Stop Permit Delays & Get City Approvals FAST - 98% First-Time Approval Rate

Permit timelines vary significantly based on project complexity, permit type, and city workload. Here's what to expect:

• Single trade permits (electrical, plumbing): 2-4 weeks typical, as fast as 1 week with expediting
• Building permits (minor renovations): 4-6 weeks typical, 2-3 weeks with expediting
• Major commercial permits: 6-10 weeks typical, 3-5 weeks with expediting
• Complex projects with variances: 8-16 weeks typical, depending on planning commission schedule

Our average approval time is 3 weeks faster than the city average due to our direct relationships with building departments, same-day corrections, and professional submission packages. With our Express Expediting Service, we can often cut timelines in half.

Our permit handling services range from $1,500 to $50,000+ depending on several factors:

• Number of permits required: Single trade permit vs. full building permit package (building + electrical + plumbing + mechanical + fire)
• Project complexity: Simple renovation vs. major structural changes requiring engineering
• Square footage: Larger projects require more extensive plan review and documentation
• Timeline urgency: Standard processing vs. expedited service with daily city follow-up
• Jurisdiction: Some cities have more complex requirements than others
• Engineering coordination: Whether structural or MEP engineering is required

Most of our commercial renovation projects fall in the $5,000-$15,000 range for complete permit coordination. We provide free quotes within 24 hours of reviewing your project scope. All pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

The required documents vary by permit type, but here's what's typically needed:

For Building Permits:

• Architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, cross-sections)
• Structural calculations (if structural changes involved)
• MEP drawings (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
• Property survey showing existing structures
• Proof of ownership (deed or lease agreement)
• Contractor license information

For Trade Permits:

• Scope of work description
• Equipment specifications (HVAC, electrical panels, etc.)
• Load calculations (electrical/mechanical)
• Licensed contractor information

Don't have complete plans? We can help! We coordinate with engineers and architects to develop permit-ready plans. We'll provide you with a complete checklist customized to your specific project during our initial consultation.

Plan corrections are common - even on well-prepared submissions. Here's how we handle them:

1. Immediate notification: We check permit status daily and get correction notes as soon as they're available
2. Expert review: We analyze the correction requests and determine the fastest path to compliance
3. Rapid response: We coordinate with your engineer/architect to make required changes immediately
4. Same-day resubmission: In many cases, we can correct and resubmit plans the same day we receive notes
5. Direct examiner contact: We often call the plan examiner directly to clarify requirements before resubmitting

Our 98% first-time approval rate means most projects don't need corrections. When they do occur, our Professional and Express packages include unlimited corrections at no additional cost. This is where our experience really shows - we know exactly what city examiners are looking for and can resolve issues quickly.

Yes! Emergency permits are one of our specialties. If your property has been red-tagged by code enforcement or the fire marshal, time is critical to avoid daily fines and tenant displacement.

Our Emergency Permit Process:

• Immediate response: We can start work within hours of your call
• Direct city contact: We contact the issuing inspector and department head immediately
• Emergency permit requests: We submit formal emergency permit applications with expedited review requests
• Daily in-person visits: We visit the building department daily to push the permit through
• 24/7 engineering coordination: We have engineers on call for immediate plan preparation
• Same-day corrections: Any plan review notes are addressed within hours, not days

Real example: We recently got emergency fire sprinkler permits approved in 10 days for a 128-unit property (vs. typical 4-6 weeks), saving the owner $150K+ in daily fines. For emergency situations, call us directly at (832) 591-7991 for immediate assistance.

Yes! We process permits throughout Greater Houston and have established relationships with building departments in multiple jurisdictions.

Cities We Serve:

• ✓ Greater Houston - Our primary market with the strongest city relationships
• ✓ Houston, TX - All districts including downtown, uptown, and suburban areas
• ✓ Sugar Land - Extensive experience with Fort Bend County requirements
• ✓ Pearland - Regular permit processing including planning commission experience
• ✓ Cypress - Familiar with both incorporated and unincorporated areas
• ✓ Spring - Harris County permitting expertise
• ✓ Tomball - City and ETJ permit experience
• ✓ Richmond - Fort Bend County jurisdiction

Each city has different code requirements, submittal processes, and review timelines. Our multi-jurisdiction experience means we know these differences and can navigate each city's unique requirements efficiently. We also handle county permits for unincorporated areas in Harris and Fort Bend counties.

We maintain a 98% first-time approval rate compared to the industry average of 60-70%. Here's how we achieve this exceptional rate:

Pre-Submission Quality Control:

• Comprehensive plan review: We review all plans thoroughly before submission to catch errors
• Code compliance check: We verify all work complies with current building codes
• Completeness verification: We ensure all required documents, calculations, and details are included
• Format compliance: We make sure plans meet city formatting and scale requirements

Professional Relationships:

• Direct examiner contact: We know plan examiners personally and understand their specific requirements
• Pre-submission consultations: We sometimes review plans with examiners before formal submission
• Track record: Building departments trust our submissions because of our consistent quality

Zero permit rejections in 2024! This saves our clients weeks of delays and thousands in potential holding costs, contractor standby time, and project delays.

Yes! Complete inspection coordination is included in all our Professional and Express packages. Here's what we handle:

Inspection Services:

• Inspection scheduling: We schedule all required inspections at the optimal time in your construction sequence
• Inspector coordination: We communicate directly with inspectors about project status and any special considerations
• On-site representation: We can be present for inspections to answer inspector questions
• Results tracking: We monitor all inspection results and provide immediate notifications

Re-Inspection Management:

• Failure analysis: If an inspection fails, we review the inspector's notes to understand exactly what needs correction
• Correction coordination: We work with your contractors to ensure corrections are completed properly
• Rapid re-inspection: We schedule re-inspections as soon as corrections are complete (typically 24-48 hours)
• Inspector relationship: Our existing relationships help ensure fair inspections and clear communication

Common inspections we coordinate: foundation, framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, rough mechanical, insulation, fire sprinkler, fire alarm, final building, and final CO inspection.

We handle all zoning matters including variances, special use permits, and planning commission applications. Zoning approvals are more complex than standard permits and typically take 6-16 weeks depending on the city's planning commission schedule.

Zoning & Variance Services:

• Zoning compliance analysis: We review your project against current zoning codes to identify required variances
• Variance application preparation: We prepare comprehensive applications with supporting documentation
• Technical studies: We coordinate traffic studies, parking analysis, environmental impact reports as needed
• Neighborhood notification: We handle required notifications to adjacent property owners
• Planning commission representation: We attend hearings and present your case to the planning commission
• Conditional use permits: We prepare SUP applications for uses requiring special approval

Success story: We recently got a medical office zoning variance approved on the second submission after the initial denial. The variance request included a comprehensive traffic study and neighborhood impact analysis, and we represented the client at the planning commission hearing. Property value increased 300% with commercial zoning approval.

City permit fees are separate from our service fees and vary significantly based on project scope and valuation. Here are typical ranges:

Typical City Permit Fees (Greater Houston):

• Electrical permit: $150-$1,000 depending on service size and work scope
• Plumbing permit: $150-$800 depending on fixture count and work scope
• Mechanical permit: $150-$1,200 depending on equipment size
• Building permit: $0.50-$1.50 per square foot typically, calculated on project valuation
• Fire sprinkler permit: $300-$2,000 depending on system size
• Sign permit: $100-$500 depending on sign size

Example: A 10,000 sq ft commercial renovation with $500K construction value might have $5,000-$8,000 in total city permit fees (building + electrical + plumbing + mechanical + fire).

Payment Process:

We typically pay permit fees on your behalf when permits are issued, then invoice you for reimbursement. This ensures immediate permit issuance without delays. All permit fees are passed through at cost with zero markup. We provide itemized receipts from the city for all permit fees paid.

Absolutely! Certificate of Occupancy processing is a core part of our service. The CO is the final step that allows you to legally occupy your building, and we handle the entire process.

CO Services Include:

• CO application preparation: We complete all required applications and documentation
• Final inspection coordination: We schedule the final building inspection and ensure all work is complete
• Punch list management: We coordinate completion of any remaining items identified during final inspection
• All trades sign-off: We verify that all trade inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire) have been completed and approved
• Fire marshal final approval: We coordinate final fire marshal inspection if required
• CO issuance tracking: We monitor CO processing and ensure it's issued promptly
• Temporary CO: If needed, we can often obtain a temporary CO for early occupancy while minor items are completed

Timeline: CO processing typically takes 1-2 weeks after final inspection passes. With our coordination, most projects pass final inspection on the first try, avoiding delays. The CO is critical - you cannot legally occupy your building without it, and many insurance policies won't activate until the CO is issued.

Mid-project changes are common! We handle all permit amendments, modifications, and change orders without delaying your construction schedule.

Permit Amendment Process:

• Change documentation: We document the scope change and determine if a permit amendment is required
• Revised plans: We coordinate with your engineer/architect to prepare revised drawings showing changes
• Amendment submission: We submit permit amendments to the city with detailed change descriptions
• Expedited processing: We request expedited amendment review to minimize construction delays
• Additional permits: If the change requires new permits (e.g., adding a generator requires electrical permit), we handle those too

Common Changes We Handle:

• Layout modifications (moving walls, changing room configurations)
• Electrical changes (additional circuits, upgraded service)
• Plumbing changes (fixture relocations, additional fixtures)
• HVAC changes (equipment upgrades, ductwork modifications)
• Structural changes (beam modifications, load path changes)

Timeline: Most permit amendments are approved in 1-3 weeks. Our goal is to process amendments quickly so your construction can continue with minimal delays. All our Professional and Express packages include amendment processing at no additional charge.

Both! We work with contractors, property owners, developers, property managers, and architects. Our permit services are designed to fit any project structure.

Client Types We Serve:

• Property Owners: Commercial building owners and multifamily property owners who want direct control over the permit process
• Property Managers: Management companies handling permits for multiple properties
• Developers: Real estate developers needing permit services for new construction or major renovations
• General Contractors: GCs who want to subcontract permit processing to experts
• Architects & Engineers: Design professionals who want to offer permit processing as an add-on service
• Real Estate Investors: Investors flipping commercial properties or upgrading rental properties

Coordination Models:

• Owner-direct: We work directly for the property owner and coordinate with their selected contractors
• Contractor-led: We work as a subcontractor to the general contractor, providing permit expertise
• Design-build: We coordinate with both design and construction teams as a neutral permit expeditor

No matter the structure, our goal is the same: get your permits approved quickly with zero rejections. We adapt our communication and coordination style to fit your project's organizational structure.

Great question! Here's what makes us different from other permit services in the Houston area:

Our Competitive Advantages:

• We're actual contractors: Unlike permit-only expeditors, we're a full-service general contractor. This means we understand construction sequences, code requirements, and practical implementation.
• 15+ years local experience: We've been working in Katy and Greater Houston for over 15 years. We know the local building departments, inspectors, and code requirements intimately.
• 98% first-time approval rate: Our approval rate is 30% higher than industry average. This saves time and money.
• Zero rejections in 2024: We haven't had a single permit rejection this year - a testament to our submission quality.
• 3 weeks faster than average: Our direct city relationships and professional submissions consistently result in faster approvals.
• Full-service support: We can also perform the actual construction work if desired, making us a true one-stop shop.
• Emergency response capability: We've handled multiple emergency permit situations, getting approvals in days instead of weeks.
• Engineering coordination: We have established relationships with structural and MEP engineers who can respond quickly.

Bottom line: We're not just permit pushers - we're construction professionals who understand your entire project and can navigate the permit process with expertise that comes from actually building projects for 15+ years.

Getting started is easy! Here's the simple 3-step process:

Step 1: Initial Contact

• Call us: (832) 591-7991 - we answer 7 days a week
• Fill out the form below: We'll respond within 4 hours during business hours
• Email us: Send project info to info@tellprojectstx.com

Step 2: Free Consultation (Within 24 Hours)

• We'll discuss your project scope, timeline, and permit requirements
• We'll review any plans or documents you have (or help you get them if you don't)
• We'll provide a detailed quote and timeline estimate
• We'll answer all your questions about the process

Step 3: Project Kickoff (Same Week)

• Once you approve the quote, we start immediately
• We'll provide a project checklist of documents needed
• We'll coordinate with your engineers/architects/contractors
• We'll begin preparing permit applications
• You'll receive regular updates throughout the process

Most clients receive their permit quote within 24 hours and we submit permits within 1-2 weeks of engagement. For emergency situations, we can start same-day.