Rent clock is ticking. Deal is on the line. We've been there, and we fix it. We've cleared Houston COs in as fast as 5 days.

Get My CO Unstuck Emergency: (832) 977-8173

Every Day Without Your CO Costs Money

Restaurant can't serve customers. Retail store can't open doors. Office tenant can't move in. The rent doesn't stop just because the City is slow. Let us get you open.

Why Is Your Houston CO Stuck?

A Certificate of Occupancy in Houston requires sign-offs from multiple City departments. Any one of them can hold up the entire process. Here are the most common reasons COs get delayed:

Fire Marshal Issues

Fire alarm not tested, suppression system incomplete, exit signs missing, occupancy load questions, fire lane issues.

Health Department Holds

Restaurant/food service permits pending, grease trap not approved, hood ventilation issues, hand sink requirements.

Failed Inspections

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural inspections not passed. Inspector comments not addressed.

Plan Review Comments

Outstanding plan review comments from building, fire, or accessibility reviewers that were never resolved.

Missing Documentation

As-built drawings not submitted, engineer letters missing, special inspection reports incomplete.

Previous Permit Issues

Old permits never closed out, previous tenant's violations, inherited problems from prior owner/tenant.

How We Get Your CO Fast

Typical CO Resolution Timeline with HTX Permit Fix

Simple issues (missing inspection): 2-5 days
Fire Marshal coordination: 5-10 days
Health Dept + Fire Marshal: 7-14 days
Complex multi-department issues: 2-4 weeks

Tenant Waiting to Open?

Every day without a CO costs money. Let us get you across the finish line.

Get Free CO Status Check

Who We Help with CO Delays

Restaurant & Bar Owners

You've invested hundreds of thousands in your buildout. Staff is hired. Vendors are lined up. But the City won't give you your CO. We specialize in restaurant COs - coordinating Health Department, Fire Marshal, and Building simultaneously to get you open.

Commercial Landlords & Property Managers

Your tenant's rent clock started, but they can't move in without a CO. Now they're angry, and you're stuck in the middle. We take the problem off your plate and get the CO issued so everyone can move forward.

Retail Store Owners

Grand opening is scheduled. Marketing is running. But you can't open because of a CO delay. We've helped dozens of retailers get their COs in time for planned openings.

Office Tenants

You've built out your new space, but can't occupy it. Meanwhile, you're paying rent on two spaces. We expedite office COs so you can consolidate and stop the bleeding.

What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a document issued by the City of Houston confirming that a building or space is safe for occupancy and complies with all applicable codes. You need a CO before you can:

Types of Occupancy Certificates in Houston

CO Delays: Real Stories We've Fixed

"Got my CO in 8 days after 6 weeks of runaround. These guys know everyone at the permit office."

— Property Manager, Galleria Area

"Fire Marshal wouldn't sign off on our restaurant. HTX Permit Fix figured out the issue and got it resolved in 5 days. We opened that weekend."

— Restaurant Owner, Montrose

Stop Waiting. Start Opening.

Free CO status check. We'll tell you exactly what's blocking you and how fast we can fix it.

Get Free Assessment Call (832) 977-8173

Related Permit Services

Need help with other permit issues? We handle all Houston permit problems:

Permit Expediting

Fast-track your building permits through City of Houston plan review and inspections.

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Permit Violations

Resolve code violations, dangerous building notices, and work-without-permit issues.

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Stop Work Orders

Get construction back on track fast after receiving a stop work order.

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