Start A Business
Starter Kits -- Retail
Explore our starter kits for some of Houston's most common business types and jump start your path to success.
Business Requirements
1. HOUSTON POLICE PERMITS
Authority: City of Houston
Department: Houston Police Department (HPD)
Phone: 832-394-4800
Web: www.houstontx.gov/police/phone.htm
2. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Authority: State of Texas
Department: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Phone:
Web:
The TCEQ regulates many manufacturers, auto dealers, engine repair shops, auto body shops, dry cleaners, landfills, hazardous waste storage & transportation, tire disposal/recycling, oil recycling, waste processing or disposal facilities, printers, waste service, printing shops, furniture mfg. and repair, metal fabrication and finishing, refineries, auto inspection, gasoline stations, septic tank systems, bakeries and others. TCEQ also enforces storm water discharge from construction sites under the TPDES Construction Permit.
3. HOUSTON FIRE MARSHALL
Authority: City of Houston
Department: Houston Fire Department (HFD)
Address: 1002 Washington Ave, Houston Texas 77002
Phone: 832-394-8811
Web: www.houstontx.gov/fire/formsandpermits/index.html
The HFD issues permits for storage, handling, and manufacture of flammable liquids and combustibles; Public Assembly; Maximum Occupancy; Tents; Open burning; Day Care facilities.
In HARRIS COUNTY, the County Fire Marshall enforces the State Insurance Code. Harris Co. Pollution Control and the TCEQ must be notified in the event of a toxic waste spill.
4. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (CO)
Authority: City of Houston
Department: Public Works & Engineering (PWE)
Phone: 832-394-8880
Web: www.houstonpermittingcenter.org/building-code-enforcement.html
A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained before a commercial building or an individual lease space within a commercial building may be occupied, or if changes to an existing occupancy classification are made.
Additional Business requirements may be needed.
IMPORTANT!!
THE CITY OF HOUSTON ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FAILURE TO OBTAIN ALL NECESSARY OPERATING PERMITS, LICENCES, OR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.