Failure to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before occupying a building is a violation of Texas Local Government Code 233.064 and may result in penalties.
For Certificate of Occupancy information, please contact Development Services at (210) 207-1111. The Development and Business Services Department is located at 1901 S. Alamo San Antonio, Texas 78204. They are available Monday through Friday from am-pm.
A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any building. A new CO is required whenever any of the following occurs: Any new building that is constructed and will be occupied. An existing building or lease space that is remodeled or altered.
Any person or corporation violating or failing to comply with any provisions of this chapter shall be fined, upon conviction, not less than $10, nor more than $2,000, and each day any violation or non-compliance continues, shall constitute a separate offense.
Texas Property Code - PROP § 92.010. Occupancy Limits. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the maximum number of adults that a landlord may allow to occupy a dwelling is three times the number of bedrooms in the dwelling.
Certificate of Occupancy Fees ​Certificate of Occupancy Fees​ ​Certificate of Occupancy - Partial ​$104 ​Certificate of Occupancy - Duplicate ​$30 ​Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit ​$375 ​Certificate of Occupancy - Residential Early Move-in Penalty ​$5007 more rows
A rental unit without a certificate of occupancy is illegal. Without a certificate, the landlord cannot collect rent. So you need to lawyer up and possibly withhold rent for both issues.
Getting a certificate of occupancy can be a lengthy and expensive process, especially if you need multiple inspections. Rules around them vary significantly from market to market, and one may not even be needed in your local market. But in areas where they're required, they're non-negotiable.
Permits can be applied for online or in person at Development Services located at 1901 South Alamo, San Antonio, Texas. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday am to pm. You may contact Development Services by calling (210) 207-1111.
The inspector will look for such items as: paint and trim; fire protection requirements; stairs and handrails; roofs; gutters; accessory buildings; interior mechanical systems such as heat, electric and plumbing; interior and exterior structural soundness; and space requirements.