Texas city permit guide
A San Antonio salon needs the right TDLR license, but local occupancy is a major gate. San Antonio says all businesses need a Certificate of Occupancy before using or occupying a building or tenant space.
Last reviewed May 2026. This guide is informational and is not legal advice.
Permit checklist
The exact checklist depends on the address, business model, operating details, and whether the site is new, remodeled, changing use, or changing ownership.
Also seen as: CO, CofO, change of use, tenant-space CO
San Antonio says a Certificate of Occupancy is required for all businesses, and no building or structure can be used or occupied until Development Services issues one. If the space changes from another use to a hair salon, a new Certificate of Occupancy may be required.
Also seen as: salon establishment license, specialty salon license, mini-salon license
Texas salons should verify the correct TDLR barbering and cosmetology establishment license category before opening, moving, changing ownership, or adding services.
Also connected to: building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, health inspection
San Antonio says a change-of-use CO process can include Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire inspections, and some businesses may also require a health inspection.
Also connected to: sales tax permit, independent operators, room rental, suite rental
Salons selling retail products should verify Texas sales tax registration. Salons renting booths or rooms should track independent operator licenses, agreements, and renewal dates.
Why it gets missed
San Antonio says no building or structure can be occupied until the CO is issued.
Changing a retail space into a hair salon can require a new CO.
Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, and health inspections can appear in the CO workflow.
A current salon license does not eliminate CO, fire, sign, alarm, or construction checks.
PermitWatchdog workflow
PermitWatchdog helps San Antonio salon owners track TDLR licensing, CO status, inspection records, retail tax, and booth-rental renewals together.
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