Office of the County Engineer

Compliance

Home Services Permits Compliance

Welcome to Compliance

The Compliance Section of the Harris County Permit Office has the objective to ensure that all constituents of Harris County comply with Harris County Regulations. Regulations include the following:

Compliance consists of 3 Groups:

  • Private Development Group (Inspections)
  • Enforcement Group (Violation Abatement)
  • Occupancy Group (Certificates of Compliance and Power Release)

By enforcing these Regulations, Compliance aims to inhibit costly repairs to the Harris County infrastructure and waterways, minimize damage to public and private property and to prevent loss of life.

Steps to Compliance

Private Development Group

Development Inspections is tasked with observing the Floodplain of Harris County by physically going out into the field to monitor, investigate and to locate any and all violations to Harris County Regulations. Development Inspections review and approve pre-inspection documents, i.e. As-Built Certificates and Elevation Certificates, and perform on-site Preliminary and Final Development Inspections, as required.

Occupancy Group (Power Release & Certificate of Compliance)

Occupancy Group is responsible for ensuring that permits, inspections and, any and all deficiencies are addressed prior to Permanent Power or Certificates of Compliance being issued. The two features of the Occupancy Group are:

1. Power Release (Approving release of Electrical Meters)

2. Issuing Certificates of Compliance (COC)

Power Release works in conjunction with CenterPoint Energy and Entergy to release power to constituents once a valid permit is obtained and all required inspections are completed and passed.

Occupancy Group makes certain that all of the Harris County Regulations, which apply to the Project, are met before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued.

If any Harris County Regulations are not met, the Occupancy Group will inform the constituent with regard to what is required for bringing the project into Compliance for Power Release and/or for issuing Certificates of Compliance.

Please refer to the STEPS TO COMPLIANCE document for assistance with obtaining Permanent Power Permanent Power Release and Certificates of Compliance.

Power Release FAQ's

Certificate of Compliance FAQ's

How To Apply for Power Release:

1. Go online to EPermits

2. In the Man Menu, click on Check Power Release Status

3. Enter Address, Project Number or ESID in Search Box

4. Click on the line which indicates the project number or structure to which you want power

5. View the related projects, if any.

a. If there is a Red Light Bulb icon next to an open inspection, this indicates you are INELIGIBLE for Power Release. Refer to your Permit(s) to schedule inspections.

b. If there are NO Red Light Bulb icons next to any open inspections, you are ELIGIBLE for Power Release.

6. Click on Request Power Release in the Lower Left corner of the page

7. Complete and Submit the Request Power Release Form

8. Contact your provider to ensure that a current order for Power has been placed with
CenterPoint
Entergy
(whichever applies)

9. Your request for Power Release will be reviewed and evaluated.

a. If you are approved for Power, we will send your Permit to
CenterPoint
Entergy

b. If you are disapproved for Power, you will be notified via email with any deficiencies that must be addressed for Power to be released.

Violations which have been issued to constituents in Harris County by Inspectors are processed and monitored for permits obtained or removal of the violation by Enforcement. Enforcement issues Certificates of Non-Compliance if no action has been taken by the constituent to resolve their violation. If no action is taken in a timely manner, violation files may be routed to the County Attorney's Office for further action.

Office of the County Engineer

© Copyright 2026 Office of the County Engineer